Today’s Feature – Jalex Studios

Oh my goodness, I think I’m in love!

When I went to the Etsy forums to ask for shops to be featured, I found Jalex Studios amongst the many replies. I immediately knew that not only would I have to feature this shop, I’d probably be back to buy something too! This shop is simply amazing!

Take a look at this wall art, for example

Dissipation Wall Art

Absolutely stunning!

Or these candle holders

Modern Candle Holders

I fell in love. Completely and utterly in love.

So, I sent my questions away and here is what he had to say.

Q. Tell us a bit about you and your craft.

A. I initially started my craft the first year my son was born (2003). The prior Christmas, my wife and I made a resolution for the next
Christmas, to not go out and buy gifts, but rather make something. We felt that it was too easy to be like everyone else and just buy something. But to make something by hand — now that would make for a memorable Christmas that would never be forgotten. 

Well, needless to say August rolled around and my wife comes to me and says — So how’s my Christmas present coming along? I, with a look of horror and fright claimed amnesia (don’t worry, for those of you that are married, if your husband hasn’t given you this look by now, in time he will!!). So, I hastily began to design a modern armoire for my wife. Well, I held up my end of the bargain and come Christmas day, my wife got her handmade modern armoire. I think at that point, the seed was planted.

Q. What inspires you?

A. I get my inspiration from everyday life. It’s kind of funny — I would always ask my wife why does she buy so many shoes? I would always say to her “You don’t have an outfit to match those shoes so why buy them!!” My wife would respond – “Honey, if you buy the shoes, the outfit will come”. Needless to say, she was right (Yes, I just admitted that she was right!!).

So you may ask, what does this statement have to do with my inspiration. Everything, because many of my inspirations come about in this manner. Whenever, I find an object that intrigues me and I’m hesitant to use it, I go back to what my wife said but change it to “if you use it, the design will come”. So, many of my inspirations come from ordinary objects that I feel have a unique quality that can be fused together to create designs that are intriguing and thought provoking and hope that someone might say “Wow, I never thought of using that object in that way”.

Q. Why is it important to you to use eco-friendly materials in your items?

A. I think it is important to use eco-friendly material such as bamboo because I think it looks great and most importantly it is sustainable. I also try and use discarded wood that I find from building sites.I think how I came up with the idea about using reclaimed material such as bamboo was the fact that I live in area that has a lot of development and have seen how much material that is wasted when building a home. You would be amazed at how much waste is generated. After realizing this, I guess I had a light bulb moment — why not go to these sites and see if I can reuse the material that they are ultimately going to throw away. And so I thought that if I could responsibly use this material, just maybe it wouldn’t end up in some landfill.

Q.What is your favourite item and why?

A. They are all my babies!! But one of my favorites is the L-modern coffee table

The L-Modern Coffee Table

It is made out of recycled brazilian walnut flooring, a recycled door and shelving.

Q. If the world could only know one thing about you, what would you like that to be?

A. Over the last year before I opened up my shop, I was in an artistic slump, self-doubt, etc.. (if you will). What I mean by this is that, I felt something was missing in my life, there was a hole somewhere, but I didn’t know where. One day scanning through the channels on cable, I ran across the movie RENT, and was mesmerized by the message of this movie. So, if the world could only know one thing about me, I would like that to be this: “Whether you are fellow Etsians, or contemplating becoming future Etsians/Artists — “Forget regrets, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way. No day but today”. I think this says it all, have no regrets, do it your way, and seize the day!!

And a couple of fun questions

Q. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

A. Kellogs Frosted Flakes

Q. If you were a colour, what colour would you be and why?

A. Green, because that is the color of my eyes, which is my best feature :).

Q. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be?

A. Frank Lloyd Wright or Le Corbusier

Do yourself a favour. Stop by Jalex Studios and do some shopping. You will not be disappointed!!