Aside from being a portrait artist, I am a (nearly) life-long custom framer as well. I began my framing career 25 years ago when I walked into a small shop to frame a commissioned pencil portrait.  I wanted to learn how to frame that day - I was hooked, and the rest is history.  Thank you Lance & Paul for making it happen for me.  I almost retired just a short time back but I've decided to stay in the game - framing is something you do because you love it, and this time I'm out on my own. I've joined up with an online company operating out of Toronto, and I'm operating the Ottawa location - Ottawa Framing and Display. I think I’ve framed just about anything you can think to put in a frame.  What I most love is the skill and detail that goes into shadowbox framing.  You really can frame anything that’s important to you. I have framed something as tiny as a bumble bee (yes it was dead) and I’ve framed a 14-foot Canadian peace tower flag.  I love the challenges framing brings - whether it's because of size, condition, the number of items, or age. It’s important every item is framed with archival materials and mounting methods that won't hurt the art or item - you want it to last (that's why you're framing it!). It's also very important that every item be framed with respect - often I develop a relationship with the client over time - and the work just gets better. Over the years, I’ve cried with clients who have framed lost loved ones' memorabilia. One afternoon I discussed the mounting and framing of a pair of their father's reading glasses. As they were leaving the consultation, I mentioned that I would clean them up before framing them. I was stopped in my tracks as the client and her sister started to cry and said “NO, don’t clean them, those are his fingerprints”!  Tears were shed, a relationship was created.  They now have their father’s reading glasses hanging on their wall for eternity...well, you know what I mean. I once shadowboxed a few lacy bras a gentleman had collected from the Playboy Bunny Mansion. I didn’t ask questions.  Most of the time though, I do ask questions - it’s so important to really understand a client’s vision, especially when they’re framing something that holds sentimental value, such as a pair of baby shoes or an old tobacco pipe.  Most clients don’t understand framing in the beginning and a lot don’t easily visualize a finished frame. I’m here to help you with that vision and provide you with the absolute best product in the end. Whether you’re framing a poster or a valuable antique, Framing & Display has you covered. “If it goes on your wall, give us a call!”