Masterfully Made Frame/Mirror "Harvest Time"

Frame made of hand notched and individually layered wood. Decorated with flowers, wheat, birds, snakes, hearts, all together in perfect harmony. The large heart contains a secret picture frame compartment.

Historically, Penny and I have had occasion to include unusual pieces of vintage “Tramp Art” in our inventory. We admire the works by late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century artists who allowed their imaginations to run wild, creating notched and carved pieces that are truly unique and “over the top.”

Several years ago while participating in The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, we met landscape designer and artist Freeland Tanner and his wife Sabrina. They invited us to visit his studio in Napa Valley to view art pieces that he created using the notched technique of tramp art; however, he did not want his works to be viewed as tramp art but rather inspired by tramp art. From the first visit we developed a fascination with “Free’s” exuberant works and a lasting friendship with the Tanners. We also purchased some of Freeland’s most accomplished outpourings. We recognized Freeland as an artist who has improved upon a more traditional art form and made it his own. He has added new concepts, imaginative designs, and skilled precise workmanship to his creations, which is apparent in the two frames we are offering here on InCollect. We have never before sold contemporary art and this is not a path we are exploring for our gallery. Rather, we have been so impressed with Freeland’s masterful pieces that we feel compelled to share them with you.