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A friend of mine suggested I become a friend of Michael Corbin, the Artbook Guy, on facebook. I did and he asked me if he could do an interview regarding framing. He does many interviews with artists and said fine art framing mystified him. I said I would do my best to try and explain our business. We then emailed back and forth questions and answers. To read the interview visit his website at ArtBookGuy.Com . I'll let you decide whether the shroud of mystery has been lifted.
When we travel, we always try and visit our customers. On our recent New York trip we not only visited five of our customers but we made a video tape of the visit. We did this for a number of reasons. The primary reason is that it is fun. We share an interest in how things are made. We are both interested in work spaces,tools, techniques, and processes. And as we learn more about each other we can share information that can help us both. I think you will find these studio visits interesting for all of the above reasons. You will also see a variety of very interesting work. We have added a customer studio visit section to our website which we will continue to add to as we make more studio tours. Take a look I think you will enjoy them as much as we did. Customer Studio Visits
One of the nice things about our digital world is that we can now see the work that
goes into our frames. This is a major exhibition at the Michael Lord Gallery in
California that I think will interest you.
The public is invited to attend an opening reception for the artist on Friday, March 4, from 6 to 8 pm. The exhibit continues through April 2, 2011.
A painter of landscapes, David Einstein prefers to work in an abstract vein that gives him the freedom to render nature subjectively. Along with his paintings, Einstein explores ink and brush mark making on handmade paper and ceramic surfaces. The gallery is concurrently publishing a landmark book illustrative of his outstanding career.
MICHAEL H. LORD GALLERY features a wide range of contemporary art across all genres including painting, photography, video, installation, public and sculpture work. The gallery is located at 1090 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. For more information, contact Sam Heaton at 760-699-8957 or visit online at www.michaelhlordgallery.com
The Robert Kushner exhibition opens February 26 and will be on exhibit until April 9, 2011.
We have had the pleasure of working with the Jerald Melberg Gallery for many years. They are located in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are a very well respected gallery that deals with a wide range of artists ranging in styles from abstract, representational, and realist. They are members of the Fine Art Dealers Association and participate in many of the premiere fine art fairs. The following lists the art fairs they will be participating In 2011. Palm Beach Art Fair February 18 – 22nd, the Armory show in New York March 3 – 6th, the Dallas Art fair April 8 – 10th, the Chicago Art Fair April 29th – May 2nd, the San Francisco Fine Art Fair May 21 – 23rd, Art Aspen August 5 – 7th, and Art Miami November 30 – December 4th.
If you can't see the Kushner show in person, visit their website to see some beautiful work. Jerald Melberg Gallery
One of the reasons I like our business so much is that we are a part of the art community. And within this community many are very generous with their support of others. In New York I had the pleasure of meeting Sanford Hirsch, the Executive Director, of the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation. We have done work for the foundation and this was the first time I had met Sanford Hirsch in person and I'm very glad I did. He told me that one of the missions of the foundation was to offer grants to individual visual artists through two programs: an annual individual Support Grant and a separate program to assist visual artists in cases of catastrophic events through an Emergency Grant Program. Over the course of his life Gottlieb had several friends and colleagues, who despite their artistic achievements, were not able to support themselves through the sale of their art or through teaching or related work. Gottlieb left instructions in his will that a foundation be created to benefit, "mature, creative painters and sculptures". Please share this information with anyone you think would be in need of financial support.
We have been visiting customer studios for many years. We like to meet our customers in person and to find out about their work and help them with whatever framing issues they may have. In this new digital world we can take you with us. Maarja Roth primarily works on paper but likes all media including earth sculpture. Here is a video of our visit. Enjoy!
Metropolitan is a long time member of the College Art Association. We will be exhibiting at their annual book and trade fair. We have been exhibiting at the fair for many years because we have many fine art instructors and students for customers. It is a good way to introduce new products as well as learn about what are customer’s needs are. It is always fun to talk to students about how to frame fine art. We can provide low priced options and framing advice to make sure they learn the professional way of framing and mounting an exhibition. Coming soon to our site will be youtube videos that will give detailed advice on all the different aspects of framing. If your going to the show please stop by and say hello.
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We have many interesting customers. Jeffris Elliott is certainly one of them. I was immediately impressed and moved by the work. He is having a major exhibition at the Depot Building in Telluride Colorado . The following is a description of his work in his own words. I have added the link to Minor White to help put his work into historical context.
