Thursday, October 14, 2010

Custom Framing. Custom Service.



At J Pocker & Son we strive to make every framing project a personalized experience, we deliver truly custom design of exquisite quality and detail. Often we are brought something so special that it inspires the creation of a specifically tailored frame design. Recently, two of our staff members collaborated on a one of a kind frame project with stunning results. The client came to us with a finely detailed piece in the Tibetan Tantric tradition. Such pieces were meant for contemplation, to be used as meditation devices. In the initial meeting designers Pascal Jalabert & Paul Jordan were drawn to Badura profiles, but none of the samples were exactly right. Wanting to offer the best design possible for an amazing piece of art, the team put their creative juices to work drafting a frame that would showcase the art. They made initial sketches, presented them to the client and selected the final design shown here.

The inspiration for the frame took several things into account including the sense of space, color scheme and context in history. The frame design would ideally look Tibetan with a contemporary feel and a nod to tradition. Small details work together to make subliminal design statements such as the sides of the frame which evoke stack construction reminiscent of the Tibetan temples in Lhasa. Technical decisions such as finish and clay color were thoughtfully chosen, for example, the silver and platinum gilding, yellow/red clay base, black patina and varying levels of rub.

The finished piece is fully archival. Its a refined frame design that showcases an exceptional piece, allowing them both to shine. We welcome the opportunity to assist with your frame design challenges from the straightforward to the extreme.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Hamptons Maps: The Perfect Host Gift

http://www.jpocker.com/superfile/prints/Southcoast_LongIsland.jpg

We now find ourselves smack in the middle of the dog days of summer. If you are lucky enough to have an invitation somewhere with cool breezes and lazy days then thank your host with a unique and personal gift. J Pocker introduces its new, and exclusive, collection of Hamptons maps. These “go-with-everything” maps will compliment any décor for stress-free gift giving. They’ll remind the recipient of summer days long into the winter months and guarantee you’ll be invited back next year.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Robyn Pocker: Steward of Growth


In a challenging economy J. Pocker is positioned for growth. At the helm, Robyn Pocker, leading exciting changes here at J Pocker.
Robyn Pocker has worn many hats at J. Pocker, culminating into her position today as the company's President, third generation owner and the first female to operate the formidable business since the day her grandparents opened it in 1926.
Growing up in the business and working under her father, Marvin Pocker, Robyn learned the principles and business acumen that earned J. Pocker's reputation as the tri-state area's premier framing shop. In the 35 years Robyn has been active in the business, she has helped lead its growth from one to six locations including four retail shops, a trade showroom in New York's Decorating & Design building and a 10,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Westechester County. Dedicating her focus and time to developing J. Pocker's tradition of exclusive global sourcing, she worked on maintaining the company's long-standing relationships with distinguished European art dealers and suppliers. Robyn was also instrumental in bringing unprecedented art and framing products to J. Pocker.
Her long history in the art and framing industry serves to lead us into the future with designs for a new generation. Congratulations Robyn!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How to Make the Most of Your Visit



The most rewarding part of art & frame design is interacting with our clients. Frame design becomes a joint creative effort combining our technical expertise with our customer's taste. Our staff will take the time to ensure you are completely satisfied, but we also know your time is valuable. Here is a list of tips to help you get the most out of your trip to J Pocker.

1) Measure the usable space where you'd like your art to hang. Make note of light switches, mouldings, sconces, etc.

2) With some newspaper and wallpaper tape you can safely experiment by creating a "mock-up" layout on your wall. When you have the correct proportions you can measure the template giving you a sense of scale for the finished product.

3) We always "frame to the art", meaning we design according to what looks best on a piece, not to match the sofa! That being said, its important to consider the elements in a room. Paint chips, fabric swatches and/or pictures of the room can help us design framing that will be right at home in your space.

4) Sometimes knowing what you don't like can be as important as what you do like. Giving thought to what does or does not appeal to you can assist your framer in presenting ideas that will showcase your art and your personal style.

5) Plan ahead. Our designers are happy to make frame recommendations in advance of your visit. We offer pick-up to the Upper East Side or you can drop off art before you come in to frame. By simply speaking with one of our employees we can arrange to look at your art and have a presentation ready for a time that is convenient for you.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Tortoise Shell: The Next Level in Luxury Framing

Luxury framing materials can range from lustrous gold leaf to mirror inlay, exotic woods to modern resins. Real tortoise shell has been prized since ancient Roman times as a veneer to accent everything from furniture to jewelry- and eventually frames. In 1973 the trade of tortoise shell was banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Demand from the design community for something fresh has brought about the comeback of tortoise shell and due to advances in frame materials, its finally possible. Though we see many items called "tortoise shell" they rarely, if ever, capture the correct translucency and texture of the real thing. J Pocker's new line of tortoise shell veneer frames do just that. Gold leaf frames embellished with high quality faux tortoise shell are statement pieces that will stand the test of time. They are also versatile, complimenting natural history subjects and mirrors alike.