About
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
My name is Gabi and I am the woodworker and designer of Chiqui (Chee-kee) Wood Working. I am a self-taught wood worker and resin artist based in Flemington, NJ where I live with my husband Jay and our two dogs, Lucy and Lola.
I enjoy making sleek and one of a kind functional pieces that maintain an organic form. Many of my pieces are power carved with an angle grinder to both highlight a wood's unique characteristics, and create organic texture into relatively uniform pieces.
I have been studying biophilic design and how it affects our emotions and stress levels. Biophilia is a concept that details human tendency and affiliation with nature. Case studies have shown that incorporating biophilic design elements can result in several benefits for the people that occupy the space. I have found that when I bring my biophilic pieces to a market, people gravitate towards them and the tension in their shoulders lessen. Incorporating sustainability and biophilia has become a prominent design within the past few decades. Many of my pieces include live edge, moss, lava rock, and stone which are signature biophilic elements. Chiqui's future lies in designing and building sustainable spaces that incorporate biophilic and sustainable elements.
Our Story
Chiqui, was the nickname of my grand uncle, Constantine, who emigrated from Cuba to the States for a better life. He was like a father to me and my sister. When his dimentia had worsened, he’d confuse me for my sister, but he always asked if we were working hard. He is why I do this. For Chiqui, by Chiqui. He is with me in every pursuit. As a wood worker and designer, I use local live edge, exotic hardwood, and reclaimed wood as the focal point of my work. When I say local live edge, I mean from my backyard and from my neighbors, it’s as close to home as I can get.
My philosophy as a wood worker is that I do not make “perfect” pieces; I highlight the imperfections in every piece of wood to make its natural shape and form shine. My primary mediums are wood and resin, used independently and together.
