Meet Shelley Schreiber | Co-Director: Continuum Art Studios & Ceramic Artist

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

Hi Shelley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Actually, I wasn’t thinking about starting a business. Instead, I was thinking about providing a studio environment that would bridge the gap between ceramic artists taking classes vs. working solo in a private studio. The idea came about from talking to another ceramic artist years ago, where we discussed creating a space to give technical support and guidance to artists wanting to transition into an environment where they could work independently, but didn’t yet have the expertise to go out on their own or they preferred to work in a community setting. There was an obvious need to create a space where artists could continue to learn while having access to a studio, equipment, time and support needed to take their art to the next level. That idea turned into a business, or better said, a labor of love. The concept expanded as we got started with the project, into providing working studios and community studios for artists in other media as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart? Tenacity and perseverance – and making thoughtful work that others respond to viscerally. I didn’t start out as an artist – for me it was a passion I pursued while I was working in the field of international relations (also a passion). I worked for many years in that field and then decided to switch professions and become a full-time artist. It wasn’t easy to make that transition, and it still isn’t easy to reach my goals. I feel it’s important to be honest with others about that when they want to pursue this type of career. At the same time, it’s rewarding for me to follow both my personal goals as well as facilitate that in others.

I have overcome challenges by continuously moving forward and being determined in the face of others either inadvertently blocking my way or misunderstanding my approach or personality. I’ve learned to be discerning about who to work with, given that some may have a completely different vision or motivation, either positive or negative, that requires me to change gears and move towards a different approach or solution. I’ve also learned that relationships with people and an understanding of the motivations of those you collaborate with are just as important as the expertise you or they may have.

I want the world to know that first and foremost, I’m an artist. I’m organized, disciplined and strategic. And I’m an introvert who makes work that requires contemplation from my audience. It is based on thoughtfulness, subtlety and complexity – it is an internal process rather than referencing the outside world. I’m aware that the way I work and the outcome I’m looking for comes at the price of not having things always work out as planned, creatively or technically, In the long run, I do get the results I want and then I set new goals and focus on new ideas. On the “business” side, I want others to know that I’m involved in this long-term studio workspace plan to encourage and support other artists and help them reach their own goals and artistic ideals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually don’t get out much socially lately as I’m working a lot and dividing my time between my own studio practice and managing the new studio. Two different places, two different types of responsibility and interaction with others. If a friend was visiting, I’d probably take them to eat Indian or Thai food, walk the Boulder Pearl Street mall, visit the Kirkland Museum or go sit by a river in the mountains. I’d be really excited if they wanted to go fishing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are two people that I want to dedicate my shoutout to – one is my current business partner and co-founder of Continuum Art Studios – Peter Durst. He supports from the behind the scenes and shares my dream to create a welcoming, nurturing space for artists to work individually and communally to develop and further their artistic practices.

The other is my high school ceramics teacher who passed away a few years ago – Mark Zamantakis. He encouraged me to follow the ceramics path, supported me in both technique and career choices, all the while knowing how hard the path would be. We kept in touch for decades after he was my teacher – sitting in his home, talking clay and drinking tea.

Website: https://www.continuum-art-studios.com/ or https://www.shelleyschreiber-art.com/

Instagram: @continuum.art.studios or @slsindenver

Image Credits
Suzi Moore McGregor (photo of Shelley wheel-throwing). All other photos by Artist.