Meet Caleb Engstrom | Artist & Fabricator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caleb Engstrom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caleb, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
So much has brought me to this point, running my own business. My family and I moved from Brooklyn in 2017 so that I could attend the University of California, Irvine– for a MFA in Studio Art. Right now I do a lot of fabrication work for galleries, artists, and some commercial/residential millwork projects. I’m simultaneously working to design and prototype a collection of furniture to launch at the end of this year. I think at the core of what drives me, or the ‘thought process’ behind this work, is discovery. Discovery of new tactile skills and ideas that can only be experienced through process and research. Discovery and connection to other people that I get to work for and with. Additionally, I’m passionate about my family. My partner and I are parents to three kids. I think raising them somehow has created a kind of accountability, responsibility, and drive in me that I hadn’t expected, that constantly confronts my ethics on a business and personal level.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like I already mentioned, with the business I’ve created, Rest Energy— I am just now starting to find the creative space to work on some furniture of my own design. I’m creating new work that is rooted in a conceptual framework or thought process that excites me. While, I’ve officially been self-employed here in LA for just over a year and half, I’ve been side hustling fabrication work (millwork for retail spaces, gallery furniture, artist projects) while holding down full-time jobs for most of my professional career. I’m not advocating for that grind, side hustle life, it’s more to say most everything takes time to unfold! I am still learning to be patient. I think patience and persistence, no matter what field you’re in, is vital.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Sometimes I feel like I’m just visiting the area still! There is really much of LA that I haven’t explored. That said, I think one of my favorite areas to visit is Little Tokyo. Visit The Japanese American National Museum and or MoCA Geffen. Go to Daikokuya for ramen or grab sushi somewhere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to my partner, Caitlin Reller. Much of what people see or what looks like my accomplishments are truthfully ours. I admire her strength, intellect and wisdom.

Website: restenergy.us

Instagram: @rrestenergyy