Life and Work with Colleen Conlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Conlin.

Colleen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began working with clay in High School and knew early on that I loved the material. After a year of studying business at a college on the East Coast, I quickly decided that I wanted to return to that passion. I turned to the old saying “If you could do anything you wanted to do for the rest of your life and nothing was standing in your way, what would you do?” My immediate response was thrown pots! So, I returned to the desert to study ceramics at the UofA.

After graduating, I found a job with a ceramic-based non-profit, Ben’s Bells, where I worked in community art and further developed my mosaic skills. I installed “be kind” murals at over 250 schools in Arizona, Connecticut, New York, and California. During that time I also developed my pottery business, Crooked Tree Ceramics. It started with just a few local art shows, and that has now become my full-time job. As an independent artist, I now spend my time on commissioned projects and creating work for my retailers. I also joined forces with the extremely talented Gail Roberts and we continue making public art in her unique three-dimensional mosaic style.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been windy, bumpy, up and down but so much fun when you get to choose your own way. I heard some great advice after I graduated “artists have to be creative with their careers as well as in their art.” There is not a set path or road to follow so you have to be open to opportunities and patient as you pave your way.

The uncertainty can be a difficult thing to overcome when you don’t have the typical 9 to 5. You learn to be extremely resourceful and adjust your life when needed.

My advice to anyone starting their journey would be to connect with others in their community and find ways to collaborate with them. I took many opportunities to meet people in my field, tour studios, ask questions and learn.

Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a mosaic artist and potter based in Tucson, AZ. I specialize in custom mosaic art in both the private and public sector. In addition, I make and sell pottery at retailers in Phoenix and Tucson. I have worked with local organizations and business on custom pottery projects. My pottery style consists of rustic black and white hand-carved images with bright and vibrates colored glazes inspired by the Sonoran Desert.

My favorite projects are when I am working with an individual or organization to create pieces that are custom and personal whether it’s for a brewery’s mug club, gifts for a charity, or a custom donor recognition mural for an organization.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I am lucky to have met a mentor early in my career, Gail Roberts, who is a strong businesswoman in the arts. She has taught me how to seek out opportunities and build a business based on building strong connections in my community. I think when women build strong networks and are very supportive of each other there is a strength that helps you to feel secure and confident to take the risks necessary to build a business.

Pricing:

• Hand Carved Ceramic Mug – $32.00
• Sipping Cups – $18.00
• Prickly Pear Salsa Bowl – $24.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crookedtreeceramics.com
• Email: colleensceramics@gmail.com
• Instagram: @crookedtreeceramics

Image Credit:
Ian Crombie

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