the Art of Framing
Framing – it's a topic that often tiptoes into the conversation whenever art lovers see an exhibition. I personally don’t frame unless its on paper or watercolour or both, here’s why!
Framing, undoubtedly, is a deeply personal choice. While I've dabbled in professional framing on occasion, the associated costs and risks of potential buyers liking the frame as much as I do, have always given me pause. There have been moments, not in my own art but in others', where the frame seemed to overpower the artwork or hindered its connection with potential buyers. These experiences left me questioning the necessity of framing canvas for an exhibition altogether.
Canvas, particularly the deep-edge variety that I favour, possesses an intrinsic allure all of its own. I find myself drawn to the raw beauty of its exposed edges, adorned with splashes of paint that tell their own story of the art being created. While conventional wisdom may suggest framing canvases in a box frame, I've always been enchanted by their ability to command attention without the need for embellishment. Of course a frame is art in of itself.
Occasionally, a buyer may choose to frame a canvas post-purchase, as was the case with my artwork "The Right Side of Chaos." Being asked for permission for Hang Bristol to share the photos of my work they had framed, I couldn't help but marvel at the newfound harmony between the artwork and its frame. So there are exceptions.
The Right Side of Chaos by Chris Shopland framed by Hang Bristol on request by the collector
However, when it comes to paper-based works, framing takes on a more practical role for protection. Watercolours and gouaches, in particular with being able to be reactivated with water or moisture, require protection from the elements to preserve their vibrancy and integrity over time. Despite my penchant for experimenting with unconventional materials like foam board, I'm acutely aware of the need for additional safeguards to ensure their longevity when doing so.
On the flip side, acrylic on paper presents an opportunity for creative presentation methods, such as hanging with bulldog clips for a whimsical touch. There is less need for protection, the paint will outlive the paper and I believe its a myth that acrylic won’t last, its plastic that lasts millions of years. There’s a certain charm in the juxtaposition of unconventional mediums and makeshift framing solutions. I saw this bulldog clip, the handles hooked over a nail holding up this gigantic printed photograph in black and white showing every skin pore, at Liverpool Tate, they didn't mind using bulldog clips so why not at home too?
While framing undoubtedly has its merits as an art form, I've always been drawn to the idea of letting my artwork speak for itself. The addition of a frame often comes with a hefty price tag, time spent on it and potentially deterring prospective buyers who may be put off by the added expense and if it's not in their style. Instead, I've found joy in repurposing discarded frames or sourcing eclectic alternatives, each imbued with its own unique history and character.
For me, art is an intimate form of expression, and framing can sometimes feel like an imposition on that authenticity, and I have joy in seeing others express their creativity while in the framing process. Hang Bristol for example will often hand paint a lot of their frames. Niche where I get my prints will advise what’s best for the art, and recently they helped me crop one of them, taking away any unneeded white paper to better show the art off, it looks amazing! Moreover, my lack of expertise in woodworking of any kind, framing included, has further solidified my preference for unframed presentation methods and leaving the art of framing up to the experts and those who have bought my art to discuss at length what their vision for the frame is.
Ultimately, I leave the decision to frame up to the individual collector to work with a professional fine art framing service, a collector whose fallen for my artwork and has ideas for how they wish to display it and show it off. While some may view it as a necessary enhancement, others may appreciate the opportunity to customise their acquisition according to their own aesthetic sensibilities upon purchase. Meanwhile, I remain committed to exploring innovative ways to elevate the presentation of my artwork, ensuring that each piece continues to captivate and inspire, and who knows maybe I’ll stumble upon a fun framing solution in the future.
Close up of the bespoke frame by Hang Bristol
