Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindy Dille.
Hi Lindy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my framing career 25 years ago. After graduating from college with an art degree, I worked at several frame shops in downtown Chicago for 5 years. I moved to Austin in 2006 and started working at a shop that specialized in handmade, gold leaf frames. My mind was blown! There I learned the art of watergilding, hand-carving, and various finishing techniques along with full preservation framing methods. I fell in love with the ancient techniques and endless possibilities of the closed-corner frame world. After that shop closed its doors, I started working for Gentry Custom Frames which also specialized in hand-finished frames. David Gentry was a wonderful mentor to me for the next 16 years where I learned more about a wide variety of finishing techniques and frame design. I then purchased the business from him in 2024 and have been loving this new chapter of being at the helm of a frame shop.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We work with a wide range of clients from design professionals and art advisors, to artists and homeowners. Our goal with each project is to approach it with a wide lens, taking into account each piece of art, its environment, and the client’s style and budget needs. I love showing people that framing does not have to be boring or an afterthought, but can be a beautiful and personal way to present an artwork beyond what they thought possible. At heart we are a design-driven shop.
Coordinating all the different phases of a project, from design to sourcing custom materials from many different vendors to arranging timelines with shipping and installation takes careful planning. There is a steep learning curve to this business but we feel that we use our wealth of experience to make it a smooth process that people can rely on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gentry Custom Frames?
We specialize in a wide range of services from museum quality archival framing for art collections to object and textile mounting, canvas stretching, photography and mirror framing. We can advise on the best methods to protect and display your piece. Whether clean, modern, and simple or decorative and playful, there are countless ways to get the desired effect. Coming up with creative and well-built solutions for all framing projects is our strength and our frames are built to last for generations. People come to us for the degree of customization we offer in frame selection and design. If you don’t see exactly what you want from our sample wall, we can create it! This allows for so much creativity, the possibilities are endless.
To do our work, we use a unique combination of preservation techniques and art history knowledge, while leaning on design principles like scale, color theory, and restraint. We are project managers and engineers, woodworkers and stitchers, art handlers and designers. Our aim is to preserve, protect, and showcase each piece in the best way possible for each client.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I believe the best results come from creative collaboration and dynamic thinking. I continue to learn everyday from all the talented people I get to work with. Trusting your instincts while remaining curious and open is so important. It is all a balance! Austin is full of innovative talent and collaborating with other creatives is the best part of my job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gentrycustomframes.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gentrycustomframes
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/gentrycustomframes
