In 2004, Deb had the opportunity to design and build an Arts + Crafts style bungalow which put her in direct contact with the thought process behind designing a home around the everyday rhythms of living. At this time, Deb took a break from showing her work in art galleries and put her energy into building a thoughtfully designed home. It was during this time that Deb began seeing the potential for a small design business and thus began Pig + Fish.

At this point, Pig + Fish was focused on creative carpentry, custom furniture and modern interior wall murals. Although the work was satisfying on a certain level, Deb felt a growing need to connect with a larger audience. Making one of a kind pieces for art galleries and clients was a time consuming process which made the work expensive, thus limiting the exposure. For years Deb had been talking about developing a functional art product line that she could reproduce and offer at a more affordable price point. Deb firmly believes that art belongs to everyone and not just a select few - with this belief in her heart, she opened the Pig + Fish Etsy shop in February of 2011.

As artists and designer, Deb finds value in a life where every small detail connects back to the whole experience of beauty and harmony. Are you wondering about the quirky business name? It is not to be taken literally! It symbolizes the communication of ‘Inner Truth’ as taken from one of the hexagram’s in the I-Ching. At the core of Pig + Fish's inner truth is living a creative life and it continually guides the business. It inspires Deb to design products that embrace both art + function - visually appealing pieces that get touched, opened and used everyday. Through being useful, the work becomes an organic part of one’s daily rhythm.

As lead designer, each piece is Deb's own unique design and all works are fabricated right here in the Maine island studio. Living on the coast of Maine where one is surrounded by nature’s many gems - deciduous trees, majestic pines, rivers & the ocean - inspiration is boundless. Nature’s palette inspires the colors that Deb uses and most of the colors she mixes herself. There is a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit here in Maine and Pig + Fish products embody this sense of pride in being a small business owner. The business allows Deb to share her creative energy with others every single day by designing products that can be reproduced by hand & shipped to customers all over the globe. All from our little island studio in Maine!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Deb Gill
Pig and Fish