Work by Atlanta artist Jeff Surace
Ledging, a term for the technique of hanging paintings of differing sizes as if they were resting on a ledge, is very useful for large vertically oriented paintings. In this particular show, the tallest painting, on the left, was about 6 feet in height The advantage of ledging these paintings meant we had space for the additional aesthetic of “Element”, which was also the title of the show. We used a local sign store, and I worked with the marketing coordinator on color & wording. The local sign store installed the vinyl lettering, which easily peeled off once the show was done.
SUGGESTED TOOLS: Tape measure, masking tape, large nails OR three-nail hangers. Masking tape, level, step-ladder.
SUGGESTED METHOD: Decide placement of work, and in-between spacing. Set the largest piece first, at a height appropriate for the wall and your audience. Once you’ve set and leveled the largest piece, measure up from the base of the floor to the bottom of the painting; mark this with masking tape for the next piece. Mark the measurements for the next piece using masking tape, and measure the amount of space from the top of the painting to the height of the wire–this is where your nail will be. Set your nail in the wall within the measurements of the piece, and set your piece. Level, double-check the height in relation to the first piece, and adjust if necessary.
Continue with following pieces. If you’re using a vinyl sign, as shown, take measurements of the space for your or your marketer’s use in developing the sign. I recommend using local businesses, as they will professionally install the product and, in our case, have a quick turn-around.
*Check out more of Jeff Surace’s work.
*Ms. Wakefield is the beyonce of curators with her ability to make up descriptive terms.
Advice from the Curator's Desk 