Category: Creativity

Artist Interview: Danielle Flicek

By on July 25, 2021 in Art, Artists, Creativity, Local, Neighbors, News

Meet Danielle Flicek, artist, chef and restaurant owner, mother, and Brazilian Jiu Jitus competitor! Dani has been a great friend and customer since she moved to Red Wing in 2014 and opened her restaurant, Staghead. We have been thrilled to work with her and her art in both our digital and framing departments, and are excited to share her artwork and story here.

Artist and chef Danielle Flicek with her oil painting of colorful mushrooms.

Artist and chef Danielle Flicek shows off some fine art prints of her oils.

What is your background in art? Where did you start and how did it grow?

I always remember creating art since I was a young child using simple crayons and watercolors, and eventually getting my hands on more media in school. I enjoyed every project we did in school but I really fell in love with painting around 9th grade. I would call myself the teacher’s pet in the art room. I would even have my lunch in the art room sometimes!

One of my most memorable projects in high school was a Toulouse-Lautrec mural. That led to a lot more mural work. I also began doing commission paintings when I was in high school and have kept this up consistently. My first oil painting experience was in an Intro to Painting class with Simon Hueslbeck at RCTC when I was in the Post Secondary program in my high school. This ended up being the only time I was ever formally taught how to oil paint. It was exciting and I fell in love with it! My teacher thought I was bizarre though because I prefer to paint on the floor instead of an easel!

After high school, I was accepted into the San Francisco Academy of Art but I decided to stay home to be near my siblings who were still small and growing up. So, I moved to Rochester, MN and managed an Alsatian restaurant, which was right next to… a frame shop! The frame shop owner was a regular at the bistro. This was my connection and introduction to custom framing, and I ended up working there too. I really enjoyed this work and was inspired by many projects. It was great to learn the techniques and hard work that goes into framing, like pairing colors, textures, styles, and so on. At this time I was stretching and prepping my own canvas, then making my own frames too. It was a good learning experience.

My family and I moved to Red Wing in October 2014 to open Staghead, which took a lot of my time. This halted my paintings for a few years. I picked it back up again once the restaurant was on its feet.

What media and styles do you work in now?

Yum! Artist and chef Danielle Flicek cooks and paints delicousness!

I only oil paint now and am backed up with commission portrait pieces! I paint a lot of wedding/engagement portraits and images of loved ones who have passed away.

I really enjoy painting food…fruits and vegetables are my favorite subjects! I love the organic shapes and textures and how colorful they are. I enjoy painting high contrast and repetition, like a pile of cherries or morels. On my easel currently is a new blackberry piece! I am working on a collection for a food exhibit this fall at The Anderson Center.

Who/what inspires you?

 I think hyperrealism is incredible. Artists like Diego Fazio or Tjalf Sparnaay inspire me. I also like to keep an eye on Daria Callie for her portraiture. I try not to look too much at other artists’ paintings while I am working on my own because I have my own style and sometimes find myself trying to mimic others. But I am definitely inspired and in awe of so many painters! If I ever have painter’s block, a museum trip or a scroll through Instagram accounts is a great motivator.

What are your biggest barriers to making art, and who is your support system?

I have tons of barriers and challenges when it comes to painting. It has taken me years to find the time again to even pick up a brush since opening Staghead. The first Covid shutdown allowed me to spend time getting it back on track and create some great pieces and portraits. I realized I needed and wanted to be painting.

Working with a life coach helped me find direction, and gave me the confidence to take my painting beyond hobby and start putting myself out there more. I was able to communicate with my husband and restaurant staff about how it is important to me and I would like to adventure more into making this a career. I can’t give them enough thanks for seeing my vision and understanding. I am so blessed to have a big team that supports my art adventure!

My husband and two sons are very supportive. My kids love to watch my process and even work on their own while I do mine. I also have to give a shout out to the staff at Staghead for stepping up and working hard so I can spend time on my art. I am also dedicated to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and am grateful to the support from my peers at RioJitsu in Apple Valley, MN. I have found that BJJ has increased my creativity and patience with painting, and with life overall. It is Yin and Yang!

“Being able to paint allows me to live and see more creatively in other parts of my life, like at the restaurant or martial arts or even parenting. Not to be cliché but it’s a good reminder that everyday, like every new project, is a blank canvas and I am the painter.”

