Welcome to the dreamy world of Eny Lee Parker – “a ceramicist, artist, and designer based in New York, focusing on furniture, lighting, and objects. Using clay as her primary medium.”
Creating work we have long admired, we wanted to talk with this artist about their process and approach to design. Always ahead of the curve, Eny Lee Parker is, in her own words, “surprisingly introverted”, producing work that is in our opinion always quietly showstopping with handmade authenticity at its core.
How did you start out in design?
I went to school for Interior Design and then got my masters in Furniture Design at Savannah College of Art and Design.
What inspires you?
My friends, good rest, old books and travels.
Do you work from your own studio space?
Yes! I have a studio in Queens, NY!
What is the job of design in this current world we live in?
Not sure design in general, but my job in design is to make sure my team is being taken care of, and try to have fun while doing it!
How does your design process work?
I have so many different types of projects that it really depends on what it is. It can start with a design brief from a client, or a whole collection collaboration with a brand. I try to make story boards and mood boards that don’t involve existing furniture designs so I can go back to the inspiration and story.
How do you connect with colour/materials?
I don’t have a linear process, but I tend to lean towards natural materials and colors. I try very hard to use more color in my day to day, but that usually comes out in my outfits rather than my home or work.
What do you do to relax?
I like to read, sun bathe, make dinners with friends, slow down outside of the city, and anything that has to do with ocean water.
What’s your favourite song?
Right now I really love Como Habla Una Mujer, Paula Candelas, C. Tangana
Three words that describe you?
Feelings, Fun and surprisingly Introverted
Work, life, play – how do you balance them?
I don’t, right now, they all merge into one lane. However, I have no shame in leaving a party, event, friend’s house to go home and sleep. I get overwhelmed easily and I always give myself the space to excuse myself to rest.
Futurism or classicism?
Classism
Art or design?
Both
Home or away?
Away with loved ones
What advice do you have to any new designer?
Start small, and try everything. Don’t take things too personally and do the best you can while being smart about it.
What are you working on at the moment?
Trying to figure that out.
To find out more, visit Enyleeparker online.
Holding space for creativity in challenging times
Sunderland Road
Interview – Wilkinson & Rivera
Freddie Oke – An Interview
2LG x Wow House