What's in a frame?

A work of art can really come to life, given the right frame. While a beautifully embellished frame can have the power to make a work look more regal and elegant, a simple black or metallic frame can add a finished look to a piece. Frames can also add an extra pop of color that brings out certain colors or details in a work of art.

On the other hand, frames can also have a negative effect on a work of art. A beautifully embellished frame  on the wrong work of art can have the power to draw attention away from the artist's work. In cases such as these, a patron of the arts can end up buying a work of art FOR THE FRAME, rather than the actual artwork within.

While I do frequently display my giclee prints in frames, I less often choose to display my original works in frames. Don't get me wrong-- I do think that frames can add a lot to a work of art (and are an important part of several of my pieces).  However, I often choose to finish my paintings in a very different way.

The majority of my visual stories are painted on something called cradled panel board. Basically, it is a board with a canvas texture, affixed to 3/4-inch boards, creating a thin box which, when hung on the wall, sticks out slightly. I choose to paint my works on these boards for several reasons: 1.) I like the sturdier surface for my mixed media process. The board allows for more pressure than a canvas would when I am affixing the book pages to my surface; 2.) The 3/4" edge provides a frame of sorts. When I am finished with my part of a visual story, I paint the edges to symbolize the end of my part in the story. Also, the minimalistic-look of the painted edge finish, rather than the frame, symbolizes a page in a book--yet another reference to storytelling; 3.) The colorful edge of the painting also provides the viewer with the feeling that, although there is a border containing the story, there is room for the story to expand and grow (as the border is on the sides, rather than cutting into the image on the surface).

So, if you happen to see one of my original works of art hanging in a show, I hope this gives you a little more insight into why it is being displayed with or without a frame!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,

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