Maddie Pepper- Owner/Frame expert
I have 16 years of professional experience in the custom framing industry, beginning at "On The Way" gallery in Tallahassee, Florida, where I received personalized framing lessons from a seasoned professional photographer. Subsequently, I honed my skills at The Frame Shoppe, specializing in framing sports jerseys and diplomas.
In 2014, I relocated to Seattle, Washington, and managed the Burien U-Frame-It for 18 months. For a brief period, I ventured into cabinetry, refining my woodworking skills and developing a deep appreciation for precision and craftsmanship.
Driven by a passion for framing, I returned to the industry and joined the framing department of Daniel Smith, a renowned art supply store. In 2018, I joined Framesmith, a well-established custom framing business, which I acquired from my mentor Tom in 2021.
Through my extensive experience and unwavering passion, I have developed a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of design principles, and a mastery of framing techniques. I am dedicated to providing my clients with exceptional service and exquisite craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is framed to its fullest potential. My goal is to not only preserve and protect artwork but also to enhance its visual impact and create a lasting impression.
I embarked on my framing journey back in 2014 at The Frame Shoppe in Tallahassee, Florida. My innate love for building and working with wood, coupled with Maddie's invaluable assistance in securing the position, made it a natural fit. I quickly found myself drawn to the intricacies of operating the machinery and manipulating the moulding, and over time, I honed my skills to become the primary frame builder. This role allowed me to master the art of crafting frames of all shapes, sizes, and complexities.
In 2022, I transitioned to Framesmith in Seattle, Washington. This move has been instrumental in my continued growth, as I've been able to further expand my skill set while collaborating with a diverse clientele of artists and galleries in the vibrant Seattle art scene. My responsibilities at Framesmith extend beyond frame building; I also dedicate a significant portion of my time to fitting artwork, meticulously repairing antique frames, and partnering with my husband, Tucker, on art installations. Additionally, I'm always ready to tackle the myriad of other tasks that arise in the dynamic framing environment.
Snow
I embarked on my journey at Framesmith in January 2022. However, my connection to the art of framing extends far beyond my official employment. I've been fortunate to have a lifelong association with framers, fostering friendships that have enriched my understanding and appreciation for this craft.
I fondly recall the "frame game" I used to play with Maddie after school during our teenage years – a playful yet insightful exploration of framing aesthetics. Additionally, my wife Snow, during our college years, framed my entire art portfolio at the very same frame shop where I now work. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the artistry and technical skill involved in framing.
Today, as a framer myself, I'm privileged to apprentice under Tom, my mentor, the previous owner, and current consultant at Framesmith. Under his expert guidance, I'm honing my skills in frame design, installation, and art handling. This multifaceted discipline encompasses a wide range of techniques required to prepare artwork for framing.
From meticulous conservation mounting and matting techniques to delicate art repair and canvas stretching, I'm mastering the intricacies of preserving and presenting artwork in its best possible light. I take particular pride in my developing specialty in handling textiles, recognizing the unique challenges and considerations involved in framing these delicate materials.
Tucker
The overseer of the office, I came to Framesmith as Maddies personal photographer.
I started working with Framesmith as an organizer for the space over a year ago and quickly shifted through spaces at the shop till we all agreed my place was in office overseeing day to day tasks. I also document work within the workshop as their personal photographer.
You can find me hiding in the office picking away at the many tasks that fill the frame shop so that everyone else can be all hands on deck to focus in on their specialized skills.
Baby Claypool
Business Manager/Shop Photographer
Tom is a consultant to the owner of Framesmith and its employees. He is an expert in art and object mounting, designing and engineering difficult artwork, project management, and employee training. Tom is known for his frame designs that do not get in the way of the artwork and for engineering frames for unique objects and oversized 2D work.
His aesthetic vision includes restrained architecture, tonal color accenting, darker natural woods, and matting that matches the paper. He draws creative inspiration from the geometry and restraint of Art Deco, the over-the-top detailing of the Baroque period, Henry Moore’s sculpture and line drawings, and the layered still life paintings of John Rizzotto.
In his personal life, Tom enjoys repairing and remodeling his 115-year-old home, utilizing existing materials whenever possible. His hobbies include geology, earth sciences, and road trips.
Tom’s memorable projects include coordinating the reframing of thousands of Chihuly woodblocks and lithographs and framing and installing artwork on over 70 yachts. He learned a valuable lesson about design by rebuilding a large pennant frame. If he were a frame, he would be a repurposed tabernacle frame from the Renaissance.