Kusheda Mensah
Photograph © Frank Lebon
Kusheda Mensah is a British born Ghanaian designer, based in London. Her love for furniture design and wide-ranging lifestyle pieces began whilst embarking on a bachelor’s degree in print design at the London College of Communication. Her work, explores and examines how one can create an idyllic, yet fun and functional living environment. Connecting both furniture and promoting better social behaviours.
What is your Show & Tell object?
It's the classic sentimental thing, Jewellery. A gold necklace with two jade green balls in the setting and a heart and key pendant my dad used to wear on his necklace. It's not particularly arty as a show and tell piece but things that attach me to memories of home and comfort are a huge inspiration to me.
Where did you acquire it?
My dad used to wear it, and then when he didn't my mum would. But she hadn't worn it in a while so I asked her if I could wear it and added a decorative cross I was gifted at my holy communion to bling it up more!
What makes your chosen object special to you?
I would play with the heart and the key when I was laying on my father’s chest and would always fall asleep doing so. The jade green necklace is from my mum. I've worn them both together forever, and didn't realise but they are the most valuable things I own because they're so attached to memories. Gold is also a part of my West African history more specifically Ghana as it was once known as the land of Gold. So a lot of symbolism lays around my neck.
My dad has retired in Ghana now which is far away so I keep this necklace close. Both necklaces have been worn by the family I care for, and feel like something I could pass down.
Does your chosen object say anything about your sense of style, or your personality?
Green is my favourite colour and is the accent colour I wear most. The gold I wear definitely speaks to the Queen inside me, wearing her regalia every day! Simple but expressive and truly goes with everything from black skin to clothing.
Are you coveting anything particular at the moment?
One of the things I am dreaming about is a Two-Tier Contemporary Ceramic Raw Terracotta Cloud Side Table and where that would sit in my dream house.
If you were re-incarnated as an object or piece of furniture what would you be?
A light/ light bulb because you always brighten or add value to a space, changing it's functionality most.
Where is your favourite place to be?
This is probably the really wrong answer but in bed. A place were I can dream and make those dreams come to life. I'm a Pisces, so this maybe relatable to fellow Pisceans!
