We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anne Weber Callahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anne below.
Anne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Learning ceramics has been a journey, one that’s taken me much longer than I ever anticipated. A few college classes sparked my passion, but it wasn’t smooth sailing from there, I hit plenty of bumps along the way, and honestly, I still do.
The real turning point came when I started teaching wheel throwing and handbuilding. As It forced me to break down each step for my students, I began to notice the small, often overlooked details that made all the difference in my own work. It was like the pieces finally fell into place.
Teaching pottery has deepened my love for the craft in ways I never imagined. Every new student brings fresh energy, and with each one, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to guide someone through a process that’s completely transformed my own life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
A little bit about me (I could chat all day so I’ll keep it somewhat short)-I’m a designer and maker based in Brooklyn, New York, creating a body of work consisting of sculptural ceramics, furniture, and objects that blur the lines between art and function. I’m especially drawn to the human form and love exploring how furniture can double as sculpture.
All this stemmed from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned a BFA in Furniture Design and a minor in Historic Preservation.
After graduating, I made my way to New York and started taking on various design roles while setting up my studio in Brooklyn. A few years later, I transitioned to a full-time position as a Furniture and Lighting Designer for AvroKO. Now, I’m lucky enough to be the Design Manager at Maiden Home, where I have the opportunity to shape the brand’s design voice and direction. It honestly feels like a dream come true—especially when I look back at every step that’s brought me here.
Over the past couple years my work has been featured in publications like Elle Décor, The World of Interiors, Departures, Luxe Magazine, and Business of Home, among others. I’ve also had the honor of selling my pieces on 1stDibs as well as showcasing them at FAIR, a beautiful furniture showroom in Manhattan.
Inspiration I find everywhere—whether it’s from the people I love, the strangers I meet, or the everyday moments that spark new ideas. It’s all of it.
This year, I’ve jumped into teaching large group hand-building classes, which has brought a whole new energy to my work. Watching students fall in love with clay the way I did has reignited my own passion for the craft, and it’s been a joy to share that spark with others.
Alongside teaching, I’ve been collaborating closely with interior designers to create custom pieces tailored to their spaces. One of my favorites has to be the Abridged Coffee Table. I’m really proud of this piece—it has a sculptural clay base paired with a custom-cut glass top. I love how it brings together both clean lines from the glass and a more honest sense from the clay, it feels personal, making something that’s both beautiful and practical.
As 2025 approaches, my focus is to create larger-scale pieces. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been deep in my sketchbook, exploring new ideas and pushing my designs to new dimensions. It’s been exciting, and I’m quite eager to finally take these ideas into the studio. I can’t wait to see how the pieces evolve and come to life in ways that feel both ambitious and truly reflective of my vision.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve always struggled with asking for help—honestly, it’s a constant internal battle even now. There’s something in me that wants to figure everything out on my own, but over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay to lean on others, and not as fun to do alone. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing people who’ve been right next to me every step of the way. Whether they’ve shared their thoughts, offered advice, simply been a shoulder to lean on, or kept me company while hand-building for hours, their support has been absolutely crucial. Every step of my journey, every success I’ve achieved, is a huge thanks to the people who’ve guided and believed in me. I owe everything to them.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I don’t have any particular resources to share, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that putting your name and work out there is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Not long ago, I realized there are no crazy rules about contacting showrooms, galleries, or boutiques. The worst they can do is say no, right? I’ve reached out to countless places where I’d love to have my work featured, and maybe five have gotten back to me. But it’s those five that I’ve built lasting connections with, and that’s what truly matters. It never hurts to try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annewebercallahan.com/
- Instagram: @annewebercallahan
- Linkedin: Anne Weber Callahan
Image Credits
All Images Credit: Joe Tankersley and Owen Gavis