Today I thought I would share with you an article that I found on framing your artwork in a way that it doesn't compete with the art itself. It was written by Aazdak Alisimo who writes for ArtFramingGalleries.com. I share most of Aazdak's views about framing myself in how I handle framing my own oil paintings.
From the very beginning, art framing has been held to be an integral part of the art itself. It must compliment it and support it without trying to overcome it.
The approach to framing has changed through the years. In the beginning, it was considered to be an art. In fact, many early artists designed and made their own frames. It was considered an extension of the art itself. In many cases, the designs of these elaborate carved frames were really more valuable than the painting they enclosed. It might be said that framing and painting were competing disciplines.
In recent years, the approach has changed a bit. It is now more the feeling that the art is the important thing and the frame exists to compliment the art. It should no longer compete with the art itself. This is especially true in the framing of fine art prints. The use of double and triple matting to further 'frame" the image is one example of the theory that everything should be directed at enhancing the appeal of the art.
This new approach has led to the use of much less elaborate frames for subjects that are fairly simple in concept. It is no longer important that the frame be elaborate and large if this does not serve to compliment the image and the subject of the image. This change of attitude has allowed even more imagination in the color, material, and size of frames. A plain metal frame could be more perfect for a certain print than a carved, elaborate wooden frame. The framer remains an artist, but now his art is servant to the image.
Along with this sense of the framer as servant to the image, the protection of the image is important to the framer. The framer understands the importance of materials to the idea of protection and preservation of art. Modern framing theory would encourage the framer to suggest the use of materials intended to make preservation of art possible. The idea is that a work of art is going to be attacked by time, but the spearhead of this attack should not be the frame or the framing materials.
Art framing theory has changed over the years. The modern framer has much more respect for the image. The successful framer is going to be a bit of an artist or at least have a good sense of color. The frame is designed to compliment and enhance the image of the art while not detracting from it. At the same time, it protects the image as much as possible.
Aazdak Alisimo writes about
