To Frame or Not to Frame?

That has been the question I have struggled with for all the years I have made Paper Meditations. To be more specific, I don't like putting my art under glass for various reasons. The dilemma continues but I have learned that not putting my art in shadow box frames under glass is acceptable.

In the early years of creating my three dimensional paper sculptures I believed it was necessary to frame them under glass. I assumed that to be professional it was necessary to preserve and protect my works, and I still do to some extent. It was very costly. If you know anything about professional framing, you know how expensive it is. Now imagine you have a large piece in a frame that is 3 inches deep! I realized quickly that I would be making a huge investment just for framing so I tried doing it myself. I had frames made for me by a woodworker or bought them online and I bought my own glass. I learned a lot from the experience but mostly I learned that I hate framing! It is so time consuming and frustrating you can't image. I would have all the pieces put together and realize that there was a speck of dust inside or a smudge on the inside of the glass. I don't have all the proper tools which are helpful too. While framing something, I would be thinking to myself about how my time would be better spent creating art.

How often do you see a piece of sculpture under glass? You don't! It wouldn't make sense. Three dimensional works need to be experienced from all angles. The only reason my sculptures are under glass is because they are made of paper and are delicate. I still would like them to be experienced without the "wall" of glass, though. My Instagram rant below explains my feelings:

 Spiro Party is the piece that accompanied the post

 A Paper Meditations piece can hang on a wall and can remain safe without a glass cover. A little light dusting once in a while is all that is necessary but if a customer wants added protection they have the option to invest in professional framing.

I would love to hear your opinions on framing. Just scroll down to the comments section to leave your thoughts.

Thank you,

Christine