Joachim Konradi stands in his studio next to a large-format black-and-white portrait in a black frame with a light-colored mat

In my Q-AD works, I love the interplay of bold colors and vibrant surfaces. The dark frames provide a clean border and create some space around the image. The width of this border, how deeply the work sits within the frame, and the appearance of the wood’s surface all matter a great deal to me.

For decisions like these, I have two valued partners in Much: Carolle and Joachim Konradi. Both are master gilders. They craft custom frames that complement each piece and have a keen sense of how to best showcase a painting. I’d like to share this collaboration with you here.

A Frame for Each Painting

Close-up of several red- and copper-colored Q-AD works in deep, dark picture frames with a narrow gap between the frame and the artwork
Q-AD in Konradi's model frame

The Q-AD series clearly illustrates what I appreciate about these frames. The dark surfaces recede in the presence of the bold red and copper tones. At the same time, the depth of the frame and the narrow gap make the edges of the works visible.

For me, details like these are part of the finished presentation. I want viewers to perceive the surface and character of the work. That’s why it’s important to me to collaborate with people who look closely at the artwork and understand the possibilities of craftsmanship.

From Wood to the Finished Surface

Hands are working on the dark surface of a small model frame with a brush at a workshop table
The surface is crafted by hand to match each frame.

At Konradi, the work begins in the company’s own woodshop. For the model frames, the wood is processed and glued in-house. This is followed by the individual steps for finishing the surface: priming, varnishing, sanding, or gilding, depending on the desired look for the frame. The mat and glass are also selected to complement the framing.

What interests me most is the work that, when looking at the finished picture, is perceived only as a harmonious whole. A carefully finished edge or a finely tuned surface doesn’t draw undue attention to itself. But when I look more closely, it’s precisely these details that delight me.

This short film shows Joachim working on the frames for my Q-AD images: from securing and inserting the panels to the finished pieces on the table.

A lot of work goes into creating the image: A look behind the scenes at the framing of my Q-AD series.

My photographs also get framed here

On my end, our collaboration isn’t limited to the Q-AD series. My photographs are also framed at Konradi. A single portrait with a mat creates a different effect than multiple images displayed together in a single frame. Both require an eye for spacing and for the images being shown together.

Carolle Konradi displays two black frames with light-colored mats and portraits of children; the portraits of children were altered using AI
Carolle Konradi with two framed photographs I took. The children’s portraits in the frames were altered using AI for this publication.
Joachim Konradi is holding an oblong wooden frame containing several portrait photographs; the faces within the frame have been altered using AI
Multiple images, a single frame. The portraits within the frame have been altered using AI to protect the individuals depicted.

Some of my clients also have their pictures framed at Konradi. I’m happy to recommend the workshop because I appreciate the care and creative flair that Carolle and Joachim bring to our collaboration.

Craftsmanship for “The Secret of the Masters” as Well

The two work for galleries, museums, and private art collectors. They also create frames for the documentary series “The Secret of the Masters.” In this series, well-known works of art are examined and reconstructed. Anyone interested in how much knowledge and craftsmanship goes into such projects can find the series in the 3sat media library.

For me, it’s wonderful to know that my own work is in such capable hands. If you’d like to have a picture framed or take a closer look at the workshop, stop by Rahmen Design Konradi in Much. There you’ll find information about their services and direct contact details for Carolle and Joachim.