ENY LEE PARKER
GUEST EDIT:
ENY LEE PARKER
We spoke to the influential ceramicist and furniture designer about splurges, entrepreneurship, and her favorite artworks on Platform.
What have you been up to lately?
Recalibrating back to my studio projects. I just got out of a little storm of special projects, and I’m excited to bring my focus back to a good routine and work.
What do you collect?
I have a large selection of Horizon magazines. I also like to collect ceramic things (obviously), old Manolos and Pradas that I find on eBay, and when I can, I like to splurge on art. The laast one I got was at Untitled in Miami.
What kind of art are you usually drawn to?
That’s so hard to answer–I like so many things! When a piece catches my attention, I like to stalk the artist a little. I like to see their process and growth. But for me, coming from an interior design background, I like to visualize the art in a space.
What else do you splurge on?
Food and shoes.
If you could collect any one artist, who would it be?
Amoako Boafo for sure. I find him brilliant in the way he uses his colors, composition and texture.
Changing gears a bit, what do you like the most about having your own business? Is there anything you dislike about it?
What I like and dislike about owning a business is the same coin, just opposite sides. I like the control I have to join projects or create opportunities. That also means my brain is always on work mode. I enjoy the flexibility I have, but because of all the responsibilities and overhead, I constantly feel guilty if I’m not working.
Are there any other designers, artists or makers that you're excited about right now?
Gustavo Barroso is a Brazillian designer and a great human being too. I think the way he thinks and approaches projects is very similar to mine, but he has much more energy and will go so far.
Zachary Ochoa did these insane pieces with Disney characters that I saw at Steve Turner’s space and immediately got me excited.
Jake Clark’s ceramics are also just so fun, he does these oversized keychains that mount to a wall. I need one.
Mark Chu is another. I just came across his paintings and he was immediately saved in my brain as an artist to watch.
Are there any causes that are close to your heart?
Immigrant kids thriving and taking care of their parents who sacrificed and spent their lives caring for their families. I’d also like more conversations and education around adoption and the foster system.
Last one: What do you have coming up that you're excited about, work-related or not?
I’m currently working on a project with Haworth and Patricia Urquiola that will show at Neocon this June. It’s my first time in this space, but I’d love to learn more about office design, especially after the pandemic and how it’s affecting the ways people spend their hours during the day.