Member Profile – Mack Oettel

I moved to Baltimore in 2015 after completing undergrad, but it wasn’t until after graduating with an MS in community health sciences that I had enough time to rediscover my passion for ceramics. I have always had an artistic side, but it wasn’t until May 2021 when I took my first ceramics class in over a decade, that I found a consistent creative outlet. I draw a lot of inspiration from my community, vintage textiles, creatures, and gardens. Many of my pieces are hand built with designs that are created by combining various clay bodies or white clay with added pigment. I particularly enjoy surface design — whether carving, painting with underglazes, or experimenting with intricate glazing techniques. When I’m not elbow deep in magical mud, I enjoy spending time with my three cats (plus fosters/TNR), reading, gardening, traveling, making stained glass, and embroidery.