One of a Kind: The World of The Creative Traveller

Celina Frisson’s ceramic frames turn photographs into small sculptural pieces. Originally from Nanaimo, a small harbour city on Vancouver Island, Canada, her practice is inspired by biology, touch and the natural world. Made by hand under her brand, The Creative Traveller, each frame brings together organic shapes, unexpected cutouts and small details that give each photograph a new form. But the frames are only part of her work. At Shoppe Object Paris, Celina also presented clay figures such as Guardian of Love, small ritual objects created for grounding and protection. Her distinctive pieces quickly drew people to the booth throughout the Salon.

For Celina, the experience came at an important moment. She only reopened her studio recently, after losing her entire working space in a wildfire in 2024. Shoppe Object Paris was her first step into the European market, just months after starting again. We caught up with Celina at the Salon to talk about her work, rebuilding her practice and finding her way to Paris.

What inspired you to create The Creative Traveller?

I have a background in design, and when I started working with clay, I was absolutely hooked. A lot of my work is inspired by humanist design, biology and touch. I really love anything that feels deeply intentional. I’m anti AI, anti machine, so I really strive to make my work have longevity. Everything is handmade, and I hope to keep it that way. Ceramics can last for almost 10,000 years, if not forever, so I want to make sure the pieces I bring into the world have purpose and intention. I’m known for very labour intensive work. It’s slow and methodical, but the work I’m making now is a little more accessible. I want to separate the brand between home goods and the more exceptional pieces that could live in a museum or on a runway.

What stood out to you at Shoppe Object Paris?

I got to be a sponge, so pretty much everything was new and exciting. I loved the mix of people who have been in the industry for years, emerging artists and brands with a high level of production. That’s what makes it exciting. I really enjoyed talking to the other exhibitors too. My neighbour, La Nouvelle Vague Couleurs, creates her own paints, and it was great to make that connection. I’m also very anti-beige, so seeing so many colourful people was a highlight. Graziani’s candles really caught my eye, and I loved Eddie Parker too. They make fun, unique objects that you wouldn’t necessarily see in your run of the mill store. I also met with concept stores such as Merci, which was a lovely surprise. I’m hoping to see where those conversations can lead.

You’ve just reopened your studio after a major setback. What does being part of Shoppe Object Paris mean to you?

I’ve been doing ceramics for five years, but I lived a whole different life before moving to the island. Two years ago, I was in a wildfire and lost everything, including my studio and working space. I only reopened my studio in February, and this is the body of work that has come out of that experience. Somehow, in this magical way, I ended up in Paris less than six months later. It really does feel like this beautiful, serendipitous pathway. I was maybe a bit resistant to wholesale, but it has lit up this entirely new path in my life. I’m really thankful. It’s also a testament to what happens when you go through major changes, shift your identity, and get to grow into someone new.

Shoppe Object Paris has been the best re-entry into my career I could have ever asked for.

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