Rising Stars: Meet Caleb Curtisi of Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Curtisi.

Hi Caleb, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2020, my wife and I bought our {realistic} dream house. But we could not find our dream furniture.

We looked and looked for a dining table and nothing felt like us.

So I built a dining table.

Then we started searching for a credenza. Same story.

So I built a credenza.

Then we needed bedroom furniture… and this time we didn’t look.

I started posting my new hobby to my personal instagram and was (pleasantly) surprised when people started making orders.

It’s been humbling that people want my work in their homes. What an honor!

I share a lot of (vulnerable) reflections about my journey in my monthly newsletter (in addition to giveaways and project spotlights). You can join the fun at www.Curtisico.com/subscribe.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The best art is a reflection of life, and life is a difficult enterprise. So difficult.

One of the best things I ever did was narrow my focus. Early on I was excited to learn anything and took on any project and that was good for a season, but once I was a bit more established in my skill and direction, I needed to decide what I would say YES to wholeheartedly.

Now that I know what I want to say YES to it is easier to say NO to the projects that are good, but not aligned with my vision for my work.

It’s still hard to turn down good projects sometimes, but I’ve learned that if I am not mourning some of the opportunities I say “no” to, then I am not focused enough.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in crafting one-of-a-kind commissioned sculptures, lighting, fine furniture, and wall-art.

I believe our souls are shaped by what we give our attention to, which is why it is my desire to put beauty in your path.

Working with solid wood resonates deeply with me: the combination of the flow of the grain & the organic material communicate both transcendence & authenticity. It is raw beauty, without artifice.

The final product often looks glamorous (especially after professional photos). But the process is not. It’s sweaty. It’s mundane. I glue one piece of wood to another. It’s not flashy. But it’s all part of building something beautiful.

It’s humble work and yet it is glorious work.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson has helped me think about my artwork in a whole new light. Brands that Book Podcast

Pricing:

• How do you put a price on beauty? 🙂 Nearly all my projects are custom commissions, Reach out with your budget and I’ll do my best to make it work.

Contact Info:

• Website: Curtisico.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtisico/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurtisiCo/

Image Credits
Lizzy Hall Ethan Sees Jefferson Sees Patrick Buck Caleb Curtisi