Framing with an Artist’s Eye
I’m fond of our tagline “Framing with an artist’s eye” – it reflects how I approach each and every order that comes to the shop. It also expresses how we differ from other frame shops.
Recently, a customer asked me what it means to “frame with an artist’s eye.” The question got me thinking more about my approach to framing and how to describe it.
One way to describe an artist’s eye is as a way of looking at (or seeing) things. Science (!) even studied the artist’s eye and came to the conclusion that artists scan scenes differently than nonartists:
According to one study, when shown a picture, artists’ scanned the whole picture, including apparently empty expanses of ocean or sky, while the nonartists focused in on objects, especially people. Nonartists spent about 40 percent of the time looking at objects, while artists focused on them only 20 percent of the time.
According to the researcher, the results suggested that while nonartists were busy turning images into concepts, artists were taking note of colors and contours.
Some say you can develop an artist’s eye through training, some say it’s more innate. Honestly, I’m not sure.
I think perhaps the “artists eye” boils down to two things – just looking at things a bit differently and seeing more possibilities. You make connections and think outside of the box to create something unique.
I’ve trained as an artist – at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and graduating from NIU with a BFA in painting. My knowledge of art history is also helpful. For example, being able to identify the various styles and eras helps me to match art to a frame.
Getting a custom framed piece to look “just right” is a result of many factors. First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right combination of frame and mat for the artwork to create a harmonious look. I always strive to do what is best for the artwork
In addition to the style, size and texture of the frame and matting, color is the key to getting that “just right” look. Selecting colors that match or complement each other isn’t as easy as it may seem. Indeed, there’s more to color than meets the eye.
Framing with the artist’s eye isn’t something you can find online or at the big-box store. There’s no substitute for your local frame shop – owned and operated by an artist!