Why is framing a picture so expensive today?

Before i Jump into it lets have some fun.

Navigating adulthood is like being in a never-ending game show titled "So You Think You Can Adult?" where the prizes are just more chores!

Among the top challenges? Booking your own dental rendezvous (because nothing says grown-up like voluntarily getting your teeth scraped), entrusting your fancy clothes to the mystical world of dry cleaning, paying your taxes because you must and – the crowning jewel – framing your art.

Ah, the art of framing, where we transform our walls from college dorm chic to
"I read at least three books on interior design."

"Remember, it's not just about displaying your latest IKEA poster, complete with a FISKBO frame; it's about convincing everyone who enters your living room of your sophistication, and that your dinners consist of more than just cereal (even if they don't)."

The frame is your silent warrior in the battle of adulting, a wooden-and-glass shield that screams, "I pay bills and know at least two red wine varieties!"

The history of framing is quite a tale, too.

Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, frames were the bling of the church and nobility. Fast forward to the selfie era, and now everyone and their dog wants their moments framed – because nothing says "I have my life together" like a wall full of curated memories in expensive borders. Framing, ladies and gentlemen, isn't just a task; it's a statement. A statement that says, "Yes, I might have eaten leftover pizza for breakfast, but my art? My art is framed."

And if these few things did not satisfy that reading craving you got her eis fe more of interesting facts on framing history...

In the ancient world, the concept of "frames" as we know it was just a twinkle in the eye of creativity. The Egyptians and Greeks, always ahead of their time, had started doodling boundary lines around their wall paintings. Think of these as the great-great-grandparents of today’s frames – not separate entities, but more like a permanent hug around the artwork.

Fast forward to medieval Europe, where frames got their big break, but only in churches. Here, frames were the divas of the art world – all decked out in gold and elaborate designs, often made by the same handy folks who crafted church altars. These frames were more than just borders; they were a part of the whole holy décor, setting the mood for divine selfies (if selfies were a thing back then).

Then came the Renaissance, a time of major frame-evolution. As artists started signing their works and people began trading art like Pokémon cards, frames stepped out on their own. Enter the "cassetta" or the box frame, known for its chic geometric vibes. It was during this era that frames said, "Look at me, I'm an independent structure!"

Moving into the Baroque and Rococo eras, frames decided to go full glam. We're talking intricate carvings, layers of gold, and a flair for the dramatic. These frames weren't just accessories; they were statements of wealth and grandeur, screaming, "Look how fancy I am!"

Then the Industrial Revolution rolled in during the 19th century, changing the frame game forever. Suddenly, frames were everywhere, becoming a middle-class must-have. It was like the Black Friday sale of frames, thanks to mass production. And with the birth of photography, everyone wanted to frame their granny, their cat, or their half-eaten sandwich (okay, maybe not the sandwich).

Fast forward to the 20th century and beyond, where modernism brought frames back to basics. The idea was to complement the art, not steal the show. Today, frames are as diverse as the artworks they hold, ranging from minimalist to eclectic, reflecting the individuality of modern art.

So there you have it – a brief, somewhat cheeky history of the frame, from ancient boundary lines to modern art's best friend. Remember, behind every great artwork, there's a frame with a story to tell!

So now, let's get to answering that burning question, even though I hold only my opinion, which is a mix of what I've read in books, lived through as a professional artist, and learned while befriending some of the most amazing framing artists during my artistic existence. 

First off, why is framing more expensive than a gourmet sandwich at that hipster café downtown? Well, it's not just about slapping a wooden border around your cherished Bob Ross replica.

There's an art to it – a science, even.
Think of a frame as a butler for your artwork – it's there to make the art look good, protect it from the elements (like that one time you accidentally flung orange juice across the room), and ensure it gets the respect it deserves.

You wouldn't want your butler to be shabby and underdressed, right?

The same goes for your frame.

THE BIG W H Y'S

1. Materials Aren't Just Picked from the Artistic Orchard: Quality wood, glass that doesn't glare at you like your mother when you said you wanted to be an artist, and all those little bits and bobs that hold everything together – they cost a pretty penny.
   
   
2. Craftsmanship is Key: Those framers are like the ninjas of the art world. They cut, measure, and assemble with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. And let's not forget, ninjas don't work for peanuts.
   
   
3. Customization is Basically Couture for Your Canvas: When you want a frame that fits your artwork like a glove, it involves a lot more than just picking a pre-made frame from the pile. It's like going to a tailor instead of buying off the rack – except here, the tailor is dealing with delicate masterpieces and not just hemming pants.
   
   
4. Protection is Pricey: Acid-free mats, UV-protection glass, and other preservation materials are the secret bodyguards for your art. They're like the security detail at a celebrity party – unseen but essential, and yes, they add to your bill.
   
   
5. Artistic Compatibility: A good frame complements the art. It whispers, "Look at the painting, not me," but in a voice so charming that you can't help but admire it too. Achieving this subtle balance is an art in itself.
   
   
6. The 'Wow' Factor: Let's face it, a well-framed piece of art can turn your drab wall into the Louvre's lesser-known cousin. It's the difference between wearing a bespoke suit versus one you snagged off a clearance rack.
   
   
7. No walls, no art framed: The current generation of amazing art buyers isn't particularly concerned about whether a frame is unique or one-of-a-kind. A quirky yet poignant reflection of the millennial housing predicament.
   
   It's like this: If millennials are juggling to even find walls they can call their own, the whole idea of artfully framing anything becomes as elusive as finding a rent-controlled apartment in a trendy neighbourhood. Think of it as a modern twist on the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: you can't hang art without walls, but you can't have walls without overcoming the Herculean task of modern home ownership. So, for now, it seems the millennial art gallery is more virtual and less... wall-y.