I am very excited about ixxi: a modular connecting system. You can now create your own photo enlargement or photo collage in any format you like! I have some questions for Roel, he is one of the founders of this innovative interior product.
How did you came up with the idea of ixxi?
ixxi grew out of the project 'The Brabant House'. This project consists out of ca. 20.000 postcards. We found out that there was no system to connect postcards. The system got fantastic reviews (nominee Dutch Design Awards) so we decided to develop the system to a consumer product. ixxi was born a year afer the project was realized.
What's your source of inspiration for the ixxi creations?
Our modular product is a base for a product concept. The Robot special is an example of this modularity. And some products arise of other products we like. The patchwork special was inspired by handmade embroidered cushions in our home. Beside the specials we develop tools {create your ixxi} that allows customers to be creative themselves. We launched the pixelating module last November. Now it's possible to create your own pixel ixxi like our Patchwork and Dutch Master specials.
How would you describe your own interior? Do you have ixxi at home?
Eric&Paulien and Roel, the founders of ixxi are neighbours. We used also our homes to photograph the ixxi inspiration images. Our style is visible in those images. So we have definitely ixxi's at our homes! Eric&Paulien have the Girl with the pearl earring, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam plates and a personal ixxi of their two beautiful daugthers. Roel and his partner Ruud have also the Girl with the pearl earring on the wall and the Threatened Swan of the Rijksmuseum imagebank.
You have got some great image bank partners, what are your personal favorite photographers and artists?
Illustrators with colorful artwork like Fernando Volken Togni, but also classic illustrations of Sibylla Merian. New partners will be added soon, such as maps and vintage toys of the Vintage Room. We are always looking for new talent {illustrators and photographers}. In early 2012 we will start the guest library, and we will invite young talent and famous artists to explore their art in the imagebank.
Describe the ixxi creation you're very proud of..
That would be our Girl with the pearl earring. We like pixels and we like Dutch Masters. In this product the combination strengthens both!
Images by ixxi
