Interview: ENKI Eyewear
Luca Curci talks with Mr. Jesse Walker, founder of ENKI Eyewear, during CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2022, at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

Mr. Jesse Walker is the founder and visionary behind ENKI, a company he founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2011, after being inspired to create something entirely different in the eyewear market. He is an artist who knows no limits. His style is grounded in a rebellious spirit, and his approach is unique as it is edgy. As the man behind ENKI, he’s created a brand that stands out as truly original. A mysterious man with a force behind him, he’s a designer, traveler, businessman, and self-taught photographer who has built something much more than just an eyewear brand. He’s best known for his wild photoshoots and bringing together fashion and art with no holds barred.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Jesse Walker – I was the kid who got in trouble for doodling in his math notebook. I was the boy who used to lie down in the grass during recess on a warm afternoon and stare up at the clouds, wondering what it felt like to be a bird. From my earliest memories, I felt trapped in a conservative community that expected me to be quiet and cheerful and follow all the rules. I rebelled, and I painted. ENKI is a reflection of that rebellion – a declaration of the wildness and wonder I see in the world. When I shoot, I channel the real me, the one who pushed back against social norms with art that captures my inner truth.

LC – What are you currently working on?
JW – Right now, I’m working on a new range of really cool and unique designs for ENKI. I love the whole process of designing, from concept to sketches to the final product. It’s arduous work but really rewarding. I’m very proud of my designs and can’t wait for everyone to see them!

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
JW – I’m a beach bum with a camera, a gypsy soul, with insatiable wanderlust. I find my inspiration from within, as well as from the world around me. I’m inspired by people who live life in their own way. People who don’t follow the mainstream but blaze their own trails. Things that capture my interest and inspire my imagination are wild souls and beautiful places.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your pieces?
JW – The most challenging part about creating my artwork is that I have such a high standard. I am never satisfied with the result and always believe it could be better.

LC – How is your creative process?
JW – My creative process is a balance of looking inward, outward, and being open to seeing the weird juxtapositions between the two. I get a lot of my inspiration from nature and people, which are both very different. That contrast is where I start to see things.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
JW – I think it’s wonderful that you’re promoting different art. My creative process is a balance of looking inward, outward, and being open to seeing the weird juxtapositions between the two. I get a lot of inspiration from nature and people, which are both very different.

LC – Can you explain something about the sunglasses you have in our exhibition?
JW – These sunglasses come from a special place – the place where all the great designs come from, the heart.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
JW – I believe in what you’re doing. I think it’s an incredibly important thing to have a platform like yours – one that makes art accessible, that makes it easier for people to make connections with each other and with art. You’re making the world a better place, and I think that’s so cool! To me, ITSLIQUID is amazing. I love seeing how passionate you guys are about art, and I love the idea of connection and accessibility – making things easy to do. I’m excited to be here and help you communicate your mission even more clearly!

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
JW – We’re thrilled to be working with ITSLIQUID again on this project. Our first collaboration was incredible, and we feel like we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible. We’re excited to see what this next step will bring!

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
JW – Giulia, Luca, and Michela are true professionals that I can highly recommend. Their talent is matched by their knowledge of the industry, which helps them to be effective communicators and provide insight that goes beyond what you would normally expect.