Applied artist/picture framer

Emily Van Oosterom enjoys a varied work schedule.

Name: Emily Van Oosterom
Job title: Applied artist/picture framer
Employer: El Framo, Auckland
Hours: 20 hours a fortnight at El Framo, plus about 60 hours a week on interior paint finish projects.
Pay: $20 an hour for framing and $75 an hour for paint finish contracts.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Visual Arts (Photography) from Manukau Institute of Technology

What do you do?

My work is varied which is why I describe myself as an applied artist. I work part time at El Framo making frames. I specialise in applying special finishes, including gilding, to frames and create my own mirrors. My other work involves interior paint finishes for furniture, murals and interiors, often organised through interior designers. I do a lot of special wall finishes, feature walls and murals in kids' bedrooms.

What is involved?

We customise our frames and that requires a lot of trial and error as we work out how to meet our customer's requirements and take it beyond their expectations. We start by measuring and cutting wood for the frame, then cut the matt and set up the backing boards. We also have to discuss and advise the customer on what will give them the result they want. It is physical, creative work and very satisfying.

With my refinishing work I might be asked to refinish a piece of furniture, like a battered old loved table so that it fits in with a new interior. The finish could look like stone or silver leaf. Or I could be changing an interior wall by adding depth and texture, stripes, stencils or murals.

Why did you choose this job?

I always found the conceptual side of art difficult at art school. Picture framing is hands-on, active and creative work. So are the other aspects of what I do.

What training and experience do you need for the job?

Learning on the job with master picture framer is best way. It definitely helps to have a feel for design, background in the arts and knowledge of handling prints. Quite a few framers have fine arts qualifications. With the gilding and refinishing, I was lucky enough to learn a lot from Glen Wilkinson, an internationally renowned gilder. Sadly, he died recently.

What skills and qualities do you need?

Creativity, imagination and patience. With both framing and refinishing you have to enjoy making things. You also have to be able to problem solve and think outside the square. You have to be able to concentrate for long periods. You can't afford to day dream or you'll break glass or ruin frames.

I have drawn or painted almost every day since a child and have developed a certain feeling for paint. I expand this through constant practice in my studio and developing techniques on the job.

What is the best part of the job?

I love doing paint finishes; gilding and refinishing. I enjoy the physical making of mirrors and frames and getting positive feedback when customers pick their frames up. I end the day physically and mentally and creatively satisfied. I am never bored.

Most memorable requests?

The biggest mirror I have made was 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres. It was for Trelise Cooper. The logistics of making it were really challenging. The most unusual thing I've framed has been an umbilical cord. Another challenge was framing a rock from a mountain top that had to be mounted along with a photo of the guy at the peak. Or the piece of jewellery that had to be framed so that it could be taken out of the frame and worn occasionally.

Advice to someone wanting to do the same thing?

Framing jobs don't tend to be advertised so you need to ask around the industry, visit framers and show your interest. Be prepared to learn from the beginning. The reality with learning to frame is that you cost money for the first six months - glass breakage, shooting staples through wood - as you learn by doing. You have to get out, find people and learn from them.

Future expectations in this career?

I'm hoping to do a paint finishing course in London next year to learn more traditional techniques to add to my repertoire and street cred. I decided about a year ago that I could make this work and it was what I really wanted to do. I feel very lucky that I'm doing something I love. It certainly doesn't feel like I'm going to work each morning.