Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Shaw.
Hi Rob, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Rob Shaw, owner of Rob Shaw, Framing and Gallery. When I was growing up, I was always fascinated with art and making art. I have an art studio degree from the University of South Carolina. While I was attending college, I got a job at a local frame shop. I realized how essential it was to my career. It was beneficial because I was surrounded by artwork while I was working, it also allowed me access to frames and meeting designers and clients that would possibly buy my work. After graduating from college, I worked different odd jobs and painted murals around town and did other art commissions. But what I finally decided was I needed to get a full-time job at a picture frame shop. I worked for a frame shop in town for 18 years before starting my own business in 2019. My frame shop and art gallery began on State Street in West Columbia. I moved to 2123 Park St. where my gallery is currently located in April 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have had my struggles like any business owner. But I have been fortunate to have the support of the local Art community in Columbia. The biggest transition from me was going from being an artist to being a business owner. Luckily, I’ve had the help of many friends and other business owners to help me along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Being in the arts, you have to be well rounded and diverse. While picture framing is the biggest aspect of my business I also teach palette knife painting classes, I deliver and hang artwork for clients as well as do consultations on clients artwork.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
One of the things that makes me happy is when I’m painting a painting and I can see it start to come together, it’s like a rush when you know everything is going right and you can anticipate the outcome. The same goes when I’m framing a piece for a client, it’s very satisfying when the client comes to pick up their framed artwork and it has been transformed with a frame that really compliments it and it is protected for generations to come. I have always liked making things with my hands and it’s very satisfying to be able to create things that people enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robshawgallery.com/
- Instagram: Robshawartist
- Facebook: Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing
