I GOT FRAMED!
Literally, my art got framed. Yep. Go ahead and groan.
In all seriousness though, framing is a huge headache for artists. They exhaust their imagination, time and money trying to present a framed version of their work. It should be easy, right? Wrong. The way artwork is presented can change the viewer's perception. For example, in galleries or museums I blow past traditionally matted and framed work. To me, this presentation screams, I'm boring! I'm distant! You have to fight to see me. But I stop and stare at pieces that have no frame, or who's framing is a skillfully integrated part of the piece. I strive for this in my own work.
Finding framing solutions has been a serious struggle. I want the work to appear cherished, important, and approachable. I want there to be as few barriers as possible - plastic, glass, or excess matting. And after much despair and more applied willpower, I think I've found a winner . . . Behold! The standoff model!
The wood and paper backing allow for easy custom sizing. Acrylic or glass can be placed on top of the work if additional protection is desired. The design is simple to craft and indefinitely flexible. The standoffs feel clean, modern and professional, though a bit heavy on smaller pieces. Needless to say, I'm giddy over the numerous problems solved by this approach. Yay me!
“The frame can be virtually invisible; well-made and unmemorable, or it can take a more active role and have a certain resonance with a picture. And when you start from scratch, when you design a frame singularly, to work in concert with a piece of art, you can have something powerful. You can have a dialogue.” -Jed Bark, a master framer
Let the experiments begin.
*insert mad laugh here*
Up next for framing are these two oldies but goodies. If you love it, buy it! They're for sale!
Saola - Jewel of the Ammonites
12in x 12in, pen, 2017
Mechanized Organics
9in x 12in, pen, 2017