By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
Theresa DePonceau knew when she was a little girl that she wanted to be an interior designer. Growing up in Rochester, NY, the eldest of four sisters, she has artistic genes dating back to her grandparents. Her paternal grandfather started a metal shop to produce metal artwork known as repousse, which means the transfer of one metal to another. Her father took over the shop until his passing and now Theresa is finding her way as a third generation metal artisan. But it is residential and, initially, marine interior design that has provided Theresa her livelihood. Upon her graduation from Savannah College of Art and Design, she took a job with yacht manufacturer Sea Ray, moving on to other marine companies before moving over to residential interior design. Today, she works with custom builders and has an interior design studio in her home.
Q: How did you know that interior design would be your career?
A: It just kind of came to me. My maternal grandmother had a beautiful home and a great sense of style. If anyone was to get credit for what I think I’m capable of, it would be her. I used to practice in my own parents’ home when I was a child; I’d move the furniture around all the time.
Q: What was your biggest career influence?
A: I worked for Sea Ray for seven years in marine residential design and only left because of the financial crisis that occurred after 9/11. I went on to other opportunities with Silverton Marine, which was part of LUHRS. This is what brought me to St. Augustine. Since the closing of this company, I’ve worked on a consultative basis for several manufacturers and private yacht owners. Ultimately I moved on to residential design.
Q: How does residential design differ from marine design?
A: The marine process was faster because of the production timeline. I worked on all the interior finishes, including upholstery, countertops, curtains and fixed furniture, which was smaller in scale and size. For residential, there are more options in all these categories. I design for the way that people live in their homes. I always hope to create a living space with the same timeless sensibility that I use to build a wardrobe.
Q: What can you share about the metal artwork family business?
A: At the metal shop started by my grandfather in Rochester, we have a metal shop library of 176 steel dies that have been hand carved by my grandfather, my father, and other artisans over the years. One of the dies commemorates the 150th anniversary of St. Augustine. Each weighs between 50 – 80 pounds. The finished pieces, primarily in aluminum, are all made by hand, hammered from the dies so that the metal actually becomes a relief of the die. We offer platters, bread trays and circular serving trays.
Q: Are these metal artworks available for sale?
A: Yes, I do the occasional art show and have some inventory locally. I’m working on an Etsy page.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy yoga, walking on the beach and painting.
Photo courtesy Theresa DePonceau
Theresa DePonceau with some of her metal artworks.
