#creativeframing

Art Isn’t Just What You See

There’s something magical about rediscovery.

If you've been following, I had the honor of stepping into Elizabet Castro’s world—her storage unit, to be exact—where paintings sat quietly, waiting for their moment to resurface. These weren’t just canvases; they were fragments of her story, holding years of reflection, creativity, and life.

One piece stayed with me long after: The Lady on the Horizon. A 15-minute acrylic study created during her time in Munich, it’s deceptively simple yet profoundly moving. Elizabet explained how she imagined herself as the woman in the painting—quiet, reflective, gazing at a horizon that stretches endlessly. It reminded her of Uruguay, where the landscape is vast, open, and alive with possibility.

What struck me most was her honesty about pauses in her work. She spoke about how the paintings sat untouched for over a year and how reconnecting with them alleviated a sense of loneliness. That hit home for me. We all have those moments—whether in art, work, or life—where we step back, thinking we’ve moved on, only to find that what we set aside is still waiting for us, ready to offer something new.

At its core, art isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about the quiet storms, the pauses, and the rediscoveries that shape us along the way.

This is the next clip of a new series where I’ll dive into the lives and work of the artists who inspire me and their process. If you’re into stories about the creative process, moments of connection, and the quiet magic of finding yourself in someone else’s art—stick around.

Through the Eyes of Elizabet Castro: Art, Light, and Life

Art is a mirror, reflecting not just the world around us but the essence of those who create it. Elizabet Castro’s work does exactly that—blending emotion, memory, and imagination into paintings that resonate deeply with anyone who sees them.

In a recent encounter, I had the privilege of documenting some of Elizabet’s artistic journey. Her stories captivated me—like the time she practiced Reiki on a neighbor who was gravely ill, only to be gifted an orchid in gratitude. That orchid inspired a painting, weaving together her love for nature, her spiritual practice, and her intuitive connection to life’s fleeting moments.

Elizabet’s art carries pieces of every place she’s called home. Her compositions are mosaics of Korean countryside, Uruguayan skies, and the colors of Mexico. Each stroke feels like a chapter in her life—a window into her soul.

She described her fascination with clouds, likening them to her life’s journey. “Suddenly they are here, and suddenly they are gone,” she said. For Elizabet, art is her constant—a way to ground herself and share her inner world, no matter where she finds herself.

This project reminded me of the power of art to heal, connect, and tell stories that words alone cannot express. Watch the full documentary to step into Elizabet’s world and feel the light she channels through her brush.

🎥 https://ryanteedy.substack.com

How Framing Transforms an Artwork’s Presence

Framing does more than protect an artwork—it defines its presence. A raw canvas leans against a wall, waiting to be noticed, while a framed piece commands attention. The right frame enhances an artwork’s composition, influences its impact, and transforms how viewers interact with it.

10% off with code REMNANT

For artists, this transformation begins long before the final brushstroke. That’s where Blank’s pre-framed canvases come in, bridging the gap between creation and presentation. By painting on a pre-framed surface, artists integrate framing into their process from the start, ensuring a polished, gallery-ready look.

At Remnant Framing, we help artists and collectors choose frames that amplify their artwork’s impact. Whether you’re exploring custom framing or experimenting with pre-framed canvases, the right frame makes all the difference. Visit us at Lowe Mill or check out our latest offerings online!

At Remnant Framing, nestled within the vibrant Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment center, we're more than just a custom picture frame shop—we're a part of Huntsville's dynamic art scene. Our mission is to preserve the art of custom framing while supporting Huntsville’s creative community. 

We understand that every piece of art tells a story, and our role is to enhance those narratives with craftsmanship, quality, and care. By offering personalized framing services and providing a space for artists, we contribute to the local art scene and foster meaningful connections. 

Subscribe to our substack as we follow and report on the changing landscape of the art community in the southeast through the lens of a frame shop at the largest privately held arts facility in the United States.

Our gallery space showcases the works of local artists, reflecting the diverse and vibrant creativity that defines Huntsville. We believe in the power of art to inspire and connect, and we're committed to supporting the artists who make our community unique. 

As Huntsville's art scene continues to grow, we're here to provide the support and services that artists and art lovers need. Whether you're looking to frame a cherished piece, explore local art, or connect with the creative community, Remnant Framing is here to help.

Get 10% off quality pre framed canvases through this link or use code REMNANT at checkout.

Visit us at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, and let's continue to build and support Huntsville's artistic community together.

Ryan

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There’s something incredible happening here in Huntsville, and I’ve captured it in my latest Substack article, where all of our content is free. From the bustling studios of Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment to the creative energy rippling through the South, this region is riding a transformative wave—and I’m lucky enough to see it all unfold from my frame shop, Remnant Framing.

This isn’t just about framing artwork—it’s about framing a movement, a culture, and the bold stories of artists shaping the future.

