FAQ

Answers to some common questions:

Q: Do you have a website (other than this store)?

Q: I don't see a specific print/sticker/etc. on your store; can you add it?

A: Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know… Ask me!

Q: I saw an original piece of art (on social media) that I want to buy, but it's no longer in your shop.

A: All of my original art is unique, one-of-a-kind, and 100% created by me, personally. If you don't see a piece in my store, I haven't listed it yet or it's been sold. You can check this site for sold items here.

I almost never recreate pieces, and when I do it's never exactly the same. If you see a piece you like, you love, or even are sort-of-interested in for yourself or someone else, I highly recommend buying it on the spot. it might not be available the next time you visit.

Q: Can you hold a piece of art for me?

A: I really want to… but I can’t

A lot of people ask me if I can “put aside” a piece of art for them because, for whatever reason, they can’t buy it right now.

When I first started selling art, I’d do this thinking it’d help ensure that my art found a home. Unfortunately, the fact is that 9.9 out of 10 times that person never returned to buy the piece. And keeping track of who wanted what and when became time consuming and felt unfair; anyone could claim they wanted it but then never returned to buy it.

So I don’t do this anymore. If you see a piece you like, I highly suggest you buy it then because if you put it off it might be sold the next time you come back to buy it.

Q: Your art looks tiny in the store pictures and I'm having trouble understanding how big the art will be if I buy it.

A: I know! One of the most common comments I get from people who buy my art is: "The art is so much smaller than I thought it would be… in a good way!"

To help understand how small some of my art actually is I've created a printable "size guide". You can download it here:

MJS.ART Printable Art Size Guide

Q: Why isn't my art or wood frame "perfect"?

A: Perfection isn't everything.

Perfection doesn't exist. Life isn’t perfect; my art isn’t perfect; wood isn't perfect; my frames aren’t perfect.

My art is handmade and imperfections are part of their being and character just like the wood I use to make my frames. Embracing and celebrating imperfection is a more noble and – I'd argue – ultimately happier journey than chasing the impossible destination of perfection, never to arrive. And, of course, perfection is always contextual and relative.

I'm an amateur woodworker. Every frame I make is "better" than the one before it as I gain more skill and experience. Even if I could create a “perfect” piece of art in a perfect frame, my art is meant to be handled. In doing so you'll immediately impart your own imperfections, especially for frames made with soft wood like pine. In this way, you make the art truly yours.

If you need absolute, unwavering perfection… then my art is probably not for you. And that's okay. :-)

Q: What's the difference between your "unibody" and "monobloc" frames

A: Great question; thank you for asking!

My unibody frames were the technically the second frames I've produced, but my first wood frames. I was previously creating cardboard frames for my Art-o-mat series. As I expanded the scope of my work I wanted to offer something more substantial, more traditional, but uniquely my work. And so, my unibody frame was conceived. So what's the difference?

My unibody frames are made from two pieces of wood: the frame and a backing plate. The contents go into the frame, and the backing plate is press-fit into the frame to seal everything together.

My monobloc frames are carved from a single piece of wood; the contents are press-fit into its front.

The other difference is that unibody frames have a much thicker border than the monobloc's 3/16". The thickness of the unibody frames depend on the outer dimensions of the frame, but the monobloc frames currently all have 3/16" thick border walls.

That's because the unibody frames need to support and withstand the pressure of the press-fit backing plate, and that required a more substantial wall thickness. The monobloc frames require less pressure to press-fit the contents, so I was able to reduce the thickness of the wall.

Q: I like one of your pieces, and I want to buy it, but I want to change the frame style and/or color; can I?

A: It depends on what you're asking for, but I'm open to customizing an order. Note that if I customize something for you, it's not returnable or refundable.

Q: I like one of your unframed pieces; will you make a frame for it?

A: I'm not giving a definitive "no", and it's not impossible… but it's unlikely.

Q: Do you take commissions?

A: My general answer is "not right now", but the more correct answer is "sometimes; it depends."

Abstract art is incredibly subjective; it's not for everyone, and that's okay. But it's important that you appreciate abstract art for what it is, and know that what you asked for and expect might not be exactly what I draw for you.

I create art during my free time. That means I don't (and can't) adhere to a schedule or commit to a deadline for delivering work. The art gets done when I have a chance to work on it.

If you're okay with that… let's talk. :-)

Q: I'm interested in carrying your art in my gallery/shop/store/boutique; are you open to that idea?

A: Yes I am! Please contact me!

Q: Art you currently represented by a gallery? Would you like to be?

A: No and yes! Please contact me!