The craft of a picture frame maker

When creating a finished wooden frame for a specific object, a picture frame maker performs the tasks of a joiner, a carver, and a gilder. He begins with rough seasoned lumber. Once the lumber is dried properly, the joiner's task is to take rough lumber and shape it using saws and cutting tools. Today these tools are the table saw and a router table. Using traditional methods, the picture frame maker uses hand saws, wooden hand planes, combination planes, chisels and gouges, to finish shaping the desired profile. Once sanded, the lengths of moulding are cut and joined to specific dimensions. If the frame has carved ornamentation, then the carver's task is to add wood in order to create certain shapes and forms. When the carving is completed, the gilder prepares the wood surface. The desired finish may be one or a combination of the following finishes: painted, oil gilded or water gilded. The gilder's task is the final one performed by a picture frame maker. The Picture Frame Maker's association with traditional methods and procedures has in the past and will in the future continue making this hand-crafted service a significant part of the production of heirloom quality items for generations to come.

My education

My education began at the University of Alberta where I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Science. A few years later, I completed a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia. My knowledge of Art History allows me, as a picture frame maker, to provide a service that is built on historical tradition, allowing me to contribute to the Arts community.

My vision

My craftmanship is based on my research of traditional techniques or joinery, carving and gilding. My experiece restoring antique mirror and picture frames has sparked the interest of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Canadian Craft Museum and the Vancouver Museum . They, as well as collectors of fine art, acquire my service on a regular basis.

My work around the world

My work has been featured in the Heffel Gallery, Equinox Gallery, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Donald Young Gallery in Chicago, Lisson Gallery in London, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, and other galleries around the world.