Whether you’re an artist, art lover, or just curious about the creative pulse of Huntsville and beyond, this one’s for you. Let’s celebrate the people, places, and passions that are making waves. 🌊✨

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since stepping away from my 9-to-5 and diving headfirst into framing and curating full-time, it’s that the magic always lies in the collaboration. At Lowe Mill, where creativity spills out of every corner, it feels like I’m constantly surrounded by inspiration. This month, that inspiration has taken shape in two distinct ways: curating a gallery reception for three incredible artists and showcasing the final week of Chris Wade’s Falling Through Space exhibition.

A Look Ahead: New Collaborations and Fresh Stories

Elizabet Castro, Yuri Ozaki, and Matt Bender are the featured artists for our next gallery reception, and I couldn’t be more excited about how their work comes together. Elizabet’s dynamic and emotional landscapes, Yuri’s serene and luminous Candlelight series, and Matt’s energetic Winter Wave prints create a visual dialogue that I can’t wait for people to experience.

Curating their work is a joy. It’s not just about framing the art (though I’m pretty biased about how much that matters); it’s about creating a space where people can stand in front of something and feel it. That’s the vibe we’re aiming for with this reception, and I hope you’ll stop by on January 25th to see for yourself.

This event also kicks off something I’ve been working toward for a while: an artist profile series. Each month, I’ll take a deeper dive into the lives and inspirations of the artists we feature, sharing their stories on the Remnant’ Framing’s Subtack and Youtube Channels. Huntsville is full of incredible creatives, and I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on their work.

A Fond Farewell: Falling Through Space

As we look forward, we’re also saying goodbye to one of the most evocative shows we’ve hosted—Chris Wade’s Falling Through Space. Chris has a way of pulling you into his pieces, balancing chaos and calm to create a feeling of floating between worlds. This show has been a highlight of the fall season at Lowe Mill, and I’ve loved seeing visitors pause in front of his work, letting it pull them into its orbit.

If you haven’t had a chance to see it—or if you’ve been thinking about coming back—this is your last opportunity. The gallery will be coming down at the end of the week, so stop by Remnant Framing before it’s gone.

Always Something New

Whether you’re joining us to celebrate the new reception or to catch Falling Through Space before it ends, I hope you’ll stop by. Lowe Mill has a way of surprising you every time you visit, and I like to think Remnant Framing plays a small part in that.

See you soon—and as always, keep an eye on what’s behind the frames.

The Stories Behind the Frames: A Documentary with Elizabet Castro

At Remnant Framing, we believe every piece of art has a story, and every frame is a chapter in that story. That belief came to life recently in a project with the incredible painter Elizabet Castro.

Elizabet’s work is more than beautiful—it’s deeply personal. Her paintings are a blend of cultures and experiences, influenced by her life in Uruguay, Korea, Mexico, and beyond. In her words, “Art is light, life, and imagination.” Through this documentary, we explored the moments that shaped her art: the clouds she observes every day, her connection to nature, and even a time she practiced Reiki to help a neighbor, which later inspired one of her paintings.

Her art speaks of gratitude, resilience, and the universal emotions we all share. Working with Elizabet to showcase her work and tell her story has been an honor. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—to celebrate the creative process and the artists who make it possible.

Check out the documentary on [Link to Substack] and see how Elizabet’s world comes to life through her brush and our frames.

A reflection of Remnant Framing's studio at Lowe Mill A&E in Huntsville, Alabama November 2024

Huntsville’s art scene isn’t something that just sits quietly on a shelf or hangs politely on a wall. It’s alive. It’s got this raw, gritty energy that hits you the moment you step into a place like Lowe Mill. It’s in the scuff marks on the floors, the paint splatters that didn’t quite make it to the canvas, the buzz of conversations about projects half-finished or dreams half-formed.

I see it every day, and it never gets old. There’s something about this place—this city—that draws in people who are ready to work, to hustle, to throw themselves into something bigger than themselves. Artists here don’t wait for permission or for the perfect circumstances. They show up, day after day, and they make it happen.

You can see it in the brick walls of old warehouses, the ones that hold so much history and now pulse with new energy. There’s grit in the way those spaces feel lived in, like they’ve seen decades of transformation and are now standing as a testament to resilience and reinvention. The same could be said for the people who fill them—artists who’ve spent years refining their craft, musicians who’ve played more empty rooms than full ones, creators who never stop chasing that spark.

It’s not about polish here. It’s not about making something perfect. It’s about making something real.

Josh Macero from Josh & The G.M.O.S performing at Verticle House Records at Lowe Mill A&E in Huntsville Alabama December 2024

I love that about Huntsville. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. The people here are grounded, but that doesn’t mean they don’t dream big. They just know how much work it takes to get there, and they’re willing to do it. That’s rare.

For me, being a part of this scene feels like stepping into something honest and alive. It’s messy in the best way—collaborations that come together at the last minute, experiments that fail and turn into something better, conversations that spark new ideas in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

Cup of Coffee, at Remnant Framing December 2024

It’s not glamorous, but that’s what makes it matter. Every piece of art, every mural, every photograph, every frame—it all comes from someone who cared enough to create it, someone who worked through the hard parts to get there.

Huntsville’s art scene isn’t just about making pretty things. It’s about making meaning. And that’s something worth being a part of.

More on evolving Art scene in the Southeast