The Balvenie’s recent collaboration with renowned interior and industrial designers, Tola Akerele and Obida Obioha for its most recent Makers Campaign recognises and celebrates the intrinsic values and process of making. The Balvenie Makers Project spotlights craft makers who have been committing to their craft, pouring their heart into what they do, and always continuing to reach the pinnacle of their creativity. Looking to inspire a new generation of makers in their fields, this partnership seeks to show the passage to ultimate craftsmanship and the duo reveal their journey into creating the ultimate masterpiece for The Balvenie.

Tola Akerele

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How would you describe your design aesthetic/concept?

I would describe it as Afro-modern, which for me suggests an eclectic, but mindful blend of traditional African principles with a contemporary perspective. The range of artistic forms, approaches and motivations within sub-regional, regional, and continental history deeply influences my work. There’s always more to discover, always more than one way to consider a challenge. Visually and conceptually, African design has always been very complex and innovative. Study and research are key elements of my practice. I draw as much inspiration from my travels as I do from what I see around me. These influences come together in a balance of inventiveness and reliability. I help create spaces that my clients find both compelling as an aesthetic experience and suitable for dynamic, long-term use. Additionally, being involved in the local arts scene makes it easier to find bespoke pieces that bring depth, originality and an element of surprise to our design spaces.

How have you infused your boundless talent and passion for design into this campaign?

I was delighted to collaborate with The Balvenie for the Makers Project. My first impression was that the project’s central theme of craftsmanship was significant to my passion for design. I prioritise quality when choosing furniture, and this value is embedded in the production process from the beginning. The Balvenie brand mirrors this keenness for quality alongside passion, dedication, and determination.

Do you believe “trusting the process” is inherent in your line of work and how do you imbibe this?

I think this comes with experience. What this means is that you must have spent time perfecting your craft and undergoing processes that result in quality products. So yes, experience has shown me how to trust the process and I imbibe this quality by making room for all the iterations and artistry required to create something beautiful.

Could you give us first-hand information into the process of creating your masterpiece for this campaign?

In thinking about the masterpiece for this campaign, I wanted to design a piece of furniture that would allow you to experience the essence of The Balvenie brand. This means I wanted to create something that evoked sophistication, charisma and effortlessness. My initial thought was a chair or a chaise. The Sinmi chaise was the resulting piece. “Sinmi,” the Yoruba word for rest or relaxation, references the ideal atmosphere for consuming a Balvenie whiskey. I also wanted something that had a feminine appeal in terms of the form. Whiskey has a reputation for being quite a masculine beverage, so I wanted to complicate that idea. When thinking about materials, it was important that it was something that would be rich but easy to access locally. I love to work with wood, so that was my preferred choice. I used mahogany for the richness of the grain, its durability, and the way it ages over time. Thinking about the upholstery, leather was the clear choice for what it represents as well: durability, tradition, adaptability, and strength. The next was to ensure functionality. While the materials used are quite traditional, I wanted the form to be contemporary and sleek. Comfort was a key factor as well. Finally, the process in the workshop, where I get to work directly with our artisans, is where it all comes together. A very special part of this experience for me, and one I believe the team behind Balvenie will understand perfectly, is seeing how techniques that have sustained craft for generations can be modified to meet new standards. For example, one of the carpenters we work with comes from a family of three generations of carpenters, contributions from makers like that are invaluable. It’s important to note that the main frame of the Sinmi chaise was carved from a single piece of wood. The evidence of careful, human labor is all around it. You’ll find some etching at the back, in the T part of the frame, for example. To create something beautiful requires dedication, determination, and time and we’re very proud of the work.
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Obida Obioha

With your diverse creative portfolio spanning across art and design, how have you skillfully merged these disciplines into some of your commissioned projects?

My creative portfolio spans product and interior design, and merging these disciplines in my commissioned projects is driven by a common thread, an appreciation for good design. For me, good design is like a perfectly fitting glove that evokes emotions and leaves a lasting impact. I ensure that everything I create embodies my principles of quality, ingenuity, beauty, and craftsmanship. This approach allows me draw inspiration from both disciplines, infusing artistry into my designs and incorporating design principles into my expressions, resulting in pieces that transcend conventional boundaries and resonates deeply with people.

What does creativity mean to you as a Maker, and can you describe how culture influences yours?

Creativity, to me, is crafting subtle, seamless magic, the essence of my craft. It goes beyond designing; it’s about transforming a blank canvas into an emotional masterpiece. Culture profoundly shapes my process. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, I draw inspiration from my heritage, integrating colors, patterns, and stories into my work for a unique identity. Incorporating cultural elements in my designs preserves and celebrates my roots, sparking conversations and bridging the gap between the past and present.

Following your unveiling as the Balvenie Maker for this year’s edition of the campaign, how do you think your work as an artist and a designer embodies the brand’s core values?

My work as an artist and a designer embodies the core values of The Balvenie brand through a shared commitment to craftsmanship, originality, and understated elegance. In my gallery and design studio, I focus on creating unique and distinctive pieces that resonate with a specific audience, appreciating intricacies and attention to detail. Like The Balvenie whiskey, I don’t rely on flashy presentations; quality and authenticity speak for themselves. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those who understand fine craftsmanship, it becomes an irreplaceable choice.

Could you tell us a bit about your design for the Balvenie Makers campaign and what inspired the creation?

For this project, we embarked on an exciting adventure into the world of pottery, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to explore the fluidity and elegance that define both whiskey and pottery. Our inspiration came from the act of pouring whiskey into a glass, a graceful and curious dance of liquid. In envisioning our design, we wanted to capture the organic and twisting nature of whiskey as it flows, giving our creation a unique and dynamic shape. The idea was to mimic the captivating movement of whiskey being poured, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity that mirrors the experience of savoring a fine glass of The Balvenie. Initially, we contemplated using a dark brown clay color, reminiscent of the rich hue of whiskey. However, as we delved deeper into the essence of whiskey appreciation, we realized that it often accompanies moments of relaxation and tranquility, particularly at the end of the day. This led us to a change in direction, we opted for a midnight blue surface with special white speckles. Throughout this journey, we have had the pleasure of pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone. The process of experimenting with pottery allowed us discover new artistic horizons and find beauty in unexpected places. We are incredibly proud of the final product, as it embodies the spirit of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that The Balvenie Makers project stands for. Creating this design has been an absolute joy, and we are grateful to The Balvenie for providing us with the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting venture. It has allowed us to combine our passion for whiskey with our curiosity for pottery, resulting in a creation that is as captivating as the experience of savouring The Balvenie whiskey itself.
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