In conversation with Joe Henry Baker
Meet Joe Henry Baker - Brooklyn-based and multidisciplinary designer, whose work is currently on exclusive display at the LIÉ STUDIO flagship store through the end of August 2026.
Born and raised in London and now based in Brooklyn, Joe works across painting, sculpture, interiors, and object-making. His practice explores materiality and the physical act of making, often incorporating self-made tools and unconventional materials to challenge the traditional notion of the fine-art canvas.
We caught up with Joe to talk about his journey as a self-taught artist, his creative process, finding inspiration beyond the studio, and the objects that shape his everyday life.
You're a self-taught artist whose practice spans painting, sculpture, interiors, and object-making. What first drew you to creating, and how has your journey evolved?
As a kid I was good at drawing animals, which turned into landscapes and portraits, all in a very traditional style. My parents were always so supportive, which allowed me to discover art school, and in turn various design careers in branding, furniture, interiors and products. Throughout all of this I ensuredthat I stayed in touch with an outlet that had no brief or client - drawing and painting in weird rented studios across the city in the evenings and on weekends. The duality of clean graphic design vs messy abstract painting worked really well together for a time - but my art eventually drew all my time and energy, and I followed that rabbit. My studio now is a playground of tools and materials, and I’m learning everyday.
Your work often pushes the boundaries of what a traditional canvas can be. What inspired you to explore working in this way?
Through continued investigation of materiality and experimentation, and through beautiful errors! Speaking to a gallery recently they mentioned casually that I would be painting until I die, and it’s true, I have no idea what I will be making in 1 year, 10 years, 50 years - so I encourage myself daily to reinvent, challenge and push my work to breaking points. I don’t shy away from trying new styles and exploring different mediums - there really isn’t enough time for it all.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Curious, playful, crafted.
Are there particular places, objects, or experiences that consistently inspire your work?
Collecting and trading art, from photography to sculpture, drawings to hand written notes. All of these inspire me daily. Conversations with friends and studio visits, life drawing classes, art books, poems, cooking. And a large dose of Mother Nature.
Outside of the studio, what helps you reset or reconnect creatively?
Exercise is everything. It can be as simple as a walk with my dog or a local run, to cycling across countries on my gravel bike. Time away from the studio is just as important as in - and moving your body moves your mind.
What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned through the process of making?
Practice + mistakes = discovery & growth.
How do you define success - personally and professionally?
Finding the balance of being grateful and proud of what you have, alongside the drive and hunger for more. Very much still a work in progress…
What do you hope people feel or take away when experiencing your work or bringing one of your pieces into their home?
It’s an honor to have your work hang in someone’s home. I hope they bring as much peace and joy to them as it does to me when making them.
Is there an object in your home or studio you could never part with, and why?
I have a set of bedside lamps from my old boss and mentor Anna Karlin - they mean so much to me and remind me of my timeline here in New York. I have two antique armchairs that I traded a painting for with Alan Eckstein at Somerset House that I love. And I have a beautiful custom set of bowls and plates from my dear friend Sydney Halela.
Looking ahead, which upcoming project are you most excited about?
In October I’m driving across to Marfa Texas for a month long self initiated residency, working out of one of the barns at the Marfa Distillery Co. I’ve visited Marfa four times now, and each time it feels more like a home away from home - the free expanse of the desert, the electric sky - I can’t wait to see how this influences my work.
