Framer Spotlight: Debra Kowalski

There are plenty of good reasons to come to Chelsea Frames, and one of them certainly is Deb. 

I remember the first day she came to Chelsea Frames looking for a place to plant her artistic feet in this great big city.  At the time, I was merely a sales manager here, but the minute she walked out the door I immediately took the owner aside and said, "I really think you should offer her a position."  That was a gutsy move for me, considering I had no authority over hiring and firing procedures, but I knew she was a perfect fit for this company.



Deb (left) and I at the sales counter

 You see, Deb and I go way back.  Even though I hadn't expected to see her that day, she and I first met a few years prior while working at a big box store in Albany, New York.  We had both been hired within a week of each other, and while we worked in different departments, we were both art students (she at St. Rose, and I at UAlbany) and became fast friends.  Eventually, we graduated and went our separate ways.  I went on to work for another frame shop in Syracuse before relocating down to the city.  She had briefly held a teaching position and decided it was time to make a career change.  It had been a few years since we last saw each other or kept in touch, so it was fate that brought her to Chelsea Frames that day.

Deb's keen sense of style is why we love her.  That and her passion for everything she does. In fact, I admire her approach to framing so much she's designed many frames for pieces in my personal art collection.

I asked Deb some questions about what makes her tick, and what inspires her.  

Q: Tell us what your role is at Chelsea Frames.

A: As the senior sales associate at Chelsea Frames I handle many aspects of client relations and sales. Chelsea Frames assists a wide array of clients ranging from galleries to the general public as well as architects, interior and set designers, artists and various organizations to name a few. My role is to provide our clients with custom framing options that will protect and preserve their treasures for the long-term.

I often collaborate with our fitters and on-site wood shop to develop special orders as well as with our business manager, Andy, to coordinate deliveries, pick-ups and invoices. Jaclyn and I determine which new frames will be added to our collection and we also collaborate with our off-site conservators and mounting experts to provide our clients with opportunities to have their works professionally cleaned, repaired, mounted or linen-backed.

Q: Describe your framing style.

A: I consider my framing style to be classic, contemporary gallery style. I don’t think you can go ever wrong with simple, clean design however I always take into consideration the aesthetic preferences of our clients to achieve a design that unifies their personal style with the art object.

Q: What are your inspirations?



A: So many things inspire me...the unpredictability of this incredible city for one! Our friendly neighbors, Billy’s Bakery, our fabulous staff, and of course our mascot Kiwi. In framing it is often the artwork and the person who owns it that first inspires me and sparks a vision for the frame design. I often try to consider the history of the object that is being framed and to choose a frame design, which will incorporate some aspect of that in a contemporary way. It is especially inspiring (and fun) if the client is excited about what they are framing!

Q: Besides framing what are your other interests/hobbies?

A: It is rare that I am without a passion for something in my life. Since the fall of 2009 I have been enrolled in a master’s program at the Fashion Institute of Technology called Art Market: Principles & Practices. This program has broadened my understanding of the art market and the art world more than I ever imagined. I have taken classes in gallery management, appraisal, art business, marketing, art law, the history of contemporary art and the New York art world. This past November, my classmates and I organized Collect + Art + Delete, a panel discussion which focused on e-commerce and the art market. We are currently planning a group exhibition for the end of the spring term.

Q: Pick three of your favorite frames and explain why they are your favorite.

A: VT 120 (Chelsea Frames' house moulding)

This is one of my favorites from our collection of house frames. It’s considered a gallery style frame characterized by a thin face and a deep back. It looks great on works up to 11x14 in size and is a clean, contemporary profile. This is something your can frame almost everything in. It comes in several larger sizes and finishes and can be milled from walnut, maple, ash or cherry wood.

Skull Frames from DM DZigns Collection by Direct Moulding

To say I have an affinity for the somewhat edgy would be an understatement. So, when Jaclyn told me that Chelsea Frames was going to carry this line, I cheered. After finding out that a frame from this collection was sold before it even had a space on our wall, I did a little victory dance. Exciting!

Framing recommendation: Large skull and crossbones frame paired with our smoky mirror!

