This morning I spent quite a bit of time preparing the ground for a new composition. I have selected the paper (it will be in pastels) and that is now taped securely to the drawing board. The reference material is, with the exception of some details, chosen. Ready to go? Well: no: not exactly! What is the hold-up? This might seem crazy to you, but it is the question of the frame ….yes, already, even before a stick of pastel has been put to paper.
The problem dates back to conversations I have had with my wife in the past few months, in which she has, quite justifiably, pointed to the amount of money I have been spending on custom-made frames for my work. The money has to be paid up front, in advance of any sales. What is more, the question arose with particular point with my Creation series, which was made without any specific intention of how it might be sold. I approached it simply as an idea that really attracted me. In the even I managed to collect a sufficient number of identical frames already in my collection, and one of my regular framers kindly agreed (beyond the call of duty) to put new mounts in them.* To commission new frames for that series would have set me back more than £500!
Now you see my problem. Here I am, contemplating two new compositions, and wondering even at this stage how the finished products might be displayed. Naturally the question arose in my mind as to whether I do have in stock two reasonably identical frames that can be sent round again. An hour spent this morning rummaging in my racks with a tape measure has yielded, so far, discouraging results. Should it be the case that the work comes first, and any decision about framing should be made in the light of the character of the finished product? I can see that this is a counsel of perfection. Nevertheless, I am not David Hockney. My work is certainly not priced in the millions. I’m still hesitating over that one.
I get a break from worrying over such questions tonight, as I will be on duty at a shelter for the homeless provided by local churches. That will certainly bring me down to earth.
*Good for him! The other one didn’t respond to my ‘phone call, and I can understand why.