i+D - September/October 2021 - 21

Angela Adams
rug designer, founder of angela adams with her husband,
furniture designer Sherwood Hamill
on her work: " I've been a lifelong doodler and rugs are the ultimate
vehicle for my doodles. The fact that I can doodle something on a random
notepad and then sink my toes into it a few months later still makes me
smile extra wide. "
A kitchen that Erin Little shot
for Maine Homes Magazine
and later for a Thos. Moser catalog.
" The light, the view (ocean!),
and architecture were all a treat
to capture, " she says.
(Image: Courtesy of Erin Little Photography)
on Portland's influence: " Portland is a coastal city, and the fact that
we can live and work with the ocean out our front door is a luxury. This
has been an excellent place for us to build a business doing what we love.
There's always been a cool, creative energy. There is inspiration in Portland
that will always feed into the designs and experiential part of our brand.
But there will always be a salty vibe that is in our DNA. "
Erin Little
photographer, Erin Little Photography;
art consultant for Tyler Karu Design + Interiors
on her work: " I think my work really celebrates
the roots of Portland: humble, strong, no-frills-
and yet edgy at the same time. ... It is somewhat
grounding in a world of excess and consumerism.
" In addition to photographing full time [mainly
for interior designers and architects], I love
teaching clients how to build an art collection
and working with artists to create custom pieces.
I source art from in-state as much as possible to
support the local artists. I'm also building a body
of work of old New England architecture, as well
as capturing environments that are not pristine
or styled, and are just simply lived in. These
environments have character and an overarching
component of personality. "
on Portland's influence: " Portland is now a
cultural center, a food wonderland, and there are
so many artists living here that the energy has
exploded. Everyone is creating such brilliant things,
and that creative energy is contagious. ... People
here are very supportive, not as competitive as
you'd find elsewhere. And once you connect with
other artists, a real family forms. That type of
environment really allows people to thrive here. "
on the local creative scene: " What is most
compelling about our design scene is the amount
of locally handcrafted furniture, home goods,
and art. We are surrounded by so many talented
artisans, and Maine has always valued the
importance of accessible local goods. And there
are so many valued stores that sell second hand,
repurposed items, and antiques. "
on the local creative scene: " Portland is at an inflection point with a
lot of attention that has prompted rapid growth. There is an incredible
arts scene, and thanks to a new world-class gallery called Cove Street Arts,
Portland is emerging as an art destination as well as a foodie town. One
of my favorite local spots is a tiny storefront called Ferdinand on Congress
Street. Diane Toepfer was one of the original DIY artists, and she makes the
most creative things in her small studio every day. I think a great city is made
up of a combination of the important large institutions-such as Maine College
of Art & Design and Portland Museum of Art-and the individuals who march
to their own drumbeat and take risks, make sacrifices, and keep their creative
dreams alive by doing their creative work day in and day out. "
Pine Tree rug in
Sunset colorway
from angela adams.
(Image: Courtesy
of Angela Adams)
DANINE ALATI
is a freelance writer and editor with a focus
on lifestyle and design content. Her work
has appeared in Architectural Digest's online
vertical AD PRO, DuJour magazine, Galerie
magazine, Contract magazine, and Home
Design & Decor, among other outlets.
i+D - September/October 2021
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i+D - September/October 2021

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