San Marcos Frames has an impressive line of high-end, hand carved frames. Manufactured in Columbia and made entirely of tropical cedar hardwood, these frames are absolutely stunning when fit with a mirror but can also be used for other framing projects. The more I learn about the process which goes into creating these frames the more I consider the frames themselves to be a work of art!

Q: What is the most interesting thing you’ve framed?

A: This summer will mark my fifth year at Chelsea Frames so I have seen quite a few interesting things pass though our doors! There is not possibly one thing that I could choose as my favorite but just to name a few, there have been works by street artists, props for movies, Brazilian headdresses with gorgeous feathers, Russian icons, works from private collections, action figures and a wheat-pasted Darth Vader helmet.

Understanding the Value of Custom Framing

Somebody asked me how someone my age came to own this business. She found it unusual that a person would grow up dreaming of owning a picture framing studio.  Its true that it didn't happen that way for me. Not that the industry isn't glamorous (those of you who know me know that it certainly can be), but that a lot of trade businesses, like framing, are usually handed down by family or as a hobby business for retirees. Custom framing, I think, is something that many people of younger generations (like my generation) understand less and less. 

One of the most common objections I face when dealing with custom framing clients is cost.  Many people have a difficult time wrapping their heads around the idea that "four sticks of wood" can cost anywhere from a hundred to several thousand dollars when they can go to Bed Bath & Beyond and pick up a photo frame for mere dollars.  The other common objection is learning that the process usually takes two weeks, but can sometimes be up to 6-8 weeks.  There's a good explanation for all of this...

1. You're getting a hand crafted product made by skilled artisans. Think about having a piece of furniture custom made, or having customizations done on your car.  Wouldn't you also expect there to be a premium?  I contemplated this recently when I considered having some chairs professionally re-upholstered.  The initial price shocked me, but after considering the amount of work and skill that the job required, I quickly understood.  After all, that's why I brought it to them instead of attempting to do it myself.

If you've read the previous post, then you'll know that a lot goes into milling and manufacturing that wood to make it into frame.  We carry mouldings that come from all over the world--from gilded in France, to hand carved in South America.  We also carry a line of frames that are made right here in our shop.  Each "house frame" is made of solid hardwood and is carefully joined, sanded and stained to perfection--all by hand.  The signature technique we use has been passed down from owner to owner in the 25 years we've been in business.

Aside from moulding, we cut all of our mats and glazing in house.  All of the mounting is done by hand.  The artwork never leaves the premises unless otherwise specified. 

Each frame is built for a specific piece of art, and every detail is customized.  There is no "standard" in our shop.   

2. You're getting expert design advice.  The majority of our staff members have some sort of artistic background, and all of them have experience in framing.  If you want our opinion, we'll be happy to offer it to you.  Any member of our design team will be able to help you select framing that fits your both your aesthetic and budget while keeping in mind the best presentation for the art.  We always like a challenge and will always try something new.  We've framed everything from works on paper to beach balls (fully inflated, of course), from oil paintings to undergarments (seriously).  It's rare that you'll get a "we can't do that" from us.  And the best part is, the advice is always free.

3. Your investment will be protected.  UV glazing and acid free materials come standard in our frame packages.  In fact, it's the only option we provide.  We pride ourselves on offering the best quality materials available to our clients.  There's nothing worse than having to explain to a client that their precious items had been damaged because their previous framer did not take the same precautions.  For this purpose we also offer restoration services, and the consultation is free. 


Here's a different thought on the subject: Another framer told me that they felt business had been suffering because this younger generation is more tech savvy and rely more and more on the internet as a purchasing tool.  As someone who conquered their Christmas shopping entirely online, I understand the truth behind this.  They're building businesses in their pajamas in the comfort of their own home. Just a few weeks ago I attended a symposium about the convenience and issues with buying art online.  I've done it myself.  I haven't figured out how to incorporate custom framing services that can be conducted efficiently online, but I'm working on it.

As coincidence would have it, just as I was wrapping up this post, a gentlemen passed by the shop with two young girls (I assume his daughters).  They couldn't have been more than eight years old.  He didn't want anything framed, but the showroom of samples had caught the girls attention from the street. He just wanted the opportunity to tell his daughters what we do in here.