Megan Ryan grew up in a small town in the outer suburbs of Chicago, immersed in an artistic environment within her family. Her childhood home was surrounded by a heavily wooded area and numerous forest preserves, which she frequently explored as a child and young adult. These natural surroundings have profoundly inspired her artwork.

Megan discovered her passion for ceramics at the age of fourteen, during her sophomore year of high school. She immersed herself in learning the craft, dedicating time to build her skills in preparation for college. After graduating from high school, Megan attended Waubonsee Community College from 2017 to 2019. There, she took ceramics classes and studied under Doug Jeppson, focusing on atmospheric firing and further developing her skills.

Following her time at Waubonsee, Megan moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, and enrolled in Colorado Mesa University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program from 2019 to 2023. At Colorado Mesa, she was mentored by KyoungHwa Oh and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art in December 2023.

As a ceramic artist, Megan creates functional pieces that harmonize aesthetics, form, and function. Her work is deeply inspired by nature, a theme that reflects the tranquility she experienced in her childhood surroundings. Megan now finds similar peace in the creative process of making functional ceramics. She employs underglazes, transparent or ash glazes, and techniques such as Mishima, carving, surface design, and natural themes to add layers and depth to her pieces. Megan’s functional pottery aims to enrich everyday lives through the interaction and intimacy of daily use.