Wedding portrait commission by Artist Danielle Flicek.

Ok, where can we see more of you and your art!?

I am currently working on pieces for the art show this fall at The Anderson Center in Red Wing. They can be viewed for the first time there or you can see other originals on the walls of Staghead, my own personal gallery!

I love to do commissions, and find them incredibly rewarding. It is important to me to be emotionally involved and to know the story behind the subject. For commission pieces or original and prints inquiries, you can find me on Instagram @daniflicek or email danielleflicek@gmail.com.

Custom Framing-Pandemic Style

By on April 25, 2021 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Needle Arts, Standard Post

As we look back at the past year, a lot of emotions bubble up, and the strongest one is gratitude.

Thank you Red Wing Framing customers for making us essential.

The past year, that word “essential” has taken on new meanings. It seems to get tacked on to just about everything these days! Essential workers, essential businesses, essential services, essential…custom framing?

Yup.

Dear customer, friend, by allowing us to frame, preserve, restore, and enhance your essentials, you have made us essential. We have seen quite an uptick in family mementos, treasured photographs, personal crafts, stitchery and needle arts, children’s art, sports memorabilia, spiritual art and icons, lots of personal and collective historical figures and items, political posters, and “saved” thrift store artworks.

So thank you. You are 100% essential to us. Our hearts are full, our shop is bustling, and we are proudly soldiering on as an essential preserver of personal, collective, and public essentials! Make an appointment with us today, to preserve and display YOUR treasures.

A few favorites from our crew…

Angelic counted cross-stitch.

Stitchery! Valerie says, “There is something about stitching that is very comforting to me. It is one of my own personal passions and I was able to get some great stitching in this last year. It has been a great joy to see how others have stitched through the COVID year as well. Our personal creative passions help to slow down the craziness of life and leave riches for generations to enjoy. Let’s keep creating!”

Still life floral, oil on board.

Florals! Clare says, “One of my favorite quotes is by Lady Bird Johnson, ‘Where flowers bloom, so does hope.’ This past year, hope has been in great need and too short supply for many folks, so it makes sense that people want to be surrounded by the simple and timeless beauty of nature. Flowers don’t care about the pandemic or about politics. They just keep delivering their elegance, grace, and steadfastness. Flowers bring hope of renewal, and they’ll always look great in a frame on the wall facing your Zoom webcam!”

“Live Long and Prosper” puzzle.

Puzzles! John says, “Puzzles have boomed in the pandemic era, and we’ve had a lot of fun seeing what our customers have put together. Pandemic puzzles will represent various memories of these times. They invoke a sense of comfort and maybe even exemplify a “job well done” while one has waited to go back to his or her job. Or maybe a puzzle is just a puzzle, too!”

 

 

In With the Old…

By on January 4, 2020 in Art, Creativity, Digital, Framing, Needle Arts, Photography

In 2019, we framed and preserved an influx of antiquated artworks, thrift store treasures, historical relics, and found family heirlooms and photos. So we are starting the New Year quite inspired by our customers’ “old is new” projects and we hope to see this trend continue. Nothing wrong with brand-spanking-new, but with so much societal focus on “reduce, reuse, recycle,” we’d love to motivate YOU to have some framing fun your “old” finds.

We have a few customers who are topnotch treasure hunters and well versed in the art of “lost art.” They’ll find old, discarded, and forgotten artworks in secondhand and antique stores as well as online (Etsy, Ebay, etc.). Originals, prints, etchings, drawings, paintings, needle works…the variety of media is endless, and the conditions of the artworks vary. The name of our game is both preservation and presentation—we prepare the art to be displayed in a fittingly aesthetic manner and ensure it will be protected for many ensuing years of enjoyment. Old family pieces and “lost and found” childhood artworks have also been high on the frame-worthy list. Check out a few of our favorite “up-cycled” artworks. Its amazing what a fresh frame and mat can do!

Another facet of the “old is new” movement is the restoration of old family photos. Our digital experts can revitalize, refresh, and digitally repair your old photos. Need some extra prints of Great Aunt June for your cousins? And yikes…does that photo have an old coffee stain across Grandma’s brow? We can fix that, and we can print that! We are also experts at caring for original photographs. The science behind preserving old photographs is special and extensive, and our certified professionals will help you make the right choices with materials and mounting processes to ensure safekeeping of your photographic heirlooms. The safest place for your old photos, if not in an acid-free album in the dark, is in a frame with UV glass and archival materials.

