Q: How did you get started in the picture framing business?

A: After college, I went home to Ogden to work and saveÊenoughÊmoney to get me to Los Angeles to start a freelance illustration career. I wandered intoÊmy friend'sÊcustom framing shop one day thinking this would be a good skill to have if I ever wanted to show my artwork in a gallery, and I was hooked.Ê

Q: Do you have a background in art?Ê

A: Yes, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Utah State University with and emphasis inÊIllustration. I also minored in Philosophy and Anthropology. My college advisor encouraged me to go into illustration becauseÊI was suited to it. I asked him "How will I make enough money to live?" He replied, in all sincerity, "Marry well." I decided, instead, to do things my way. I had planned to be an illustrator and live an incredibly cosmopolitan life in a big city, but I realized that I didn't have the personality for it.

Q: And how did you get connected to the gals over at Shepherd's Bush?

A: While I was working at Fine Arts Gallery, Terry would bring in the most incredible designs to be framed. She always had a distinctive "way" with color. I decided to learn everything I could about design fromÊher and TinaÊbecause they were obviously skilled designers.

Q: It seems like your style and the Shepherd's Bush style meld together so well. How do you decide how to frame their pieces? Do Tina and Terri give you free-reign when you're putting their projects together?

A: When we first started working together, they chose everything. As they got to know me and trust my own sense ofÊdesign, they began to give me greater freedom. Now, they just let me "play". I think I do my best work when I'm unfettered with "direction". Of course, I always ask if they have any pre-conceived ideas before I begin framing because I have such a huge respect for both Tina and Terry.

Q: I know you use a computerized mat cutter now -- and that you still hand-paint your mats. How is it using both sides of your brain every day (technology and art)?

A: I have a very difficult time switching back and forth. Designing for a computer program is about as different from hand-carving and painting as you can get. I do the creative "What do I want this to look like" part of the design first, and then I put on my math brain and work in the Auto-cad program. I am a very direct hands-on kind of artist, (I suppose that's my fancy way of saying I'm too lazy to plan.)Êso I find designing with mathematics difficult. It has saved my wrist, however, so it's a small price to pay.

I still hand-carve many of the mats too. The computerized cutter can do some of the difficult cuts, but it doesn't have a tight enough turning radius to get the little leaves and whatnots that I'm so fond of.

Q: Do you have any particular framing job that you are especially proud of (either for Shepherd's Bush, or for someone else?)

A: There are soooo many. Sometimes it's a blast to go into the Shepherd's Bush to see my past accomplishments. I'm overwhelmed at the large body of my work that hangs in their shop. It's like having my own "One Woman Show" every time I walk in.Ê

My favorite Shepherd's Bush design (of the moment...there are bound to be more right around the corner) is Blackberie Sampler.

Q: Do you stitch?Ê

A: Yes and No.Ê

Yes - When I was young,ÊIÊloved to embroider. My love of stitching comes from my mother. She has the world's largest needlework library and she surrounded me with these books and the finest examples of needlework. Our home was always filled with beautiful, inspiringÊthings and I was always encouragedÊto explore my creativity using any medium I could get my hands on.Ê

No - I still love needlework, but I find my time is consumed by my work. I am hopeful that this yearÊI will have a moment or two to while away doing a small cross-stitch. I just purchased the most lovely little piece called "My Heart" from the Shepherd's Bush. It is tiny and charming and I think I just might manage to finish it.

Q: I know I've had you drop-ship mats and frames to other countries. Are you ever amazed that your work has found an audience all over the globe?

A: I am constantly amazed - especiallyÊwith the prohibitive cost of shipping to other countries. It makes me feel good that people are willing to pay these shipping costs in order to have one of my mats on their needlework. I keep a map over my desk and it's so much fun toÊsee the places my work has ended up.Ê

Let me take the opportunity to say a sincere "Thank you" to all the stitchers who keep me going. You have been delightful. This has been the best "job" a woman could ever have. I want to send a hug to every one of you.

Thanks again to Jill for giving us all a little piece of her day. I hope you all have a wonderful LOVE-ly February and Valentine's Day. I will work hard at market to bring you back the best!

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com