Studio Bizio

I was outside taking a photo of this gallery as I'm a photographer, and keen on art myself when the person from the shop came outside and approached me disgruntled and asked if I needed anything (ak wanted me to leave the place) I responded that I was ok and was just taking photos and she replied with a very cynical "all right" and left. I left after this shot but, couldn't get the feeling that I was not welcome there (the main street). I'd suggest moving the gallery somewhere more private with no access to the general public, and not in the historic part of Edinburgh. The lady didn't like me being there from the outset as her facial expressions and nervousness radiated from her from the outset and she had made plenty of assumptions by that time.I often interact with people through photography and art and I'm never intrusive or overbearing like some photographers can, and not sure what was going through this person's mind or how she defines "curiosity" and "interest". I've been invited inside by other owners in the past or had a chat, and can tell if I'm welcomed. I don't make assumptions as we are all different. This interaction (or rather intervention) was not genuine which was a shame. I was drawn by the colour and vibrancy of this place on this sunny day and wanted nothing more than to be happy and explore the town and it is beautiful intricacies.Perhaps the owner had negative experience in the past, and assumed I was not going to buy or explore the shop or was there only to "annoy her", It is hard to tell, but this was my subjective experience. Shop window/displays - the eyes of the inner world waiting to be looked at.

I had the good fortune to commission Joanna of Studio Bizio to frame two large oil paintings on canvas - copies of still life works originally painted by artists in the Low Countries in the 17th century. Joanna is more of a framing consultant than a common or garden framer: she thinks hard about the most appropriate frame both for the painting and its location. She researched Dutch frames of the relevant period and worked out how to create a frame to fit on a curved wall, and she did it with enormous enthusiasm. It helps that she's an artist's eye for what will work.

Blown away by the beautiful crafted artwork. The frames in themselves are a piece of art. The gentleman and lady in the shop could not be nicer and their knowledge of everything they sell is a testament to their love of art and creativity. The Edinburgh map framed prints are on my bucket list. If you want an art and framing shop that is a true artistic experience then you will be hard pushed to find anything better.

Lovely friendly shop with top quality advice from the enthusiastic owner