From protecting delicate pieces against damage to enhancing their visual appeal, the importance of framing cannot be overstated.
One person who knows this all too well is Stuart Gowty, the owner of McKellars Picture Framing and Wall Art, whose expertise in framing has helped preserve countless works of art, ensuring they remain protected and beautifully presented.
“If we do our job as framers correctly, you actually don’t notice the frame,” Stuart said.
“You want people to walk into your home or an artist’s exhibition and say, ‘Wow, that looks fantastic, what a beautiful piece of art’, not ‘That’s an incredible frame’.
“So, it’s really about protecting what the artist has created, ensuring it’s framed with quality glass and acid-free mats for long-term preservation.
“Yes, it’s about enhancing their appearance, but it’s also about safeguarding and preserving them for the future.”
In addition to Stuart’s expertise in framing, he is deeply committed to supporting local artists and has cultivated a significant list of collaborations.
He is also passionate about aiding emerging local artists as they navigate their way through the artistic world, offering free gallery spaces, window displays and advice on how and where to start selling their work.
“I work with some incredible artists who have become close friends, and that’s a rewarding aspect of it all,” he said.
“But we have a highly creative community in our region, and every day I witness incredibly talented individuals who are uncertain about how to navigate their artistic journey.
“This is especially true for younger artists who aspire to establish themselves as professionals in the future.
“I strive to provide them with a starting point and support, but as a community, I believe we all need to do more to nurture our future generations of artists.
“The arts are an incredibly important aspect of any society.”
McKellars Picture Framing and Wall Art sells a selection of originals and prints from artist’s like Tank, Gus Leunig, Dylan Charles, Ross Patterson and Christine Broersen.
