Don’t Bleed on the Artwork: Notes from the Afterlife

🌈 Abstract

The article is a personal narrative about the author's experiences working at a small, independent frame shop in Evanston, Illinois. It explores the author's journey of returning to her hometown after leaving it years ago, and how her new job at the frame shop has become a transformative experience for her.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Don't Bleed on the Artwork: Notes from the Afterlife

1. What is the author's role at the frame shop? The author is a new, inexperienced employee at the frame shop, who was hired despite having no prior training in framing. She is responsible for tasks like cutting glass, handling artwork, and assembling frames.

2. How does the author describe the diverse range of artwork that comes into the frame shop? The author describes the wide variety of artwork that comes into the frame shop, including landscapes, dreamscapes, diplomas, photographs, vintage items, and more. She is overwhelmed by the sheer volume and beauty of the artwork.

3. What is the relationship between the author and her boss at the frame shop? The author's boss is an experienced, eccentric framer who has been making frames since the 1970s. He provides guidance and training to the author, and seems to assign her artwork that he thinks she will appreciate.

4. How does the author's personal life and family situation relate to her work at the frame shop? The author has recently returned to her hometown of Chicago to care for her aging mother, who is living in a memory care facility. The author finds solace and meaning in her work at the frame shop, which provides a respite from the challenges of caring for her mother.

[02] Framing as an Alchemical Process

1. How does the author describe the step-by-step process of framing artwork? The author provides a detailed, step-by-step description of the framing process, including measuring, cutting, joining the frame, cutting the mat and glass, and securing the artwork in place. She emphasizes the importance of not bleeding on the artwork during the process.

2. What is the significance of the frames themselves in the author's perspective? The author believes that the frames have the power to transform and elevate even the most ordinary artwork, making it appear more beautiful and meaningful. She sees the framing process as a form of alchemy.

3. What are the two pieces of artwork that the author's mother chose to bring with her to the memory care facility? The two pieces of artwork are a mid-century modernist print by Marc Chagall and a work by the Bolivian artist Graciela Rodo Boulanger. The author's mother chose these pieces because they make her happy, even though they don't have any special meaning to her.

[03] The Significance of the Frame Shop

1. How does the author describe the significance of the frame shop in her life? The author sees the frame shop as a transformative and almost spiritual space, where she finds solace and meaning amidst the challenges of her personal life. She feels a deep connection to the artwork and the framing process.

2. What does the author's boss represent to her in the context of the frame shop? The author's boss, with his eccentric personality and deep knowledge of framing, serves as a mentor and guide to the author in her new role. He seems to recognize her appreciation for the artwork and provides her with opportunities to learn and grow.

3. How does the author's return to her hometown of Chicago relate to her work at the frame shop? The author's return to Chicago, after leaving it years ago, is closely tied to her new job at the frame shop. The frame shop provides her with a sense of purpose and connection to her roots, even as she navigates the challenges of caring for her aging mother.