Life & Work with Caitlyn O’neal of Ann Arbor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn O’neal

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always known that I wanted to be an artist. From a young age, the desire to create and express myself was ever-present. My parents nurtured this passion by providing me with art supplies, enrolling me in camps, and even setting up a small art studio in our basement. Growing up in Russiaville, Indiana, my twin sister, Carley, was by my side, sharing our love for art. Together, we enjoyed drawing and painting, and our bond was strengthened through shared experiences—playing on the same sports teams, forming friendships, and even sharing a bedroom and a cell phone during middle school!

Fast forward to our first year of college: Carley and I both received a basketball scholarship to play at Davis & Elkins College, an NCAA Division II school. It was here that my passion for art truly ignited, thanks to two influential professors—Michael Doig, my painting instructor, and Brett Kern, my ceramics teacher. At that time, painting was my favorite medium, and I envisioned pursuing a master’s degree in it. However, everything changed during my sophomore year when I took my first ceramics class and fell in love with the medium.

Ceramics captivated me with its community, creative process, and the unpredictability inherent in working with clay. It became a way for me to cope with life’s uncertainties; after all, you never quite know what will happen. The glaze on your pot might react unexpectedly, someone else’s project may accidentally affect yours, or your piece could explode in the kiln or develop a crack during firing. These challenges arise frequently due to the chemical reactions that occur, and I cherish every moment of this journey.

By the end of my college experience, I transferred to Goshen College in Indiana, where I completed my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a focus on ceramics and painting. I also wrapped up my final year of college basketball, but my journey took a turn when I tore my ACL during the first game of the season. This was one of the toughest obstacles I faced, as I found myself experiencing something vastly different from Carley. She played our senior year while I cheered her on from the sidelines, and it was difficult to accept that I would never share the court with her again.

However, this challenge motivated me to return to the team the following year and finish my basketball career on my terms. I graduated in 2018 alongside Carley and returned the next year to play basketball while pursuing my teaching degree to share my passion for art with future generations. I completed my teaching degree in 2020 but chose to focus on my artistic career before stepping into teaching.

I became an artist in residence at Access Arts, a nonprofit in Columbia, Missouri. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in my art, find my voice as a practicing artist, sell my work, and teach community classes in the evenings. However, I soon realized how much I missed teaching in a classroom setting. After my year at Access Arts, I began teaching art to young artists, hoping to share my love for art with them.

I am currently the high school ceramics teacher at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, MI. Along with teaching 8th grade art, I also coach basketball and softball. I strive to bridge the gap between sports and the arts while serving as a positive role model for my students.

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 shared a lot of that in the previous excerpt )

For my studio practice, I struggled being in a studio for hours on end all alone. I am happier in a communal space where I can share ideas and be inspired by the artists around me. That’s one reason of many that I enjoy teaching. My students inspire me everyday.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am primarily recognized for my ceramic work, though I also have a passion for painting. My focus is on creating functional pottery, and I take pride in infusing bright, joyful colors into my pieces. What brings me the greatest fulfillment is the ability to be a practicing artist while sharing my love for art through teaching.

Artist’s Statement:

This work is an exploration of form, color, and texture, inspired by the subtle yet vibrant beauty of everyday surroundings. Each piece is individually hand-crafted, embodying the uniqueness and imperfections that come with the creative process.

The choice of colors reflects a joyful, playful palette—soft pastels and bold earth tones—that invites the viewer to engage with the work on a sensory level. The dotted patterns that adorn the mugs are reminiscent of organic textures found in nature, like the delicate markings on stones or the pores found on leaves of plants.

In this work, I hope to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, transforming the act of drinking from a cup or a eating from a bowl into a moment of reflection and appreciation for the crafted object. Each piece is inspired by life’s delights-the little moments that help shape our human experience.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned how important it is for humans to have space to create meaning for the life they are living.

Pricing:

• My cups and mugs range from $35-$45
• Vases are $50
• Planters are $50
• Bowls are $40
• Plates are $40

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caitlynonealart.com
• Instagram: @cso_art