“My entire photographic experience has been centered around form, light and a spiritual search. Years before I apprenticed with Minor White in the late 1960’s, I had adapted the ’series’ as a means of individualizing and adding depth to my exploration of my subjects. In this searching for the essence of each story, I have reconciled each image to reflect my basic theme. In my current work, ‘Another Face of Islam’, I have tried to reflect my artistic impression of the culture, landscape, and people of the Muslim world. I have abandoned all pretense of photo-documentation and used my eye to capture the depth and serenity of the Islamic faith. This work sprung out of a failed project I was pursuing that concentrated on the religions and cults of America. Not only was this an over-tread path, it refused to inspire my vision. Given the current emotional charge and political landscape in America regarding terrorism and Islam, I found myself drawn to finding, if not the truth, at least my truth of this misunderstood religion. I have not sought to resolve any questions posed by our post 9/11 world, but rather to investigate the form, spirit and light of the Islamic faith and its influence on our world.
One aspect of the Muslim society I experienced as universal was a closed-door for a male photographer of women. Many aspects of their world are beyond the Western experience, but this single aspect of isolation and loneliness was all pervasive. I have tried to convey this seperation and loneliness in my images. The other all-present characteristic is the devout rigor and spiritual aura of each person and community I visited. This translated not only in the loud speakers blaring their calls to prayer five times daily, but in conversations that alwasys presumed Islam is the only path, and if you are not on that path, you are completely misguided. This self-conscious awareness of being on the wrong side of God’s gate was punctuated by countless details of everyday life. Examples of this awareness span from eating only with your right hand, to proscribed methods of toilet ritual.These small but persistent reminders of the rightness of their faith constantly pointed on one direction… Christianity, Judaism and all other belief systems are operating outside of the true intentiions of the truth, and therefore, God. When you are not of their faith, ‘outsider’ takes on a whole new dimension. I hope this isolation is conveyed in these images.
I have never thought of photography as a literal art form. As a painter and graphic artist I have never distinguished a photograph from a painting in terms of interpretive value. Once the image enters the eye of the artist and travels throught the lens and ends on the paper, it is a transformation of almost magical dimensions. I will never forget the first time I saw a silver print emerge in the printing solution. I will never forget the first time I showed the image to another’s eyes. This process of at least eight steps, creates an illusion as abstract and powerful as any art form. Add to that, the transformation that takes place in the artist through the action, and the organic process never ends
We have many photography customers. The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is one of them. The BMA’s photography collection has more than 4,000 works and is recognized to be among the top American museum photography collections. In this exhibition the BMA presents more than 200 compelling and provocative images that showcase the work of more than 60 of the most remarkable photographers of our time.
The exhibition is “Seeing Now: Photography Since 1960″. It is on view from February 20–May 15, 2011. The exhibition features groundbreaking individual photographs and photographic series by renowned artists such as Diane Arbus, William Eggleston, Lee Friedlander, and Cindy Sherman, as well as works by artists whose names are not as familiar as their influential images. Film and video installations by Kota Ezawa, Joan Jonas, and Anthony McCall demonstrate innovations in time-based media. The works in the exhibition are drawn from the BMA’s exceptional but rarely shown photography collection, and many of the images have never been on view until now. Admission to Seeing Now is free.
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As an artist one sometimes wonders if anyone will ever see or appreciate your work. This is a story for you. I was recently forwarded an email from Ginny Herzog about a collection that another customer Marian Steen inherited. Because we work with museums they thought it might be beneficial for me to know about the collection. After contacting Marian, I called Jane Jacob who is the founder of Jacob Fine Art in Chicago. Jacob told me a fascinating story which she had written in the Fine Art Connoisseur’s Nov/Dec. issue. The following is excerpted from Jacob’s article. Rudolf Ernst began collecting art while he was interned in a Russian prisoner-of-war camp during World War I. Ernst was a Russian Jew and while at the camp collected 297 artworks from other artists who were also interned. Once back in Austria, however, he left his collection in storage and never exhibited it before his death in 1936. He left the collection to his only daughter, Alice. Two years later, she and her husband, Nicholas Scheiner, fled to the U.S. just before Nazi Germany annexed Austria and began deporting its Jewish citizens. As they sailed into New York harbor, the Scheiner’s carried Rudolf Ernst’s collection in their suitcases. After a brief residence in Missouri, the couple spent the rest of their lives in Florida, where Alice died in Pompano Beach on November 3, 1999. Having no heirs, she bequeathed her father’s collection to the St. Louis artist Marian Steen, the daughter of the Scheiners’ friends, Charles and Helen Steen. As an artist, Steen wants the collection to be shown. She has hired Jacob Fine Art to organize the exhibition. Jacob Fine Art is a Chicago consultation and appraisal business specializing in American and European 19th-21st century art and provides services pertaining to stolen, fraudulent, and disputed art, specifically provenance research. Jacob is a director of the Appraisal Foundation in Washington, DC, and sits on the executive committee of the Appraisers Association of America in New York City. Venues interested in presenting the exhibition are invited to contact:
JACOB FINE ART
7544 West North Avenue/ Chicago/ IL 60707
T: 708-452-1450/ jane@jacobfineart.com
This is inspiring! I liked it on so many levels. The artist as the truth teller, the use of technology (thank you Steve Jobs) to spread the truth, the act of creation necessitates destruction. Don’t miss this video and share his work with others.
