73cm x 53 cm
Art quilts are a newer art form. Creating art with fabric is not like creating art with paint. We create our own canvas of sorts with our backing. We finish the edges with stitches.We do not need an additional frame to complete our work. Some quilt artists add a fabric frame but that is different.
Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their art form. Art quilts come in many fabrics,colors and sizes. There are no predetermined sizes like with a canvas. Sometimes quilt artists choose a smaller size to try out a new technique or for a gift.
More importantly, in order to gain acceptance, some quilt artists frame their art. That way it is immediately recognizable as a piece of art similar to a painting. Furthermore, who doesn’t want their work readily accepted by the public. I get that.
Yet, quilt edges are always finished. It is part of the process. Quilt edges are generally finished by several methods. Sew a facing on the front and turn it to the back for hand stitching. Zigzag twice on the edges. Some art quilters prefer attaching a binding like a more traditional quilt.
All artists want their work accepted as art. However, educating the public about art quilts is necessary. Why add a heavy frame? It is redundant and unnecessary. Why do it?
Framing Art Quilts is Different.
Fabric is a unique material to use to create art. It moves and stretches a bit. When I started creating art q;uilts, I thought that they were to lie flat against the wall. Then I visited the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.https://www.sjquiltmuseum.org/ The incredible quilts on display did not lie flat against the wall. Naturally, I gave up that idea. Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their special materials.
11 Reasons Why I Don’t Frame my Art Quilts
- The edges are finished. There is usually a facing, binding or the edges are zigzagged twice. Nothing more is needed.
- Fabric encourages a different type of artistic expression. Leaves can flow off of the sides. A frame would cover up that expression.
- I send my art quilts by rolling them up. They take up less space.
- I store my art quilts by rolling them up with the front to the outside to prevent wrinkles. It is amazing how little space they take,
- Be forward thinking. Ditching the frame immediately shows movement away from a tradition.
- A frame is more heavy and cumbersome. What artistic value does it add to the art quilt? Trying to match styles can be difficult.
- In Earthquake Country or Tornado Country, a heavy frame over a bed is not advisable.
- I can carry all of my quilts for a solo show under one or two arms. I roll them up together. They are not heavy.
- Frames adds extra unnecessary weight whether they are wooden, metal or another material.
- When storing an art piece,a frame takes up more space.
- A frame is expensive.
- I store my quilts rolled up in a closet. A temporary tag pinned to the top allows for fast identification of each individual quilt.
Exceptions to Not Framing
I realize that there may be exceptions. It is possible to frame an art quilt. On the other hand,in some permanent public settings, framing may be preferred. Museums or other public and private organizations may want a consistent look in their presentation of the artwork. Permanent collections do not move often. The situations are different.
In Conclusion
Why add a frame if it is not necessary? Frames are expensive, heavy, and take up more space. On the contrary, they can not be rolled up for easy storage,shipping or carrying. More importantly, some painters are now painting the sides of their canvases so frames will not be necessary for them.
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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/frequently-asked-questions/
