Michelle Wilson contacted me recently about a new business she started called Hornby Island Caravans located in Canada. She recently delivered her first caravan to a customer and wanted me to share with you her project. Here is a little about Michelle and her business goals.
I aim to create spaces that have a sense of warmth and character. It is very important to me that my caravans are built with natural, healthy materials and that they are designed in such a way that is mindful of the client’s needs. I spend a great deal of time in the planning stage thinking about how the space will be used and, with that in mind, how to use every bit of space in the best possible way.
I certainly want the caravans that I build to be beautiful but I think even more importantly I want that certain magical quality that you find in buildings which are made with creativity, attention to detail and an appreciation for the materials being used. My aim is for the customer to feel a sense of wellness and comfort in my buildings. If they do then I’ve accomplished my goal.
It all started with the British version of Country Living magazine. That’s where I first saw pictures of gypsy vardos and fell completely, madly, deeply…well I really, really liked them alot. Even the most simple caravans have such charm to them. The ones I have visited are really the most lovely, warm, inviting little spaces i’ve ever been in. And so I was hooked. But still, it took a while for my interest in caravans to turn to thoughts of a career since I was pretty happy and comfortable making my living as a clay artist. And then one day it just seemed silly not to make caravans, after all it combined so many of my interests and previous experiences in building, art and design.
So here I am building caravans, with the help of my husband Lawrence Nyberg, who lends a hand when it’s needed, acts as a sounding board for my ideas and is a great support in general- he is a very fine luthier the rest of the time. We live on Hornby Island, British Columbia, which is probably the most beautiful place in the world, with our two young kids, Finn and Lily and our two dogs Meili and Kaya.
Be sure and visit the Hornby Island Caravans website and contact Michelle if you want to learn more.