Q1 Please introduce yourself.
Bennie and Olive is an accessory design company that specializes in wallets, cases, and belts. The company is named after my grandparents who taught me to sew and create.
Q2 What is the concept of your work?
My work infuses traditional handcrafts, modern technology, and a sense of humour. |
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Q3 Could you tell us your career as an artist?
Bennie and Olive has been in business for 5 years and has expanded across Canada and the US. Our recent update of our website has opened up new markets for us around the world.
Q4 What are you mostly making?
I mostly make fashion accessories, but occasionally home décor pieces.
Q5 Could you tell us the project that you are working on right now?
Right now I am designing a new collection for Spring 2008.
Q6 What gives you the inspiration when you making pieces?
I take a lot of inspiration from nature and old family photographs.
Q7 What would you be if you weren't a designer?
A psychologist |
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Q13 What's coming up in 2008? Any plans for exhibition?
I will be showing at Margin in London, England in August 2008.
Q14 What is your vision in your future?
The future of my company will be to continue to use new technology to create products that are whimsical with a nod to traditional techniques. |
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Yes, Bennie and Olive are real people. They are designer Jenifer Forrest's grandparents and inspiration for many of the designs she has been crafting under the label of the same name. Now it may be unusual to name your company after your grandparents, but it just seemed natural to her. Growing up in very rural Canada and then moving to the heart of downtown Toronto left her with a desire to creatively satisfy both chapters of her life thus far. This contrast can be seen in her work and in the people who wear it. Whether it's a twenty-something bonafide urbanite or her Grandpa - it just seems to fit. |
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Q8 Whats are you trying to express through your work?
I think fashion can be too serious and I'm trying to express that it can be fun and be a reflection of your personality.
Q9 What art or design means to you?
Art and design mean freedom. Very few people get the opportunity to express themselves as freely.
Q10 When is the most important time of your day?
I work best in the morning.
Q11 What do you think about Japanese culture? (fashion, life style, food, etc)
I love Japanese fashion because it is innovative and thoughtful at the same time. Many considerations are made about how things look and how they will function in everyday life and I think that is essential to good design. |
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Q12 What is your favorite cuisine? Any favorite restaurants?
I love to try food from many different cultures, so I don't have a favourite. I like trying new things at restaurants and then trying to make similar things at home when I cook. |
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