THE CAVENDER DIARY

I’ve been using Art & Frame Expo on Mockingbird Ave. for years now.

Professionally, and personally.

I can’t stress enough the importance of a professional framer in your life. Sure, any slob can tape a picture they ripped out of a magazine to the inside a $6 Ikea frame. But a professional framer will size the perfect mat, select a frame style that enhances the subject matter, and even recommend a glass that will keep that magazine page from fading over time.

Christine goes out of her way to accommodate my bizarre requests; like making 3-sided burl wood frames to trim shelves, or cutting thick mats just the right size to cradle a Life magazine, or even making empty silver frames that I used to trim the glass insets of a room divider. I’m never your ordinary customer.

Just the other day the ordinary customer next to me was framing a print of a Texas swing band – 5 western hat wearing musicians in a blocky, almost elementary school style. (I’m always curious about what art other people decide to frame.) I knew the Artist right away; Dallas’ own – Jon Flaming.

We excitedly exchanged our thoughts on Jon’s work, how much we loved his Instagram feed, and then we both agreed that he was the “Cowboy Matisse”.

See for yourselves;

Technically, Jon Flaming has only been a full-time working artist for the past few years. Self-taught, he works with acrylics, oils, water color and even found objects. It’s his early memories of small town life in rural America (farm equipment, horses, oil wells, cattle, and especially the working men) that left a lasting impression on him and translates into everything he does. Although he briefly considered a career as an architect, Jon graduated from Texas State University with a degree in design and for the past 30 years has done just that. His Dallas-based graphic design firm has created logos and branding for big dogs like Neiman Marcus, Pepsi, and JCPenny. Jon’s art style may have evolved and changed but everything he does is still easily identifiable as his work.

He may not be a native Texan, Jon was born in Kansas and moved to Texas when he was 5, but I’m pretty sure he’s accepted as one of us…

…and he certainly knows how to rock a Stetson Open Road with a Canadian tuxedo.

Be sure to check out Jon’s journal page  to purchase painting/prints, read his press, and keep up with details about upcoming shows.

OOOhh, and do not miss the collection he designed for the John Wayne Brand.

(Ya’ll know I’ve already ordered a t-shirt)

Love this guy.

Love his work.

The “Cowboy Matisse”.