Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Graf.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Raised in a creative family, I was immersed in the world of DIY and crafts from an early age but it was during high school that a serious passion for art and interior design began to take shape. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, I spent several years working in the field before realizing that my true love was getting my hands dirty, literally.
Drawn to more tactile forms of artistry, I began painting custom murals for interior designers while also exploring furniture design and fabrication alongside a college friend. Years of experimenting across a variety of artistic mediums eventually led to a long-held curiosity about pottery. Eight years ago, a class at East Side Pot Shop sparked an immediate connection with clay that quickly grew from a creative hobby into a full-fledged passion and business venture, Five By Five Creations.
Today, I love to create thoughtful pieces that blends artistry with functionality, bringing a distinctive handmade perspective to every piece.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel like a lot of other artists would agree with me that taking that leap of leaving the office world and being financially sound as an artist is a little scary. Building a sustainable business as a ceramic artist has required not only dedication, but faith in the value of handmade work in a world increasingly dominated by inexpensive, mass-produced goods. Finding collectors who truly appreciate the craftsmanship, time, and heart poured into each handmade ceramic piece remains both a challenge and a driving motivation.
A significant part of the journey has been navigating the world of art festivals and markets. Doing shows has become my version of gambling, having to acknowledge the unpredictability of participating in new events. From booth fees and extensive packing to long festival days spent setting up, selling, breaking down, and returning everything to the studio, each show requires an enormous investment of time and energy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I remain intentional about the environments my pieces will eventually inhabit — whether enhancing a room, or serving as a functional object used every day. I am drawn to clean, simple lines while incorporating subtle embellishments that add character without overwhelming the piece. Nature also plays a central role in the creative process, inspiring organic shapes, earthy textures, and color palettes that evoke a sense of warmth, movement, and connection to the natural world. I like to think that the result is both modern and timeless — carefully designed to bring beauty, intention, and authenticity into everyday spaces.
I often joke that being born on the cusp of two horoscope signs explains the balance of my “sweet and salty” energy that naturally finds its way into my work. That duality is reflected throughout the collection — from elegant, timeless forms to pieces that embrace a darker, more whimsical spirit. While some designs are refined and understated, others more playful, featuring what some have described as “dark whimsical”.
How do you think about luck?
Rather than attributing the journey to luck, I believe it is the result of persistence, timing, and the unwavering support of my family. They have witnessed the studio practice take over our house room by room over the years as the collection of tools, materials, and finished work continues to outgrow the small home studio space. What began as a personal creative outlet has steadily transformed into a huge part of everyday life, shaped not only by passion but also by the encouragement (and patience) of those closest to the me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5by5creations/
- Other: https://fivebyfivecreations.etsy.com
