"Do you sign your pieces?"
Kinda sort of, not really.
Why?
At the beginning, when I started creating abstract art, I never signed my pieces for one simple reason: I did not want to take away the creativity and choice from the buyer. What I mean is, abstract pieces can be hung in any direction, and I didn’t want to influence what way the artwork should be displayed since one person may have a different interpretation or preference from the next. If I signed my name and/or titled it, it would look a little funny if it was upside down or sideways on the wall.
In all honesty, I sometimes think signatures have the potential to ruin an artwork. Okay, “ruin” might be a bit strong, but I feel often times that they can sometimes be a bit self-indulgent or distracting. I’ve always had the opinion that the buyer likes the art for the image, not for the signature on it. Why should I affect the image, even if it is incredibly minute and insignificant?
Don’t get me wrong here, I am drawn by artwork with cool signatures and titles placed in it. To me, it just didn’t feel right for multiple reasons, and that is why I’ve never signed my artwork.
As time passed and many asked about my missing signature, it certainly became a common conversation. I just didn’t know how to solve this conundrum.
One day, I was doodling and thought of an idea. It was a way I could “sign” my piece and avoid the associated concerns mentioned. What if I simply place a stamp or seal on my pieces as a way of identification and authentication?
And thus, I created the Franklin Arts seal which I place on each artwork I create.
Since it is perfectly symmetrical, it can be hung any direction, and avoid being a distraction. I have received great feedback about the seal and will continue to use it going forward so that the artwork can be identified.
I try to make it subtle, but it's there.
Since it is perfectly symmetrical, it can be hung any direction, and avoid being a distraction. I have received great feedback about the seal and will continue to use it going forward so that the artwork can be identified.
