{"id":17222,"date":"2022-08-05T20:09:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T20:09:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grafixarts.com\/?p=17222"},"modified":"2022-08-05T20:14:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-05T20:14:17","slug":"grafix-blog-framing-presentation-of-my-paintings-on-grafix-drafting-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafixarts.com\/grafix-blog-framing-presentation-of-my-paintings-on-grafix-drafting-film\/","title":{"rendered":"Framing Grafix Drafting Film"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Framing & Presentation of My Paintings on Grafix Drafting Film<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Carole Silverstein<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two methods I use to \u201cframe\u201d and present my paintings on Grafix Drafting Film or Matte Dura-Lar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have been painting on Grafix Drafting Film (4 or 5 mil double sided matte) with Acrylic Inks since 1997 when I started to install & layer overlapping rectangles of the translucent film directly onto a white wall. This was fine in the studio but when it came time to show the work in galleries, I needed a better solution. That\u2019s when a professional framer suggested that I use an archival double-sided transparent tape (that\u2019s also reversible). For many years – due to loving the ephemeral quality and translucency of the drafting film (and Dura-Lar) – that is how I presented my pieces. Using an archival clear adhesive Double-Sided Film Tape #415, \u00bc\u201d size, I attached a few small pieces intermittently along the top and at the bottom corners, or as needed. I also always pinned them at the top two corners for security. I used white map tack pins to be as unobtrusive and elegant as possible. I don\u2019t recommend ever adhering to the wall without pins. The painting can potentially fall and get damaged (dented permanently).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I began selling my paintings to collectors, the issue of care, handling & stewardship came up. When my work was smaller, I constructed a special portfolio box for the paintings to live in, plus hanging instructions, for when on display. But for most collectors they wanted them framed. An early collector and supporter of mine had them professionally, traditionally framed floating under plexiglass with a spacer (so as not to touch the surface). The #415 tape was also used. This solution was ok but not ideal, as the surfaces of my paintings have iridescent and reflective parts which get lost behind glass. I also didn\u2019t like them trapped in a traditional frame, which weighed down and contained the piece, losing their special quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happily, I finally found an excellent solution that I love. I was recommended to a company called Finishing Concepts (https:\/\/www.finishingconcepts.biz\/<\/a>) in LA, where I live. They adhere large scale photographs onto different substrates (aluminum, dibond, plexi, etc.) with archival tapes for museums and galleries. I subsequently found that many high-end professional framers also do this type of work. After doing many small-scale sample tests with them, using various transparent archival tapes and different substrates, we came up with the solution. The framing company uses transparent archival tape to adhere my paintings on Grafix Drafting Film onto a custom-built white aluminum \u201cframe\u201d with no glaze and no covering like glass or plexiglass. The white aluminum is constructed like a canvas to keep it lightweight but structurally strong and is only 3\/4 inch thick from the wall. It has a whole hidden cleat system integrated on the back. When it hangs on the wall it maintains that lovely floating quality but is substantial and protected. It is a permanent adherence. That was scary at first, given that this is a one-of-a-kind painting, as opposed to a photograph that can be reprinted if needed. But there\u2019s never been a problem (they are very reputable), and I do love that the work is protected for longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This solution is not in-expensive; however, it is an investment. It also makes it easier to sell and is better protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some additional information and options with these framing solutions and exhibiting your work on Grafix<\/strong> Matte films:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had a solo show in early 2020 where I did not frame them. I had one small, framed work near the entrance to the gallery as an example for potential collectors. The rest I taped and pinned in the earlier method. This was an economical decision. A work or two did sell, and the new collectors paid for the frame as part of the price of the work. They got framed & delivered to the collectors once the show came down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my most recent solo show from November-December 2021, \u201cshe wears her potency as ornaments (the garden)\u201d at Nancy Toomey Fine Art, Minnesota Street Projects, San Francisco – everything was framed in the new manner. Here is a link to the show, with a 1 minute video where you can see how they look, https:\/\/nancytoomeyfineart.com\/artists-exhibitions\/carole-silverstein-she-wears-her-potency-as-ornaments-the-garden\/#<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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