Meet Abra Karbin | Functional Potter & Custom Tile Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abra Karbin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business when I finished college. It was a way for me to ensure I kept producing artwork. I’ve held many jobs in my life, the jobs that have been the most rewarding for me have been the jobs that allow me the freedom to do what is important to me and brings me joy.

My dad was self employed most of my life and I liked the freedoms it allowed him with his schedule and being his own boss.

My business is shifting now and I’m hoping to start offering private events and lessons, classes open to the public, and paint your own pottery options.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I focused on ceramics. I started out making large sculptural work, after graduation my work shifted more towards functional pottery. I’m still able to sculpt and augment some of my thrown forms. I’m in the process of moving into my own studio space which is really exciting for me. I’m hoping to start slip casting some of my forms in the near future and I’m excited in general for what lies ahead for my ceramics business.

My partner and I bought a house a few years ago and we’ve been working on remodeling some of our space. I started making custom tile in 2020. Tile making is a really exciting venture for me. I’m honored to be able to help people live with art and create living spaces that compliment their lifestyles.

I’ve had lots of ups and downs in learning my craft and then transitioning that skill into a business that I’ll hopefully be able to fully support myself with in the near future. I started selling my work at farmers markets and art festivals while I was getting my undergraduate degree. After that I had a few art shows in the Chicagoland area before I moved out to Colorado. I live on the western slope now and I sell my work in local shops, online, and at art festivals around the state.

There was a lot to figure out business-wise as I didn’t take any business classes in school; I would definitely recommend taking some business and/or marketing classes. I learned a lot about business from my parents who are both very hard working and determined. I’ve also had friends along the way who have helped me take on aspects of business that seemed intimidating. The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to believe in yourself, stick with your dreams, keep showing up and keep doing better.

I don’t consider myself a production potter or a small batch potter but definitely somewhere in between. I want people to know that I make art not only because I love to but because I need to. I feel the most myself when I’m cranking in the studio and being creative. I have loved the opportunity to work with my community and share my love for ceramics; It’s so rewarding for me to encourage artists, new and old.

My journey hasn’t been easy but for the most part it’s been fun and has made me a better person. I hope to show my daughter that she can achieve her dreams and to believe in herself along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live on the western slope of Colorado in Gunnison. If you were coming here for a week long trip I would absolutely recommend visiting the Blue Mesa Reservoir, it’s the largest land made body of water in Colorado and the water has been much higher than it’s been in the past few years. You can boat or paddle board it in the summer or ice fish/skate in the winter. The Gunnison valley has world class fishing, amazing hikes, great biking trails, fun rafting, awesome camping and climbing spots and is overall stunningly beautiful.

Some of my favorite eateries in Gunnison are 1880, Tacocat Tacocart, Anejos, Back Country Cafe, and Germaines. For coffee I love the Gunnison Coffee Company and Doubleshot. For shopping I love the Toggery Elevated, Treads N’ Threads, Gene Taylors, and All Sports.

There are many great galleries in the area, the Gunnison Arts Center, Wonderland Clay, and the Calm and The Current are a few spots I highly recommend.

I love driving Ohio Creek Pass and Cottonwood Pass but there are many other drivable trails and even more gorgeous views.

There are a lot of great restaurants, shops, and galleries to see in Crested Butte too. If you’re going to Crested Butte I would recommend checking out the Eldo, the Breadery and Teocalli Tamale for food/drinks. I love Resilient Threads Vintage and Townie Books for shopping. My good friend Candice Bradley owns and tattoos at Calico Queen Tattoo.

I think the Gunnison valley is a pretty friendly place and you’re bound to meet some fun, interesting people wherever you go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shout out my undergraduate professors, Xavier Toubes, Delores Fortuna, William J O’Brien, Erin Furimsky, and Albion Stafford. My first Artist in Residency position was at Terra Incognito in Oak Park, IL where I worked with David Toan, Barbe Asta, and Angela Dieffenbach. I need to shout my tattoo mentor, Kevin James “Chrome” Kaminski and his amazing wife, Shonnan Kozuch. My last shout out is to my ceramic ladies who have been my friends and biggest supporters and my family who is always supportive and encouraging of me following my dreams.

Currently I run the clay studio at the Gunnison Arts Center which is a local non-profit arts center. We offer classes with clay, culinary, dance/fitness, and 2D arts.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/abrakarbinceramics

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abra_karbin_ceramics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbraKarbinCeramics/