Why is the journey of finishing a work of art, and by finish, I mean framing it to hang in a gallery, such a challenging one?
During my recent visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, I was struck by the European gallery. Large paintings were displayed with massive gold-embossed carved frames, which completed the work. Contemporary paintings in modern art galleries had minimal frames that acted as a simple border, or they had no frame at all. The stretched canvas made an informal and stunning finished statement in their simple presentation. In this case, I particularly liked the absence of a frame, as it enhanced the artwork's essence.
Since I do not work on stretched canvas, I need a different option.
My creative process begins with a sketch, a written record of my inspiration, which is translated into a physical form, such as a painting or drawing. Then, I document this process through photography. (A helpful tool enabling me to critique my progress visually.) However, the artwork often sits, waiting to be finished.
Finished, as in the frame, means I am committed to its completion, to say, ‘It is done.’ This gives the artwork its final form and purpose. However, that is when I dig my heels in, which becomes an impasse by the name of… procrastination!
Whether I use metal or float frames, the mating must be cut, and the art needs to be mounted. My studio needs to be set up for this process, but even though I know what to do, I manage to put it off. Oh yes, and in conclusion, the back of the frame must be prepared with a wire for hanging, which adds to the wait for completion.
I have concluded it must be psychological.
The creative practice continues; however, deciding if a piece is good enough can be a hold-up. Weeks and months will pass, and I will still ask myself: Is it more than adequate? Does it visually complete my thoughts? Does it make a connection to its viewers? Do I feel pleased to commit to the work by sharing it on social media, submitting it to exhibitions, posting it on my website, and then selling it through an online gallery?
However, if I do all the things that are part of the process and relinquish to the finality of completion, I will have to part with my artwork for someone else to enjoy.
Seeing my small artwork framed does finish the piece for me. It also means moving on to the next idea and starting the process again.
If you have any thoughts on procrastination, which can hold up a project’s completion, please share them with me and tell me how you overcame this dilemma.
