We’ve hit a big milestone — 50 episodes of the Inside the Frame Podcast! To mark the occasion, Dave sat down with one of his favorite artists on the South Shore, Judy St. Peter. Their conversation was the perfect way to celebrate: full of stories about creativity, experimentation, and the winding journey of an artist’s life.
From Oils to Acrylics and Back Again
Judy’s relationship with paint has been a journey of its own. She started in oils, switched to acrylics for years, and now finds herself back with oils, drawn to their luminosity and richness. Unlike acrylics, which dry fast and often darker, oils let her slow down, scrape back, and build texture. For Judy, it’s about the freedom to keep experimenting and discovering something new on the canvas.
A Life Shaped by Art
Her foundation was built at the Art Institute of Boston, where the critiques were brutal but transformative. She walked away with discipline, resilience, and the realization that art is as much about persistence as it is about talent. After school, she worked in graphic design and printing — jobs that gave her technical skills and a paycheck — all while keeping fine art alive in the background.
Performance, Animals, and Collage
Judy’s creativity doesn’t stay in one lane. She once brought art to the stage, painting live to music at theaters, fundraisers, and even the Copley Plaza in Boston. While she eventually returned to studio work, those experiences gave her a new kind of confidence.
In the studio, her love of animals has long been a theme. She dives deep into their anatomy so that even her more abstract interpretations carry structure and presence. Lately, she’s been pushing into collage, layering maps, sheet music, and magazine cutouts into her work. It’s messy, playful, and puzzle-like, and she loves how it pushes her in new directions.
The Frame Center Connection
One thread that runs through Judy’s career is her belief in the importance of presentation. She often credits Frame Center with elevating her work, even leaving pieces in Dave’s hands to choose the perfect frame. “You make me look good,” she said with a laugh. It’s proof of the trust and partnership between the artist and framer.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Judy? More exploration. She’s excited about landscapes, architecture, and continuing to merge painting with collage. Whatever direction she takes, her work remains full of energy, texture, and interpretation. Never static, always evolving.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
This 50th episode was more than just a number. It was a chance to sit down with an artist who embodies the spirit of the podcast: curiosity, creativity, and the courage to keep reinventing. Judy St. Peter’s story is a reminder that art is a lifelong journey, one that keeps unfolding in unexpected ways.
At Frame Center, we’re proud to support artists like Judy by giving their work the presentation it deserves. Whether it’s a cherished painting, a print, or a personal keepsake, the right frame makes all the difference. Stop by and let us help you showcase your art beautifully because every piece has a story worth telling.
