About the Artist

Diahn Ott, a potter and painter based in Knoxville, Tennessee, finds inspiration in the natural world and the inherent beauty of simple materials. With a background as a geologist, her artistic practice marries scientific curiosity with creative expression, drawing deeply from her love for the outdoors. Her distinctive works combine the raw beauty of clay with refined glazing techniques and intricate paintings, transforming each piece into a singular work of art.

Recurring motifs in her pieces include delicate wildflowers, geometric patterns, and ubiquitous skulls—a reflection of her fascination with the balance between the ephemeral and the permanent. As Diahn explains, "The fascination with skulls began during my time at the Natural History Museum at the University of Alabama as a graduate student. Bones, as enduring evidence of past lives, stood in contrast to the fragile flowers and plants that were rarely preserved. I love merging these two elements—the fleeting and the lasting—on a pot."

Though formally trained in science, Diahn’s artistic journey has been a lifelong pursuit. She began painting while her children were young and explored photography throughout their childhood. In 2015, she tried pottery, immediately feeling an affinity for the wheel. Since then, pottery has become a central focus of her creative process, serving as a medium that bridges her diverse artistic interests. 

Over the past two decades, Diahn has continuously honed her craft, integrating clay into a broader artistic dialogue. Her work has been featured in various exhibitions, including the Let Her Speak Women’s Summit at Knoxville Botanical Gardens (2022), the Terra Madre - Women in Clay group exhibit at Mighty Mud in Knoxville (2023), the "Fragile" ceramics show at Dogwood Arts Gallery (November/December 2023 and November/December 2024), and a ceramics exhibition at the Emporium Center in Knoxville (2024). Additionally, her work is on display at The Curio at Maker Exchange and the Knoxville Museum of Art gift shop. She is an active member of Terra Madre - Women in Clay and the Foothills Craft Guild and serves on the Knoxville Mayor’s Maker Council.