Meet Marybeth Otte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marybeth Otte.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I once heard reference to artists needing to connect the dots in life, and that’s true of my story. As I look back in the rearview mirror, my life has often been about not being able to connect the dots, until recently that is. My belief is simple, when you gain personal growth from a life experience, you then proceed to the next dot, and with each jump to the next dot, your story grows and you become closer to the real you, closer to pure joy. Often, we become stagnant and remain on a dot for far too long: fear, anger or self-doubt are a sampling of the culprits. Depression was the reason I was unable to move forward and why I remained on a dot for so long in life. Finally having the courage to addresses some personal issues, was the catalyst for taking the leap to the next dot.

More often than not, there are uncomfortable feelings attached to that next dot, making the leap difficult. Mine were loneliness and feeling overwhelmed, but creating my pottery was instrumental in my healing. My hope is that Wolf Tracks Pottery will help others find the courage to explore the next dot in their journey. Whether that involves starting a new career, letting go of a toxic relationship or facing an illness head on, I encourage you to take a leap of faith to your next dot.

Please tell us about your art.
In a world where loneliness, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, I hope my art will help people connect to themselves and others. I am so moved when a customer shares their story with me. They walk away with a piece of pottery in their hand and leave behind their story in my heart. That is an authentic connection I feel over and over through the creation of my pottery.

Life is all about the journeys we take. My hope is that my pottery will help people not only embrace their joyful journeys, but also provide them with the courage they may need to face the more difficult journeys…Take the first step – BEGIN!

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
We are a society that is in desperate need of REAL connection. Through the story of the artist and their art, we can find something that’s missing in society today, that being authenticity and connection. We need to reconnect and art helps do that – Art heals.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If you go to my website, you can see upcoming art shows and retail locations, and my ETSY page has inventory to purchase. You can also email or call me if you see a piece on the gallery page of my website and want me to make it for you. I do custom work all the time, so please contact me so that I can create something for you.

My goal is to find a way to produce my pottery on a larger scale so that it can touch more people. Do I know what that looks like? Not yet…but I am finding my way to that next dot on my journey. So, if you have an idea, thought or want to get involved in the process, please contact me. After all we are all connected!

Contact Info:

• Address: Marybeth Otte – Wolf Tracks Pottery
• Website: www.wolftrackspottery.com
• Phone: 815-529-1964
• Email: wolftrackspottery@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mudgypsy44/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wtpottery/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WolfTracksPottery

Image Credit:
Marybeth Otte

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