FURNITURE ARTISTS COLLECTIVE MEMBER

Christine O"Leary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My name is Christine, and I am addicted to rescuing vintage furniture. This drive has led me to become the artist and operator of Red Rocker Furniture, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Though this country's styles and customs vary greatly from those of the UK, the need for sustainable living is worldwide, and it has been instrumental in inspiring my need to reimagine and recycle vintage furniture.

I am naturally upbeat and energetic and have never been very good at sitting still. As a recently retired Occupational Therapist, I have always had a soft spot for restoring function to the old and worn, which typically consisted of people. However, my caregiver personality has not allowed me to endure seeing tired and abandoned furniture cast off and discarded.

It hurts my heart to imagine these once-loved pieces of history kicked to the curb. As a result, I have made it my mission to preserve these pieces, made with skilful craftsmanship and care, by bringing new life and purpose with an updated appeal that will keep them out of landfills.

I can't say that I have a particular style, as each piece of furniture has its own story and "speaks" to me. Initially, my furniture was mainly from the Victorian era, as I adore the scrollwork and carved detail. But I have recently branched out to the mid-century Modern world, experimenting with clean lines and geometric patterns that interest the eye.

I have been refinishing furniture for 6 years and have watched my talents evolve. Looking at some of my earlier work, I realize how much better I could do now. And I expect to continue to grow as an artist as I fill my wheelhouse with the tools and tricks of the trade and gain experience.

My eclectic approach makes my commission work thrive. I have acquired many skills with textures, trims, staining, and painting, accentuating the positive features of any given piece. As a caregiver, I am a good listener. When a client has a vision, or if all they know is, 'This piece is tired-looking and needs to be refreshed,' I can glean their taste and style and bring their treasured heirloom back to life.

I love what I do, and it shows in my work. I make old things like new, bringing new appreciation to what was formerly undesirable. I enrich my clients' lives with brilliantly restored pieces of history while caring for our planet and its limited resources. By recycling furniture, I am saving the planet, one piece at a time!

Contact Christine or see more of her work via her Facebook page: Red Rocker Furniture