True Reflections By Artisans On Their Creative Journey

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Three artisans reflect on the creative journey and finding comfort in their work.

Studio PGRB Light Fixture

Studio PGRB Light Fixture

RAYMOND BARBEROUSSE – Studio PGRB, Miami

Raymond Barberousse’s path from architect to lighting designer is a telling reminder that good things can result from trying times. Shortly after buying a house in 2009, he was laid off from a Chicago architecture firm, leaving him to D.I.Y. much of his home’s furnishings. His sculptural lighting designs caught the eye of an owner of a local decor store, and the rest is history. Today, Barberousse and his wife split their time between Chicago and Miami drawing inspiration from both locales. “Chicago is energetic; Miami is more laid-back,” says the designer. As a member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, he is an advocate for promoting inclusivity in the design community, but ultimately, he says, “It’s about the work. I want the work to represent itself.”

Enkee Ceramics

Enkee Ceramics

DENISE MCKENZIE-LEE – Enkee Ceramics, Chicago

“Don’t underestimate me,” says Denise McKenzie-Lee, known for her earthy ceramics layered with texture. Her foray into the medium began with a gift certificate to a pottery class. “I love entertaining, so I wanted to make my own set of dishes,” she recalls. “The instructor said, ‘It’s going to be a long time before you can do that.’ It wasn’t. I’m prolific when I become interested in something.” Her pieces, crafted with porcelain and stoneware, are perfectly imperfect reflecting a gritty sentiment. “I call it rustic modern. I’m attracted to textures: a rusty tray, rocks, rough edges, things that look burnt,” she says. Next up: experimenting with glass and non-functional work. No one is underestimating her now.

ASP & Company fabric

ASP & Company fabric

ANIKA POITIER – ASP & Company, Los Angeles

Anika Poitier’s first love was film. Yet with a child on the way, she says, “I needed a creative outlet that was more kid-friendly.” So Poitier teamed up with her interior designer mother on a textile and accessories line. Their first collection centered on female artists and grew from there. A signature design is an infinity-style serpent. “It symbolizes strength and the journey to empowerment,” says the designer, who employs her filmmaker eye when selecting materials, and is drawn to linen for its transparent and natural qualities. “I love the way light shines through. We all want to exist in a calm, nurturing space.” Today, that notion rings more true than ever. Anika Poitier’s first love was film. Yet with a child on the way, she says, “I needed a creative outlet that was more kid-friendly.” So Poitier teamed up with her interior designer mother on a textile and accessories line. Their first collection centered on female artists and grew from there. A signature design is an infinity-style serpent. “It symbolizes strength and the journey to empowerment,” says the designer, who employs her filmmaker eye when selecting materials, and is drawn to linen for its transparent and natural qualities. “I love the way light shines through. We all want to exist in a calm, nurturing space.” Today, that notion rings more true than ever.

PHOTOS: BARBEROUSSE: RAYMOND BARBEROUSSE. MCKENZIE-LEE: LYUDMILA ZOTOVA. POITIER: LIZ HINLEIN