Aging Gracefully - Artwork That Looks As Good As You Do
On a recent vacation I found myself confronted by a large mirror in an extremely well lit bathroom.
Let me tell you, bright light is not necessarily your best friend when you are around 50 ish.
Reality blows.
Unfortunately I am left with two options: (1) to only hang around other 50 ish people; preferably with deteriorating close up vision or (2) explore the wonderful world of lotions, potions and cosmetic procedures to hide and slow down further damage.
Your framed artwork may eventually show its age too.
And as with your skin, some are easy fixes and others not so much.
(A) Faded Art and Faded Mats Yes those harmful UV rays can damage more than just your skin.
If not protected with UV inhibiting glass, your artwork and your mats can potentially fade.
Unfortunately, they do not always fade to the same degree or in the same colour direction.
Like blotchy patches or age spots on skin, faded materials only serves to make art look old and tired.
The bad news is that damaged caused by fading is irreversible.
The good news is that mats can easily be replaced to update and breathe new life into your artwork.
And replacing existing glass with a UV inhibiting glazing will significantly slow down further damage.
(B) Damaged Frame We all suffer the occasional cut, bruise or scar.
Sometimes frames get bumped, moved and scratched.
For frames we can often steam out dents, rejoin corners and touch up or refinish scratches.
Like concealer under your eyes, it is amazing what a little bit of makeup can do! (C) Broken Glass If glass breaks the chips or shards might damage the frame, mat and art.
Inspect the entire piece carefully.
Again, damage to the frame or mat may easily be fixed but damage to the artwork may not.
If the damage to the artwork is not too great, you may choose to view it similar to the way I view my facial flaws: It adds character! (D) Water Damage Floods, excessive steam in a room, an overly damp wall or excessive glass cleaner can cause water damage.
If the artwork has sustained damage, like sagging skin, it is time to call in the big guns: an art conservator.
If the art does not merit the expense, you may want to consider accepting its fate.
Of course you can always trade it in on a fresh new piece.
The best way to protect your artwork from the ravages of time is through proper preventative measures:
Let me tell you, bright light is not necessarily your best friend when you are around 50 ish.
Reality blows.
Unfortunately I am left with two options: (1) to only hang around other 50 ish people; preferably with deteriorating close up vision or (2) explore the wonderful world of lotions, potions and cosmetic procedures to hide and slow down further damage.
Your framed artwork may eventually show its age too.
And as with your skin, some are easy fixes and others not so much.
(A) Faded Art and Faded Mats Yes those harmful UV rays can damage more than just your skin.
If not protected with UV inhibiting glass, your artwork and your mats can potentially fade.
Unfortunately, they do not always fade to the same degree or in the same colour direction.
Like blotchy patches or age spots on skin, faded materials only serves to make art look old and tired.
The bad news is that damaged caused by fading is irreversible.
The good news is that mats can easily be replaced to update and breathe new life into your artwork.
And replacing existing glass with a UV inhibiting glazing will significantly slow down further damage.
(B) Damaged Frame We all suffer the occasional cut, bruise or scar.
Sometimes frames get bumped, moved and scratched.
For frames we can often steam out dents, rejoin corners and touch up or refinish scratches.
Like concealer under your eyes, it is amazing what a little bit of makeup can do! (C) Broken Glass If glass breaks the chips or shards might damage the frame, mat and art.
Inspect the entire piece carefully.
Again, damage to the frame or mat may easily be fixed but damage to the artwork may not.
If the damage to the artwork is not too great, you may choose to view it similar to the way I view my facial flaws: It adds character! (D) Water Damage Floods, excessive steam in a room, an overly damp wall or excessive glass cleaner can cause water damage.
If the artwork has sustained damage, like sagging skin, it is time to call in the big guns: an art conservator.
If the art does not merit the expense, you may want to consider accepting its fate.
Of course you can always trade it in on a fresh new piece.
The best way to protect your artwork from the ravages of time is through proper preventative measures:
- Make sure it is framed with quality material
- Hang it away from direct sunlight
- Hang it preferably on an interior wall and in a room with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity
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