The Magic in Framing the Personal and the Precious with Greg Dennis

The Deep Satisfaction of a Framing Job Well Done

To witness the expressions and emotions can often trigger our emotions as well, but the deep satisfaction can be difficult to put into words.

A Gentle Path to Destiny

An interesting series of events led us to where we currently are, and this has made me truly believe that life will sometimes lead us to our destiny.

A couple of years after commissioning a very dear friend and artist to complete a stunning stag pencil drawing for us, we noticed that the artwork had moved slightly in the frame.

Even though our highly respected friends had suggested on many occasions to use their picture framer, we had a loyalty to another local guy, who had done many jobs for us over many years.

Meeting the Framer

After the said artwork had been fixed and meeting the framer we thought “What a lovely bloke” and proceeded to give him a couple of jobs to frame for us, he had fixed our issue without a fuss and gave us a reasonable price on our couple of projects and hence a relationship was formed.

Now here’s the punch – I had always had an interest in picture framing and often thought that maybe if the opportunity arose it would be a great hobby to pursue.

So, imagine my delight when we were picking up our couple of jobs and he mentioned he was thinking about selling his gear to kick back and enjoy some other aspirations.

Finding the Right Path

When I step into our framing studio each morning, I feel much anticipation on what the day may bring, and who may come through our doors.

Sharing the Day with Tasmanian Wildlife

We are fortunate enough to have on our property approximately four acres of native bush land, so we always have lots to see straight out our windows.

Whether it be the abundance of native bird life including Fairy Wrens, Robin Redbreasts, Firetails, Pardelotes and Green Rosella’s just to name a few.

Or maybe the four-legged creatures including Wallaby, Potoroos, Bandicoots, and of course many rabbits.

We have even had sightings of Eastern Barred Bandicoots, Spotted Quolls, Echidnas, even the occasional Tiger Snake.

Oh, and let’s not forget White Goshawks and Wedge Tailed Eagles, which can often be spotted high up searching for their next tasty next snack.

Framing a Plan

When the decision was made to acquire the framing equipment (and potentially replace some job hours), we put in many hours of careful planning to ensure that we would end up with a work area with a great relaxing feel, and one which would make all who come to visit feel at ease and welcome.

Fortunately, our planning has paid dividends as we often receive heartfelt comments from clients, mentioning how they love both our workspace and setting – and we never take it for granted.

The simple things in life are really, quite often the best, and the real bonus is they are absolutely FREE!

Quality Artists

We are constantly quite literally blown away by the exceptional calibre of many of our artist clients.

We love working in with them, sometimes when they are exploring a new idea, we have a brainstorming session even before they commence, contemplating and playing with framing ideas which can then assist them as they complete their project. Plus, many of our clients have now become so much more than clients – we consider them as valued friends.

The Revealing Moment

There have been many joyful and sometimes emotional moments when we have revealed completed projects to clients.

Hard to pick a favourite but here’s a couple that we won’t be forgetting. An artist client painted a commission of a beloved pet, the young lady owner lived in Queensland. We framed the item, packed it up (yes – complete with glass!!) and it was duly sent off.

A month or so later the client emailed me a video of the moment when the young lady received her parcel from her parents, and the squeals of delight when she was opening (she had absolutely no idea of the surprise they had conjured up) – anyway was more than enough to put a tear in the eye of this (not too old) framer!

Another artist client, who we had consulted with prior to completing her painting to select materials etc so we could ensure we could obtain was again doing a commission portrait. This was to be a Christmas present for his partner so vitally important we could have ready for a pre-Christmas pick up.

After a few hiccups with materials, we were so relieved when the chosen moulding to complete the job arrived on December 23! Fortunately, no further hiccups and the Artist, her Client and his partner were able to call in on Christmas Eve and another memorable moment was created – poor girl had no idea either. But the looks on all faces was priceless.

A Love for Creating

From as far back into childhood as I can remember I have always had a love of creating and building things with my hands.

This led me into my career path of Wood Machining, and the skills I have learned have assisted with my approach and methods employed with framing. I get a real kick out of setting up my machinery items precisely, so that my final result is as close to perfection as one can achieve.

After two and a half years of framing I find I am continually striving to find better methods and practices to achieve the highest possible result, which I think is an attribute that I have carried with me through most of my life.