This photo had fade marks, poor color, and insect excrement. Our digital team brought the image back to life.

Great Grandpa’s military portrait had faded and torn. We proudly restored this photo and provided prints for the extended family.

The old photo on the left had tears, fading, and other flaws that we touched out before printing for our customer.

So what do you have under the bed in that old “family box” that might be worth displaying? How about that drawing your daughter did in 8th grade, or Great Aunt June’s cross-stitch sampler? Come across a painting at the Salvation Army that warrants a revival?

Art is all around us, and we challenge YOU to make the old new in 2020.

The 2019 Annual Red Wing Pottery Convention

By on July 1, 2019 in Business, Creativity, Framing, Local, News, Standard Post

We are very excited to once again sponsor the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention this July 11-13 in Red Wing, MN. Collectors from across the world converge in our river city to share their common appreciation for Red Wing Pottery. The three-day event consists of auctions, socials, sales, swaps, workshops, education, networking, and more.

Last year, Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing presented three framed prints by locally loved artist Larry Veeder, for the Collectors Society auction. Pictured is Red Wing Framing Owner and MCPF Valerie Becker and the Red Wing Collectors Society Executive Director Stacy Wegner.

Valerie Becker, Owner of Red Wing Framing and Stacey Wegner, Collectors Society Executive Director

This year Stacy presented us with a box of Collectors Society miscellany, and said, “Have fun!” We sure did! Check out our sweet little shadowboxes, filled with a hodgepodge of Collectors Society swag! These pretty little pieces will be auctioned off to raise money for the Society’s important work of preserving the legacy of Red Wing Pottery.

Thank you to the Red Wing Collectors Society and Ms. Wegner for the opportunity to support this wonderful organization and show pride in our community. Read more about the Red Wing Collectors Society on their website, and follow the action on their very active Facebook page.

New Gallery Collection: Alphonse Mucha

By on September 9, 2018 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Gallery Posts, Shop, Standard Post

We are pleased to exhibit the first framed pieces from our collection of prints by Alphonse Mucha. Mucha was a Czech artist (1860-1939) who “could draw before he could walk.” His career as an artist took off after he was chosen “in desperation” to fulfill an immediate art poster demanded by Parisian stage star Sarah Bernhardt for her production, Gismonda. Bernhardt fell in love with Mucha’s work, and his creation revolutionized the art poster industry. Mucha worked in high demand for years after.

Today we enjoy his works in various forms, including print replications of his production posters and decorative panels. Mucha was championed for bringing beautiful artworks to a wider public, making his prints and posters affordable and available. According to the Mucha Foundation, “It was Mucha’s belief that through the creation of beautiful works of art the quality of life would be improved. He also believed that it was his duty as an artist to promote art for ordinary people.”

We are thrilled to present our first set of framed Mucha prints, for sale and view in our galleries. Each is framed with exquisite and preservation quality materials to honor the compelling vision of the artist, and the inspiration and beauty he aimed to elevate for all people. Silk mats, museum glass, and delicate style frames show off the magnificent women, and the interpretation of each work will be an individual experience that viewers will enjoy. Learn more about Alphonse Mucha at www.muchafoundation.org, and stop in to our galleries to see the collection for yourself! Framed works as well as prints are for sale in our gallery.

 

Worth It.

By on April 25, 2018 in Art, Business, Creativity, Framing, Needle Arts, Standard Post

What is it that makes something worthy of framing? Should it be a work from a notable artist? Should it cost X amount of dollars? Should it be historically significant?

Sure! In May 2018, the Peggy and David Rockefeller family will auction 600 million dollars worth of original works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in New York City, USA. These pieces surely fit all of the above criteria, and we’d certainly be proud to frame the work of such masters.

Son’s Stormtrooper Mask

Grandmother’s Needlepoint

In the business world, perceived value is defined as “the worth a customer ascribes to a product or service.” In our business world, perceived value can be used to describe the non-monetary value a customer ascribes to the artwork or object considered for framing. Our very proudest projects are those that connect to our customers’ stories—your hearts, your histories, your lives and families, your memories, your hopes.

