ISSUE NO. 26

A February Issue

Lately, I’ve been immersed in projects where I can create freely. But I keep coming back to the concept artists refer to as creative blocks. We use this term when ideas won’t flow. But is it an actual block? Or is it something deeper—like we’re not connected to the why of our inspiration? Creativity isn’t just about having ideas—it’s about being and staying spiritually connected.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Letting Objects Lead the Way

This pied-à-terre is more than just a second home—it’s a carefully curated intersection of personal refuge and design exploration. It feels like a gallery, showcasing handmade details from Mexican artisans—featuring volcanic stone, woven palm fixtures, and Oaxacan textiles.

Object-ified (Literally)

Instead of styling pieces into a pre-designed space, the approach designed the space specifically to highlight the objects themselves. For example, the kitchen features a large island made from local black lava stone—which serves as the stunning focal point of the room. The handwoven rattan lighting from the Yucatán acts as both functional and sculptural accents.

Down to Earth

Grounding the space in its environment, the palette leans into earthy greens and deep terracottas—inspired by traditional Mexican pigments. Hand-troweled stucco walls provide a soft, organic texture that interacts with the changing sunlight throughout the day. This project is a perfect example of blurring the line between function and exhibition.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Lagos: A Members’ Club

Amah is a new members' club, co-working space, and creative hub founded by Daniel Obasi—a renowned Nigerian photographer, art director, and stylist. Located in the penthouse of a high-rise building in Lagos—Amah is designed to be a meeting point for the city's vibrant creative community.

Collective Growth

Amah was created during a creative blocked, but it soon became his response to the need for connection and expression. The space is designed to provide creatives with a platform to express themselves openly, engage in honest conversations, and encourage meaningful collaborations.

Happenstance

The creation of Amah was because of a mistake. Daniel was hired for a photoshoot and the coordinator accidentally gave him the wrong address—which led him to discover this space. At the time, the penthouse needed extensive renovation but he was obsessed with what it could become. After hurdles, delays, and financial setbacks, his clear vision and passion kept him motivated and step by step—Amah began to take shape.

VISUAL COMFORT

Floating Flowers

What started as a viral post on Instagram in 2018 quickly took on a life of its own. The Hortensia chair—a digital art piece created by Argentinian visual artist and designer Andrés Reisinger—was part of the first wave of NFT designs.

From Pixels to Petals

It symbolized the intersection between digital and physical design. But making something that exists only on a screen into a touchable object is never as easy as it looks. Teaming up with product designer Júlia Esqué, they brought the vision to life for Dutch design brand Moooi. The chair’s signature look reflects 20,000 pink fabric petals clustered to look like a blooming hydrangea.

Solving the Puzzle

Getting it just right took a lot of time and experimentation. They played with different textures and materials—searching for the perfect balance between softness and structure. Their biggest challenge was using intricate design to make the chair feel as light and airy as it looked. Once they nailed the process, the sculptural armchair wasn’t just brought to life—it kept evolving, with new colors and interpretations adding to its story.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

The Directory

Since so many of you have been asking about artists and brands creating within the diaspora—I’ve put together a growing list on my website called The Directory. Here, you can discover everything from art and sculptures to decor, textiles, and more. Each links directly to their website so you can explore their work firsthand.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in February

We find that creativity flows effortlessly when we stay spiritually connected to our inspiration source. And when we apply what moves us with intention, creativity becomes more than just ideas—it becomes action. I’ll see you next week, my friend.