Jesse Dees is a Tennessee based ceramic artist known for their horse sculptures and cowboy themed wall hangings. Originally a biology major, they discovered their love of ceramic art during their time at Transylvania University and changed majors to be able to be more involved with the arts. While attending they exhibited many pieces at the Lexington Art League and Morlan Gallery.  For their senior group exhibition, they co-curated, Half Dozen, held at Morlan Gallery in 2015. Jesse graduated from with a Bachelors of Art in Fine Art and moved to Cookeville, Tennessee to continue their education at the Appalachian Center for Art, Craft, and Design earning a Bachelors of Fine Art with a concentration in clay.

Their childhood was spent at the barn surrounded by horses which inspired their work to reflect the lessons learned. Jesse works in small sculpture, these pieces that are built solid and hollowed out. They specialize in raku firing which allows for carbon trapping and metallic glazes. The process of raku firing also brings about a more natural treatment to the work as the pieces are reduced in sawdust and other natural combustibles to create the carbon trapping and smokey effect. They have recently been exploring underglaze drawings and horse hair. Their work can be seen at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, TN.