Simultaneously an artist, art theorist and historian, Shales writes about the productive confusion that lies at the boundaries of art, craft, and design. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University, a MFA from Hunter College and a Ph. D from Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design and Culture. He has taught at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and has contributed to numerous journals, catalogues and other publications.