Ethan McKellar was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He received his BFA in Sculpture & Ceramics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2022. After graduating, he started teaching ceramics at a private level while re-evaluating what his work wanted to be. In 2023, he began attending Clemson University for an MFA degree focusing on ceramics. In his studies, Ethan focuses his artwork on healing and growth, seeing these as necessary parts of life and process. He enjoys teaching and hates seeing people struggle to learn new art practices.

Ethan calls Charlotte, North Carolina, his home. He has two brothers and lost his father to ALS in 2021. He tries to be a good son to his mother and continues the passion that his family wants him to bring into the world.