In this post I share the process to create the screen Waveform for the Farnsworth Art Museum exhibit February 9-September 22, 2019. The full scale screen is the realization of a dream to make what was originally a 6” x 12” mockup into a six foot by seven foot object. Each step of the process required explorations in construction and design to scale the screen to its full size.
Waveform, 2019 Tim Finefrock & Johanna Moore
mahogany, 23 karat gold leaf 72” H x 84” W
Artist’s Statement for the Farnsworth:
As a picture frame and gilded object conservator I am fortunate to be able to examine an infinite array of frame designs from across history. Early picture frames in the Western world were architectonic, constructed as integral to an interior building to house icons depicting biblical events, through time they became constructs to protect and illuminate the paintings within; before the invention of the lightbulb, gilded frames captured and reflected available light. While conserving the picture frame for the portrait of Anna Scott Fisher by Cecelia Beaux (Bowdoin College Museum of Art, 2006.21) I was intrigued by the effect of movement which resulted from the carved and gilded sine wave pattern in its frame. This inspired the creation of a series of studies of optical illusions using carved patterns and burnished precious metal leaf. Waveform is the result of one of these studies.
On view at the Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine. The Screen Show, through September 22, 2019. https://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/exhibition/7232/
First steps, examine which angle will be the best. 
create mockups of patterns to examine how the reflections play out at different angles 
create samples to examine the pattern reflectivity 
each carved pattern creates different reflections 
experimenting with different hinges. Chose the Soss blind hinge for the project 
a jig was built to mill the mahogany 
even custom featherboards were made for the project 
all 14 panels were cut and readied for the hinges 
a jig was built to clamp the panels in place and line up the hinges 
a two part jig was made for the Soss hinges 
the jig is installed and the hinge holes cut 
two plunge routers were used to cut the hinge slots 
more tests of the panels were made 
at first I thought the gilding should go on the back of the panels, but the reflections created didn’t achieve what I was looking for 
it took weeks to sand both sides of the mahogany panels 
the back side of the screen 
special brackets were milled out of aluminum to secure the screen while it is installed in the museum 
gilding the panels with 23 karat gold leaf 
Side view of Waveform as it’s being assembled
Lone Pine Projects 