Denise Mckenzie-Lee is a Portland based ceramic artist, and the creator of Enkee Ceramics. After Denise received a gift certificate for a pottery class, she declared that life was too short to eat on uninspiring serving ware. Denise has always enjoyed being creative, and once she explored clay as a medium, her creativity was sparked, and she decided to make a set of dishes for herself. From this experience, she transformed this idea into a business to create one-of-a-kind hand thrown serving ware for your tabletop. Denise is the most happy when I see beautiful food presented in an artisanal way for friends and family gatherings.
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
Black history month this year reminds to be proudly Black, to speak up and out loud, to be bold in my Blackness. I think right now the marketplace is ripe for Black business owners, and being that there are so few Black ceramists in the industry, I know it’s important to get my work and story out there.
I am constantly inspired by Ava DuVernay
When I think of Black History, I think of the beaded sista
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Design This Year?
I find inspiration in all things rustic, rusty and dilapidated. I pull inspiration from those weathered and worn objects, and use it as inspiration for my serving ware. I am also inspired by producer and director (among many other things) Ava DuVernay, who works tirelessly to create new and old stories about Black History.
To Learn More About Denise Visit:
- Website: enkeeceramics.com
- Instagram: sparkleandsoul