Framemaker and Conservator

As a traditional frame maker and frame conservator, I've often needed to assume the many roles of artist and craftsman, scientist, designer, art handler and frame historian.

Being fed the idea of art as a part of life and being surrounded by the workings of that idea at a very young age gave me a rarified perspective. It’s a perspective informed by growing up in an urban Midwestern converted warehouse live, work, and gallery space in the early 1970’s; a life that has helped shaped my work as a designer of frames and objects and developed a passion and respect for the stories these antique objects can tell.  My frame designs and fabrications are a never-ending pursuit of finding the simplest way to convey a beautiful idea and always bringing the hand of the craftsman to the forefront.

Origin Stories

In 2001 PBS produced a documentary film exploring the transformation of my hometown; the historic district of Lowertown Saint Paul, Minnesota. This short clip below gives a glimpse in to life growing up in an artists’ community focusing on historic preservation.

A short feature on The Master Framers. My parents restoration studio and frame gallery located in the heart of Lowertown Saint Paul, Minnesota.

A short clip from a Twin Cities local news affiliate featuring The Master Framers making a tabernacle frame for artist Stephen Gjertson's painting "Peace, be still". 1997