caledonea studio | designer annette chabidon

My love of tools started early, sitting with my father in his
workshop, watching him change blocks of wood and steel into
wonderful knives. The satisfaction of designing and creating
my own things came from my mother, an accomplished artist,
who passed down the knowledge and skills given to her from
her mother. These gifts, combined with a desire to express
myself visually, have helped shape my passion for design.

My pieces reflect my skills in manipulation, whether it is of
metal, glass, or fiber. I love the interaction of these materials;
not a traditional combination, but my designs are anything but
traditional. Because I use techniques historically reserved for
fiber manipulation, my work presents some interesting
challenges. Finding solutions to these challenges, figuring out
ways to have pieces look beautiful as well as have structural
integrity, is the most gratifying aspect of what I do.

Interacting with others plays a huge part in the inspiration of
my work. While having my designs in retail establishments is
gratifying, I enjoy meeting my customers and seeing them
appreciate my creations. I believe the collectors of my designs
gain more value by meeting me, hearing the story or idea
behind a piece. I know it is the satisfaction I get when I see
someone excited about something I have created, that drives
me to be innovative and unique in my art.