Federico Carrassi

Frame maker | Milan, Italy

In a long line of framers

Federico is an artistic frame maker
He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts
His work aims to evolve a very ancient know-how

Born and raised in Milan, Federico Carrassi attended art high school and later obtained a painting diploma at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. Immediately attracted by the more technical aspects of artistic making, he explored several creative avenues, acquiring experience in several areas in the world of craftsmanship. He worked for two years as a theatre set designer, one year as a decorator and fresco painter, and for four years in a framer's workshop. In 2017, Federico opened his own business as a frame maker and restorer. Working mostly on commission, Federico believes that, in addition to the dialogue with the works (to be framed or restored), his relationship with clients is fundamental to successful outcomes: he interprets their needs, be they private individuals, gallery owners, museums or major collectors.

Interview

©Cornici Carrassi

©Cornici Carrassi

What nourishes your creativity?: Working mainly on commission, my first source of inspiration is my relationship with clients. I offer them all my creativity and taste, into which I pour my artistic training and experience of the art world. I also look at the work of colleagues and follow framers from all over the world, particularly from Japan.
What do you love most about your job?: I love the peace that it gives me: the silence, together with the typical noise of the tools, the strange smells now familiar to me – paints, white spirit, turpentine, wax. The opportunity to get my hands on beautiful materials. The most fun part is making what I need, like shellac and plaster, using ancient recipes.
Have you developed new techniques?: This is truly a traditional craft, there is so much to learn, techniques and recipes created and perfected over the centuries. As a know-how that is a collective heritage, we have the duty to preserve and develop it. Currently I am the only framer under 65 in Milan.
Did you ever have a special project to work on?: I worked on some drawings by Boccioni for a gallery exhibition, a De Chirico's self-portrait, a painting by Mirò. And the restoration of the frame of a 17th century monumental painting for the most important antiques fair in the world, in Maastricht.

Federico Carrassi is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013