In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rhonda Feinman, a seasoned picture frame manufacturer with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Rhonda's journey into frame-making wasn't a childhood dream, but rather a serendipitous career path that she fell into and grew to love. Her passion for creating high-quality, historically accurate reproduction frames has made her a respected figure in the framing world.
We dive into Rhonda's approach to frame design, which often draws inspiration from Spanish and Dutch frames, as well as her preference for simple white gold frames. She shares insights into the challenges of running a frame manufacturing business in New York City, including the difficulties of finding skilled craftsmen in the post-pandemic era. Rhonda's commitment to quality over trendiness shines through as she discusses her design process and the importance of understanding historical roots in creating modern frames.
Key Takeaways
- Rhonda emphasizes the importance of creating a high-quality product and enjoying her work with customers to maintain passion in the framing industry.
- Many frame-making techniques used today were perfected during the Renaissance, with only minor modern adaptations.
- Rhonda's company focuses on quality, choosing to work with customers who value craftsmanship.
- The framing industry has seen a broadening interest in better quality products, which Rhonda believes elevates everyone's work.
- Rhonda stresses the importance of continuous learning and openness to new knowledge in the framing industry.
Throughout our chat, Rhonda's dedication to her craft and her practical, no-nonsense approach to business shines through. Her story is a testament to the rewards of finding passion in unexpected places and the value of maintaining high standards in craftsmanship.
About Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames
Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames was founded in 2001 with the goal of providing the finest quality custom made picture frames for the fine art trade. All frames are hand made in our New York City facility with utmost respect for the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship in frame making. The artisans of Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames hand carve wood, cast, and apply decorative composition ornament, then gild only with genuine karat gold leaf to produce sensitive and faithful reproductions of fine antique frames. Time tested traditional techniques and materials are used to assure lasting quality.
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