The film 2040 inspired Heather Powell with its suggestion that now is the time to make wiser choices for people and our planet. It advocates looking at what is being done – and then not always merely doing the same thing better - but differently.
Thus the idea of Unframed Art - a way for ‘ordinary’ and considerably less affluent folk who love art, or who love to paint or draw, to be able to buy and sell art works without the present financial constraint or risk . Paintings or sketches mounted on reused cardboard are light and safe for both geriatrics and children (no shattered class or damage or injury when dropped).
Furthermore UFA works need not be confined to small works because of the exorbitant cost of framing large ones. Free, reusable cardboard abounds in vast amounts and all sizes.
Choosing and owning a picture that appeals can be hugely uplifting, calming, inspiring, even healing. It can completely transform an ordinary or drab space.
"Many folk who might love to paint might baulk at the thought of the expense of having their work framed in case they could not sell it. With unframed art the cost is small and it can be composted if not sold! Eco art!" Heather said.
"UFA might well encourage folk to fearlessly explore their as yet untapped talent with neither size or expense a perceived restriction! If UFA works are not sold the artist is not landed with a mound of costly framed works.
"Public offices and waiting areas could be greatly and inexpensively enhanced by UFA. Instead of the ‘same old’ décor, pictures could be easily and inexpensively exchanged, offering upliftment or consolation to the stressed folk who alas – these days, seem doomed to have to sit waiting interminably for almost everything.
"There need be no insurance issues or undue drama should a cheap cardboard work of art come to grief. Plenty of supply and plenty of demand. Maybe a whole new approach to the role of Art in Society would emerge! “Come for coffee and view my latest UFA Collection!” Once fed up with them, if not required as weed suppressants or compost, they could be donated elsewhere.
Having trained as an art teacher many moons ago, once Heather got This Idea, she was on a roll and produced some sixty diverse colourful UFA works.
Heather booked a site at the Corrigan’s Beach Market in Batehaven to introduce the concept.
"Helped by a friend with more market savvy than me, and a gazebo, we presented UFA to the passing public. It generated quite a bit of interest, though no parents actually got the idea to encourage their children into the area to choose a picture . But it’s early days. We are going to have a site at the same market on Sunday November 17th. After that we’ll see what evolves from the concept."
"An added bonus with UFA is that it diminishes the vast amount of cardboard retailers have to have hauled away each week."
