This week in class we were assigned the reading, Graphic Design: The New Basics — Framing & Grids. In the reading we talk about the importance of framework, and how framing can enhance an image by making it stand out from its background. Framing is happening everywhere around us in our day to day lives, with shelves, plates, rugs, table mats and more acting as framing. I had never before imagined these day to day items as frames, but when you think about the purpose of these items it is to enhance items from their background. Frames within the concept of photography can be experimented with in different techniques to create interesting perspectives, patterns, and focuses. The aspects of framing that can be manipulated are cropping, margins, bleeds, Forming, content and text. Framing artwork and designs enhance the images from the background by setting the boundaries and parameters of the piece. One concept I find interesting is an artist choice to include, LACK of a frame. For example I saw an interactive student made piece at The Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery at Keene State College, that included three walls decorated to recreate a children’s classroom, and inside the desks and backpacks were armory to protect them from gun violence. The room included an open wall that invited the audience in to explore the seemingly normal 1st grade classroom, but when you entered and took a closer look, the children were prepared for horrific events. This piece reminded me of the concept of framework, because it stood out to me that it was NOT used, which was really interesting and impactful as an audience member.
