We were lucky to catch up with Val Schaefer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Val , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
As an artisan creating the modern Victorian by hand from raw wood, I’m often mistaken as a traditional framer. Many are accustomed to the standard mass produced, pre-colored, single layer method of framing that can be completed within a day. It takes many layers and meticulous placement of stain, paint, finish, and wax to create a ValCo. The prefabricated options are an unimaginable scenario for me and a stark difference from my creative style. ValCo is a colorful trendsetting innovator that knows no design boundaries. ValCo moulding profiles, trim and dimensional lumber layer together to create a personality unique to the frames intended art. The five to over sixteen layer design creates a stunning complexity. Frame widths reach over 12″ to ensure larger projects don’t suffer a diminished presence. The unique design results in a bold and elegant presence.
Color selection and placement is where the line between art and frame becomes blurred. The raw uncolored wood is in essence my blank canvas. The real beauty of making the modern Victorian frame by hand is in the color customization and modular design. Each frame integrates the art and amplifies it.
I understand why the misunderstanding happens. The modern Victorian design is a first of its kind that is truly something special. A typical frame can be reproduced by anyone with access to the mass produced materials. A ValCo is art that wraps around art. Once your frame centerpiece is in a custom ValCo, separating them will forever make both look incomplete. Designing and building with ValCo is an artistic journey ending with an heirloom level finished project.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Established in 2018, ValCo Ornate Frames began purely as a means of art therapy for me, founder, father, and disabled combat veteran. Imprinted upon and humbled by the experience of war, I unexpectedly found peace in the workshop where I discovered a unique way of blurring the line between frame and art, making them one and the same. I instinctively knew the grandeur nature of extensive ornamentation was the perfect fit. The broad range of details found in the unfinished wood satisfied my need for complex, elegant, and unique details.
Since its inception, the modern Victorian frame has matured and continues to quickly grow in complexity. The ValCo line made a debut at the 2022 East Coast Professional Retail Picture Framers trade show. The industry introduction couldn’t have gone better. I was welcomed as an inspirational creative with a fresh new design that falls outside of historical conventions. This is how ValCo began integrating into retail frame businesses across the nation.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is releasing my version of beauty into the world. During the production process positive energy is infused into every project and follows the pieces into their final destination.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Support your favorite artists beyond the purchase. A social media follow, like, or comment with an uplifting message goes a long way. The creations are a glimpse into an artist’s soul. It feels vulnerable sharing something so personal with the world. The road to becoming an established artist is far from easy. It requires more than just talent. Grit, an open mind, an ability to consider criticism and daily dedication to refining skills are a lightened load when an artist knows you believe in them…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ValCoOrnateFrames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valco_ornate_frames/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValCoOrnateFrames/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-schaefer-a36b75241
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/ValCoFrames
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valcoornateframes8618/featured
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valco-ornate-frames-odenton?osq=Picture+Framing
Image Credits
ValCo Ornate Frames Daveed Benito Natalie Veronica Jean