Sunday we were out walking near the historic river district of Minneapolis and stopped to warm up and get a latte. As I was waiting for the latte I went on facebook and saw that the MCBA www.mnbookarts.org was having an open house. Since we were only a few minutes away we stopped to take a look at the work. I immediately saw Jody William's work which I collect and admire very much. She makes the most amazing small books. You can see an example of her work at www.flyingpaperpress.com. This book is called "Still Sense" and is one of the one's in my collection.
As I continued to walk around I was immediately intrigued by Gaylord Schanilec's work. He is a wood engraver who does beautiful colored engravings. You can see his work at www.midnightpapersales.com. We are in the process of developing how to framing videos. These are two of the images I purchased that will be used in our hinging of works on paper videos. If you are looking for special gifts for the holidays I would visit these sites. You won't be disappointed.
The deepest frame in our standard line is 3 1/2″ deep. But if you need it deeper we can make it for you. This is a 5″ deep frame that was custom milled with a matching 4″ spacer. And because we are a manufacturer you can get it in any of our woods and finishes. Call customer service at 1-800-626-3139 for more information.
Just read this tweet on twitter. In times of budget cuts it’s important to remember that a city, state, or country is loved most because of its unique creative culture. I can’t imagine wanting to visit any place without museums, galleries, theatre, and concerts. The mayor of London agrees.
Just received this photo from Steven Burger, owner of prodigitalimage.com. He is a professional photographer and also teaches photoshop classes in Phoenix. This picture was taken at Oak Creek Canyon/Westfork where Steve was conducting a photoshop workshop. Steve said it was one of the best hikes he’s taken. He said he went for about 5 miles meandering back and forth across the creek. He shot many images, but this artist image is the one he liked the best. If you are a snowbird and want to take photoshop classes when you are in Phoenix call Steve. He’s considered the best. He’s the one I call if I have a photoshop question.
We are often asked how large a frame we can make. This is not the largest frame we’ve made but it is a good example of the sizes we ship. This job is being sent to a museum in Texas. They have ordered multiple frames and we are shipping the entire job on a palette. We have taken pictures of the 50 x 88 frame and the packaging involved to give you a good idea of how a frame this large is shipped. The job included custom made frame, custom cut 8 ply mat and backing boards, & UV acrylic. All of our boxes are custom made for each frame and in this case it was necessary to custom make a palette.
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After reading a post from the MNArtists.org, on Facebook, I bought a $300.00 share in the Community Support Arts program. Our family had purchased shares in Red Cardinal Farm’s CSA programs in the early 1990’s. I still have fond memories of picking up our box of food. We never ate better than those years we purchased shares in the farm. We visited the farm and met the owners – Dave Washburn and his wife Meg Anderson. So when the notice came out for doing this program with artists, I said sign me up. We picked up our first 3 artwork pieces last night – two were works on paper and one was a photograph. We have 6 more pieces to pickup in November. Of the six, at least one is an original painting, one a functional piece, and some are three dimensional work. To learn more about how you can become a collector or a participating artist visit the MNartists.org site. The following are pictures of the artists that attended last nights opening pickup.
