About Our Studio
Square Peg Art Studio is the creative haven and business centre for Canadian artist Jennifer Gjaltema. Established on Canada Day, July 1, 2022, our studio is built on two key components: Jennifer’s personal studio, where her art comes to life, and our office, where we oversee the professional aspects of her work. This dual foundation has been essential to our growth and success, allowing us to expand our collection and refine our offerings over the past two years.
Since our inception, we’ve continually enriched our online shop with new pieces, carefully curated to showcase Jennifer’s talent and versatility. Our commitment to excellence remains strong, and we’ve been attentive to customer feedback, ensuring we respond to inquiries promptly and incorporate insights into our evolving selection.
Collaborating with high-quality production partners is part of our ongoing dedication to providing exceptional artwork and products to our audience. We’re deeply grateful for the encouragement and support we’ve received from clients and art enthusiasts alike and remain driven by Jennifer’s creative vision and the steadfast dedication of our team.
Each step of this journey is a learning experience, and we’re excited for what the future holds. Thank you for joining us as we continue to grow Square Peg Art Studio into a thriving platform for Jennifer’s work.
Our Team
Jennifer Gjaltema
Artist and Owner of Studio
Jennifer Gjaltema is a Canadian artist based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Passionate about exploring diverse mediums, her artistic journey spans watercolour, oil, acrylic, pencil, ink, and gouache. Jennifer’s work is inspired by her surroundings and personal experiences, capturing the beauty in everyday moments and inviting viewers to see the world through her perspective.
Chuck
Administrative Assistant
As the “Go-To” person for everything beyond the easel, Chuck brings years of experience as a retired Professional Engineer to his role. His business and technical acumen play an essential part in supporting Jennifer’s artistic pursuits and maintaining the operational side of the studio
John
Technical Wizard
John is the digital mastermind behind the scenes. His technical expertise ensures the studio’s systems run seamlessly, enabling Jennifer to focus entirely on her art.
Artist’s Statement
As a self-taught artist guided by intuition, my artistic journey unfolds with each stroke on a canvas. I consciously step away from traditional rules, such as specific colour combinations and established practices, to let my creativity flow unencumbered. Adhering too closely to technique, I’ve found, can sometimes stifle the spontaneous spirit of my work.
I hold immense admiration for artists who have undergone formal training. Without such structured education, my path involves a lot of learning by doing, observing others, and persistent practice. This approach might delay the refinement of my art, style, and techniques, but it’s a journey I’m committed to, especially as I explore this passion in my middle years.
I’m a firm believer that the energy I invest in my creations lingers within them. This belief is affirmed when I revisit and paint over earlier works, often uncovering more compelling pieces beneath. Many of my most cherished acrylic paintings hide a secret history of previous attempts. Despite occasional frustrations over technical skills, I cherish the ongoing learning process and the unique perspective it brings to my art.