Artists who submit and are accepted into various expositions encounter the requirement of proper hanging equipment. Wiring for framed or unframed work is basically the same. Unwanted materials include saw-teeth clips and anything that does not involve a wire and Drings.
To begin with, I organize the materials I need so that everything is within reach. A pencil, a ruler, D-rings, screws, screwdriver, wire and wire cutters are all easily accessible.
Measuring from the top of the frame or canvas I mark a spot one third of the whole length. Some venues require a spot one quarter of the length from the top. Lining up the D-ring I place it about half to three-quarters of an inch away from the inside edge of the wood (my stretchers are two inches square).
I drive in the three-quarter-inch screw to secure it in place. This exercise is repeated on the other side of the work. Aluminum frames supply clips that slid into place (again about a third from the top) and protrude over the back of the work.
Leaving a generous length of wire at one end I bend it over the D-ring to prevent it from sliding and unroll the length required leaving another generous amount for the other ring.
One gallerist suggested one needs enough wire to twist a minimum of five times to prevent slippage.
Once satisfied with the length I cut the wire holding the roll end and secure it so it will not unravel.
Slipping the end of the wire into the ring from the bottom I wrap it around the incoming wire.
I re-enter the ring from the top and tighten.
Next, I thread the wire over the incoming wire and re-enter the ring from the bottom again coming up through the centre and begin twisting the wire around itself.
About half-way I twist the rest of the wire back on itself. The plastic-coated wire has two advantages. One: there is no need to wrap the frayed wire ends to protect those who hang the work from scratches and punctures. (There are no frays.) Two: slippage is not a concern. Holding the wire tight I proceed to the other end and repeat the process.
Wiring can be an exercise in meditation. I enjoy every aspect of what I do. A job well done gives me great satisfaction knowing my clients and the galleries displaying my work can recognise the integrity of what I do in the quality and the care I give to every aspect of the creative process.
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