Business is slow for Salisbury picture framer Erin O’Keefe – she often only gets a handful of customers a day. But she continues to work and frame, as she did during the pandemic, when business was even slower.
Erin loves her craft, the creativity and challenges it presents and, of course, the finished product – when she has enhanced a piece of artwork.
Most customers who do come into Showcase Framing have often been there before – and that
speaks volumes for the attention to detail and respect for a project that Erin prides herself on.
“If it’s important to you, it’s worth framing and doing it well,’’ Erin says.
“You only have to look at the renovation shows to see frames can add value to your home.“If you want
something ordinary for your wall, but can afford something more, I think that’s a shame.’’
Erin got into picture framing through her daughter Tay, who owned boutique portrait studio Sublime Photography at Graceville for 10 years.
When Tay took over Sublime it was equipped with everything for framing except a framer. Enter Erin. She learnt from the previous framer and a friend, who was a framer and previously owned their Salis- bury business.A former antique buyer and seller, Erin discovered she had a real skill and passion for framing.
“Every day and every job you’re confronted with something different,’’ Erin says.
“I treat what people bring in with the utmost respect, whether they are starting out as an artist or bring in something rare.’’
Erin has forged a good relationship with the artists at Artelier – an art school and gallery next door. She will advise and frame to suit an artist’s work, and has now starting producing and selling prints of their original paintings.
Showcase Framing also has thousands of art books on its shelves – which are for sale – some new, some collected over the years.
Tay has big plans for the space at Showcase Framing, hoping to set up an area for paint and sip classes. Her son is showing a keen interest in photography, and there are plans to set up a space for him to take pet portraits.
