I love art. Before I settled in Atlanta, I was fortunate to live in several booming metropolis’s both of which offered an array of diverse cultural experiences. Also fueling an insatiable appetite for all forms and genres of art. In Washington, DC my friends & I were frequent (and enthusiastic) fixtures on the museum circuit from the National Gallery of Art to the Smithsonian. In NYC one of my friends worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, coupled with the fact that she also grew up amongst an extensive art collection. As an “honorary” member of the family, I soon found out that their appreciation for various art forms was second to their legendary hospitality. Dining in their home was somewhat like eating in a museum, minus the velvet ropes. Memories that will last a lifetime. After NYC, I began collecting art until we moved into a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home with limited “wall real estate.” And with a family, the visits to museums have lessened, but my passion for art remains the same.
As a designer, a few of our clients had extensive art collections, which became the springboard for color and fabric choices. However, the majority purchased art solely for it’s personal meaning, whether it was mass produced or custom. Art often establishes the mood of the room, and framing can truly make a piece of artwork come alive. It begs for framing, and as I learned over my career choosing the right frame can affect the overall presentation of the piece…and so much more…
So I was honored when Atlanta tastemakers, Jill & Steve McKenzie asked me to attend the West Coast Art & Frame Expo (WCAF) in Vegas, as part of the 2016 Bloggers Tour, a total immersion into the world of art and framing. For those of you who may not know, WCAF is the destination for the Art & Framing industry every year. From papers, mats, to fillets and frames we had an opportunity to see and experience the art and framing industry’s latest introductions. What I learned is that framing itself is an art form, manufactured with the highest form of artistry from sleek lacquered Italian framing to European Gesso & Gilded frames. It not only brings attention to art but elevates it.
“FRAMING NOT ONLY BRINGS ATTENTION TO ART BUT ELEVATES IT.”
Like interior design-framing & mats are based on fashion and home decor, and even in-house produced art is based on the ever evolving world of the home furnishings market & Pantone color trends. I wanted to share some of the top trends at the West Coast Art & Frame Expo along with some of the industries hottest framing introductions and a little visual inspiration…
In-House Art-The evolution of proprietary processes on in-house original pieces are impressive for 2016. The offerings ranged from special hand washes, hand embellished finishes, decographs & multi-original canvases treated with gesso and textured gold leaf.
Mat Boards–Many new mat board materials were unveiled including rag mats, couture quality, shimmer woven, metallic, fabrics and Belgian linens.
Framing–The framing industry closely follows the home furnishings market so it’s not surprising that many framing introductions mirrored finishes that are available and available in furniture, and flooring. Dark wood moldings and industrialized metals such as stainless steels have dominated. Framing has also become more shimmery to reflect light and create more depth.
Here is just a small sampling of frames highlighted at the West Coast Art & Frame Expo from some of the top frame suppliers in the world such as Larson-Juhl, Roma Moulding, FOTIOU, Framerica, Rhonda Feiman & Goldleaf Framemakers. Next week I’ll be sharing the in-house art offerings by World Art Group & Wild Apple….
Rhonda Feinman
There are so many options in framing & I encourage you to visit some of the links to the frame companies I visited.
Next week I’ll be sharing more inspired ideas from my trip to the West Coast Frame & Art Expo…
Until next time,
LIVE AN INSPIRED LIFE.
