After over a decade of traveling around the world, writer, photographer, and artist Alex Jowett has returned back to Toronto and opened an art and design studio in support of Canadian talent. Walking into this studio/store/gallery, you feel a sense of coziness, like you’ve just arrived home. The walls are lined with Alex’s most celebrated photographic works while the space houses other original artwork, handmade furniture and lighting fixtures set up to resemble a typical living space. “The reason behind such a set up is to help customers envision having each of these pieces in their own living areas,” explains Alex.
Many of the items that you see in Atelier 688 are reclaimed materials that have been recreated into a state that you wouldn’t normally see them in. Some examples include a vintage kayak chandelier, a snowboard bench, vintage birdcage lanterns or the ‘Toro’ bicycle seat skulls that are hung on the walls. Each item is a one of a kind piece of art. Featured artists that Alex is working with include Zac Ridgely (of Ridgely Studio Works), Bradley Denton (the designer behind the eateries Czehoskis, The Harbord Room and Le Petit Castor), Christopher Roberts (of Drawnonward group fame), Matthew Hunter (from Television’s the Re-Inventors), Vanessa Li (fresh off a succesful show of sculpture at the Kitchener arts centre) and Michael Greenwood (of Greenwood Studio who creates intricate wood pieces). Atelier 688 is a place for art lovers and interior designers alike. So if you are looking for something truly different and unique to spruce up your living environment, be sure to check out Atelier 688.
