About Dhess Pottery

Dhess Pottery was born from a second chance at life.
Founded by Dave Hess — an inventor, design engineer, and self-taught ceramic artist — the studio blends craftsmanship, storytelling, and the spirit of New Orleans into every handmade piece.

After being diagnosed with kidney failure, Dave spent three years on dialysis before receiving a life-saving transplant from a stranger who became family. During that time, he discovered pottery as a way to fight depression and rebuild focus. What began as therapy soon became purpose.

Through practice and persistence, Dave developed his own style — combining precision from his engineering roots with the soul of handmade art. In 2025, his work was selected for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s “Art of the Cup” exhibition, marking his first museum recognition.

His portfolio now includes the Sugardome™, a Superdome-inspired sugar bowl that became the studio’s signature piece, along with the evolving Dreamcatcher and Mooncatcher series — each celebrating transformation, culture, and connection. He’s currently refining the Sugardome™ design and developing a New Orleans–inspired butter dish to join the collection.

Every creation from Dhess Pottery is crafted with intention — handmade in small batches, never mass-produced, and built to tell a story worth holding.