To frame or not to frame....

[rbloch66]

I'm just beginning my foray into the wonderful world of relief carving.

I've see projects that have a carved frame as part of the piece, I've seen pieces with the frame added after, and I've seen pieces without any frame at all.

Now I've managed to come up with a few arguments for each of the styles on my own, but I would dearly love to hear the opinions of others on this matter.

[Kenny_S]

Depends on the relief wheathe rto frame or not. Some looks great framed but then others I have seen didn't. Sorry, nothing better from me.

[Paul_Guraedy]

You are very much into an area of personal opinion. I prefer frames. That being said.....I have only framed one of my relief carvings. The shape, depth or irregularity of the edges have stopped me on all the others. I have not carved one with the frame as part of the piece; but, am considering it.

[Ron Davidson]

I had a relief carving taken out of competition last year by a judge that said it had to have a frame. But I had two that were unframed in a show in Baltimore, Md last year and they took second ,third and judges choice so who the heck knows. Like Paul said it must be a matter of personal preference or opinion.
Ron

[rbloch66]

I agree that a frame might very well get in the way depending on the design.

I was wondering, though.... for larger pieces (12"x18"x2",) would the frame provide enough added stability in the prevention of warping to even bother with? Or is that even a consideration? I was thinking more of in regards to high relief carving.

[Ron Davidson]

All my reliefs are 2" or more thick and I have framed only one. That one will be shown someday by BobD it is 3'tall and 4' long and 3 1/2 inches thich it does have a frame but not for support. The back of it I had saw cuts called curf cuts done 3/4 inches apart and 1" deep to keep the carving from cupping or warping. To this day it has not moved as far as cupping etc. My smaller carvings 18X21X2 mostly none have ever warped and I do carve some with frames just for looks so to speak.
Ron

[pallin]

One of the intriguing aspects of including the frame in a relief carving is that the design can merge into the frame. See "Kayakers in Maine" in my gallery. . or "Waterfall"

[squbrigg]

Good question and one to which there is no right or wrong answer!

I have done plenty of relief carvings and to answer your question, I'll just say : " The answer lies in the carving."

Each carving is different, some look perfect framed, some look perfect without a frame, it all depends on the carving, the subject and what the carver is trying to show.

Bob

[chuckbolton]

most of mine are framed-- and the others are done on basswood with some bark attached-- so they are somewhat "framed" they tend to warp more than the others--mine are only 3/4" thick--i cannot imagine one the size of ron davidson's 3 X 4 foot and 3 1/2 inches thick-- must need 4 men and tow boys to move it.