It was a mild wet day and perfect for visiting the Walker Art Center. There were three exhibitions that I wanted to see – ”From Here to There: Alex Soth’s America” , “Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers”, and “Exhibition 1964″. We started with the Alex Soth photography show. Soth is a Minnesota photographer who has become internationally known. There were more than 100 photographs made between 1994 and the present. I personally found the large portraits the most compelling. His latest work shows a diverse group of people living off the grid. The Yves Klein show had 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, documents, photographs, and films. The exhibition notes say, ”Seeking to achieve immaterial spirituality through pure color—primarily an ultramarine blue of his own invention.” It was called International Klein Blue. The blue is stunning. It reminded me of a artist talk at WARM Gallery many years ago. Everyone was critiquing the work and an artist said, “I don’t care about the composition, how did you make that black?” Material versus immaterial is certainly a contemporary concern and it was interesting how he addressed the issues. The Exhibition 1964 focuses on works made during the period following JFK’s assassination. The artists represented include: Ellsworth Kelly, Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Claes Oldenburg, George Segal, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. Once shocking now familiar. Viewing this art was like visiting old friends.
William Wegman, William of Orange, 2009
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Over one hundred leading international contemporary artists have created more than 600 limited edition fine art works at Graphicstudio, in intaglio, photogravure, lithography, relief, serigraphy, sculpture, artist books, and in the Graphicstudio invented techniques of waxtype (encaustic screenprinting), and heliorelief (a photographic woodblock process) Graphicstudio is a university-based atelier engaged in a unique experiment in art and education, committed to research and the application of traditional and new techniques for the production of limited edition prints and sculpture multiples. Graphicstudio with the Contemporary Art Museum and the Public Art Program form the Institute for Research in Art in the College of The Arts at the University of South Florida.Through the years, Graphicstudio has received wide popular and critical acclaim. In 1990, an archive of Graphicstudio’s publications was established at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
If you are interested in particular works, please contact Kristin Soderqvist at (813) 974-3503, or at gsoffice@arts.usf.edu
Each Graphicstudio edition bears the Graphicstudio chop and is accompanied by a Documentation Sheet, signed by the artist, which attests to the size of the edition and describes its process of creation.The Graphicstudio Chop: The image of the sunburst is embossed on all of their print editions. The chop is the sign and seal that the work is registered and authentic.
We have many customers who sell their work at art fairs. If you aren’t aware there is an excellent online source to make navigating the art fair scene easier and much more profitable for the artists. The site is artfairinsiders.com. The site is extensive and covers virtually any area of interest that an artist who is selling in art fairs would be interested. The groups cover all the different kinds of artists i.e. photographers, painters, glass makers, etc. If you are already selling in the art fairs or are thinking of this as a way to sell your work, take a look at the site. This is a good resource.
I just received the following email from MoMA. The revolution in education is making bricks and mortar less important than the technology that allows each of us to become both teachers and students. Very exciting.
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We are always interested in how our customers can market their work successfully. I just received Paul Klein’s ArtLetter and want to share it with you. He is about to launch Klein Artist Works. The following is an excerpt from the ArtLetter.
“It’s time your art takes care of you. This program identifies the obstacles you personally face to having the successful art career you want. You are going to be empowered. You will gain the knowledge, information, tools and contacts you need to blow away the obstacles.”
Paul is a well respected art consultant in Chicago who among other things pioneered the River West and River North Art Areas in Chicago. I visited his Gallery in 2002 and was very impressed. He closed the gallery in 2004 and has become one of the leading advocates for artists in the Chicago area. Klein was the Art Consultant/Curator for the recently completed 2.3 million square foot expansion of McCormick Place. It was his vision to use solely Chicago and Illinois artists at the new convention center, where all the content of the permanently installed art is Chicago and Illinois specific.
We always like to hear from our customers and love getting pictures of our frames in their artwork. We just received the following.
“The frames arrived yesterday; they are perfect! I have attached a photo of them in situ with the calligraphy mounted and the frames hinged as a screen. Thank you for your help and expertise in this.”
Regards,
David A.B. Price
I recently discovered that Carol Marine had a link to our site. I visited her site and was very impressed with her work. Being appreciative, I called to thank her. She is a great example of how an artist is making a good living doing what she loves to do. Read the rest of the post »
We now have a Metropolitan facebook page. We will be sharing information about new products, framing conservation tips, customer exhibitions, etc. We have just added an album on the page for our customer’s exhibition information in July and August. Read the rest of the post »
Change is jarring. I just received an email from a customer that said, “Your former website was so much better than the current paired down site. The previous website was more user friendly with great visuals.”
I know that I’m often aggravated when I go into a store that I frequent and find they have moved everything around and I don’t know where to find what I came in to purchase.
Read the rest of the post »
We have just gone online with the Phase I of our web upgrade. Because we sell to artists and photographers who work in varied media, we wanted to give each information that was pertinent to the type of work that they do.