Ever walk by a shop window and wonder how the heck they made the display so eye catching? Or how they came up with the installations behind it? Welcome Jennifer – the co-founder of 2X2 – aka installation and small design builder mastermind. We won’t be able to explain how awesome this lady is… because we really can’t put into words how gandeous her stuff is. Take a look. It is BAD. ASS.
Jennifer – 2X2
What do you make / sell? Tell us about yo’ self.
I am the co-founder of 2X2 studio, a small design build studio in Calgary. 2X2 designs and executes builds of ranging scales, from lighting installations, art exhibitions to architectural renovations. With focus on material study and investigation, the
studio sets out to bridge architectural method with artistic form. The result of 2X2’s experimentation strives to create functional objects that hybridize innovation and aesthetic with playfulness and material minimalism. Projects we have worked on in Calgary include the design build of Fresh Laundry, Uncommons, Field Study and Bamboo Ballroom. Many of our designs we build ourselves in our small Inglewood studio!
studio sets out to bridge architectural method with artistic form. The result of 2X2’s experimentation strives to create functional objects that hybridize innovation and aesthetic with playfulness and material minimalism. Projects we have worked on in Calgary include the design build of Fresh Laundry, Uncommons, Field Study and Bamboo Ballroom. Many of our designs we build ourselves in our small Inglewood studio!
How long have you had your business?
3 years
How did you get started?
I was the Display Coordinator at Anthropologie for 2 years, when I decided to go back to school I could no longer work at Anthro full time, to help fund my education I started contracting out. I worked my way from window and in-store displays to full on retail design. I wanted to create unique spaces in Calgary; 2X2 helps me pair my knowledge of architecture with my talents in fine arts.
Who or what inspires your work?
I have a masters degree in art education and I am completing my masters in architecture, I get my inspiration from all the great designers I have been able to study and work with throughout my education. Using found, simple or recycled materials also inspires what I create, transforming objects creates unique pieces (and also keeps budgets down).
What do you dream for your business in the future?
I am finishing my masters of architecture this spring, I am very excited to have the time to focus more on expanding 2X2. I would love for 2X2 to take on residential projects in the future, or become involved with exploring Calgary’s future urban development. Calgary is a great place to be because it is such a young city, you can make a lot of impact.
What’s your favourite social media platform and why?
Instagram, I am a very visual person… and I am not clever enough for twitter.
How do you pick yourself up when things go wrong?
Things do go wrong, especially as the scale of the build increases. As I have completed more projects I have gained experience and I have become an excellent problem solver. I am lucky to have a great group of friends that have their own businesses that I can talk to for moral support and get technical help.
What’s one thing no one knows about you? Give us an interesting fact!
I do not think many people know that I have been working in the Continuing Education department at The Alberta College of Art + Design for 10 years, I primarily teach teens and beginner adults, it is a lot of fun.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
Laser eyes, I would use them to cut materials (the table saw still scares me a bit), I want to be a human laser cutter.
What are your social media handles?
Where can we find your stuff?
You can visit the spaces 2X2 has worked on all over Calgary! Or visit our website http://www.twobytwo.net/