Travel Postcard

So what if your project is just something your son drew in kindergarten class, or, just this old needlepoint that your grandmother stitched, or just some picture you found and liked? (Yah, we hear the word “just” a lot.)

Frame-worthy? ABSOLUTELY!

Puppy Paw

Van Gogh Print

Literally, JUST Wrapping Paper! Why not?

There is no price one can use to describe the worth of such projects. What is the value to you or your son who sees his professionally displayed artwork and is encouraged to continue creative and educational endeavors? What is the value of preserving your grandmother’s stitchery, passed down through generations of family who will remember grandma’s name and story? And what if its “Just some picture you liked”…well, there is a reason it drew a connection, and doesn’t that connection merit saving? The motives to frame something don’t have to be deep or philosophical, but the impacts of these projects can be truly priceless.

You have brought us your project to frame. We are honored to learn and share in your story. Fine custom framing is our heart and our story, and we are equally privileged to work with your $66 million Van Gough or your late pup’s paw print in plaster. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

 

So, is it frame-worthy?

Yes, and you don’t need to justify it.

Frame Story: Dan and His “Fur Family”

By on February 22, 2018 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Local, Neighbors, Printing

We first met Dan in 2015 when he visited our Red Wing shop after a Google search for framing and printing. Dan’s initial project utilized both services—printing his commissioned artwork and framing it accordingly. Dan was cool, easy to work with, and he appreciated our high touch service style.

“You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames and I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen any more?” he remarked.

Meet Dan, Paavo, and Miss Belle!

Paavo resides at Wishbone Ranch and is part of the non-profit “This Old Horse” retirement program. “Miss Belle” is a young Friesian cross who is still in training. “They bring a lot of joy and meaning into my life,” Dan said of his horses.

As well as being a horseman, Dan is a cat man! Here’s Angel and Smushie.

We are proud to continue to help Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that fits both the artwork and his home decor style, and likes our Tru Vue museum glass for its unmatched clarity and UV protection.

“I have been super pleased with all the work you’ve done. Important since I look at them every day!” Dan shared.

Check out a few of Dan’s amazing projects!

Ready to tell YOUR story? Let us help you share it through custom professional framing!

Inverted Jenny

By on March 24, 2017 in Creativity, Framing

In 1918, an upside-down biplane was mistakenly printed on the 24 cent airmail stamp. Only 100 of the original stamps were sold, and they are valued among philatelists at around $100,000 per stamp. Normally, a print inspector or postal clerk would have caught the misprint immediately. However, the clerk who sold the original sheet of inverted jenny stamps said, “How was I to know the thing was upside down? I never saw an airplane before.”

In 2013, the USPS reprinted the famous and rare inverted jenny to the chagrin of hardcore stamp collectors. According to USPS policy, “Postal Service employees should refrain from intentionally creating philatelic rarities.” Agency watchdogs suggest that the post office violated its own code by recreating rare stamp in order to make money.

We aren’t really philatelists, but we know a good framing subject when we see one. Our inverted jenny sheet is floated and matted with TrueVue museum glass and a Superior Moulding frame.

Read more: HERE and HERE

The Fabulous Fillet

By on February 27, 2017 in Art, Creativity, Design News, Framing

In the framing world, a fillet (typically pronounced “fill-it”) is a super small frame with a reverse lip that fits inside a traditional frame or under a mat. Fillets can provide extra flair or dramatic enhancement to a frame, or incorporate an additional level of showcasing to a piece of art.

You may notice that the ornate fillet around pastel madonna adds a touch of elegance to the rustic style frame. Our 1st place chapter winner featured a blue frame fillet matching the bold blue in the needlepoint. Finally, the beautiful Belle is displayed with a bold mat rimmed in a delicate fillet, giving her design the right amount of sass to match her personality, per the owner.

 

Fillets exponentially grow the creative possibilities of framing design, and as we always say, the more creative options the more fun to be had!

Cead Mille Failte

By on January 22, 2017 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Needle Arts

“A hundred thousand welcomes” is the English translation of this Gaelic salutation. This cross-stitch was laced over an archival board, matted, and framed with a perfectly patterned moulding. These projects showcase the time, talent, and creativity of needle artists, and we are experts at helping our customers achieve their finished piece. I wonder how one might express “a hundred thousand stitches”?

 

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