Interview: Jacqui Vidal, Signed and Numbered

Published: Trespass Magazine

By chance one day, I walked into Signed and Numbered and was immediately drawn to the homely feel of the space. The gallery, which specialises in limited edition prints, was founded and run by the lovely Jacqui Vidal. The selection of (affordable) artworks is vast and capable of appealing to a range of personal tastes; in fact, some of Ian Mutch’s work – whom we interviewed last week – is showcased there also. However, what was most striking were the picture frames, which have been treated with a stunning acrylic finish and are also, frameless. Counterintuitive indeed, but these unique frameless picture frames make sense, and come in a myriad of colours created to draw one’s focus on the artwork rather than the frames themselves.

Name: Jacqui Vidal

Occupation: Owner and founder of Signed and Numbered

1.  Tell us about your store, Signed and Numbered: Signed and Numbered is a little gallery in Prahran that specialises in limited edition prints by some of today’s most exciting artists. We’re currently showcasing prints from over 30 artists including Vexta, Kelly Smith, Acorn, Miso, FAKE and Delicate Mayhem. 

2.  Why did you decide to open Signed and Numbered? I’d just moved back to my hometown of Melbourne after having spend 7 years living interstate and overseas. I was ready for my next project and had a real desire to work for myself. I had the idea to open a gallery that was set-up more like a record store then a traditional gallery space, and things just snowballed from there.

3.  What kind of art are you most fond of? I love limited edition prints because they allow just about anyone to become an art collector.

4.  Do you have any favorite artworks currently in your store? I select every limited edition print personally so they’re all favourites of mine.

5.  What does work usually involve? Lot’s of emailing and cleaning!

6.  A piece of artwork that would be your dream to own: When my boyfriend and I were in Buenos Aires a couple of years ago we were talking to a local artist who invited us to his exhibition. He created the most amazing works that revolved around the words of Beatles songs. We organised to buy some works at his market stall a couple of days later but the market was rained out. I would love to track him down and buy some pieces.

7.  If I weren’t doing what I do now, I’d be… living by the ocean.

8.  Set the mood: When I work… I usually snack way too much.

9.  I click my heels together when… a customer emails me a picture a framed print they purchased hanging on their wall at home.

10.  I experienced something close to Stendhal’s syndrome when… I see amazing street art in the most unlikely places.

11.  The one event that drove me to open Signed & Numbered was… moving back to Melbourne and being inspired by its amazing art scene.

12.  Recommend a film: 30 Days of Night, or anything with blood and vampires – I have the worst taste in movies…

13.  Aside from work, I like to… spend time with my wonderful boyfriend Casey and our whippet Dexter.

14.  My dream is to… spend 6 months every year living in a fantastic and foreign location.

15.  My next goal is… to get through the next 5 months.

16.  What would we find in your refrigerator? Drinking coconuts and chocolate. Always Lindt.

17.  The best advice I ever received was from… my boyfriend. He said ‘stop over thinking everything!’

Signed and Numbered is located at: Shop 4, 155 Greville Street, Prahran, 3181, Melbourne

For more information, visit: http://signedandnumbered.com.au/

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