Take a look at your art collection. What do you see? If you are an artist, chances are your studio space is far from organized, which is extremely common and normal. After all, it is easy to lose track of your surroundings while being engulfed in the creative process. However, that does not mean you should not try fixing some of the habits you might have picked up during your artistic journey. Keep reading if you want to learn which artwork storage practices and techniques can help you better manage your art collection and ensure its longevity.
Three Artwork Storage Practices That Can Save Your Art Collection
Do not store artwork on the floor
Whatever you do, do not store your pieces directly on the ground. Concrete floors of self-storage units and at-home studios retain all the moisture from the air and can pass it on to your pieces, even if you framed and packed them before storage. It is better to put your artwork on shelves or hang it up. If you must store your art on the floor, use boxes or cases to protect them.
Do not stack your framed paintings on top of each other
Stacking artworks on top of each other is a common mistake that can lead to terrible consequences. The pressure of glass frames on the top can weigh down the piece at the bottom and break the glass. Instead, lean your framed paintings against each other while storing them vertically in a cardboard box or hang them on the wall.
Always label your artwork before storage
Do you often struggle to find your pieces once you have put them away for storage? To help yourself keep track of all the pieces you made throughout your career, you must label all boxes and crates. Your labeling system should be easy to navigate, so do not use uncommon abbreviations and be as descriptive as possible. You can also include a picture of the artwork on the label to instantly know which piece you put in which box.
Learning the proper artwork storage practices takes time, but it is absolutely worth it. Help the future you save time, energy, and money on restoration and start employing these rules as soon as possible.