Framing Feature: The Art Deco Elegance of Strange Dirt

At Jubilee Framers, we’re often privileged to work with artwork that’s as detailed and captivating as it is unique. One recent piece that came through our studio was a striking illustration by Denver-based artist Marsha Robinson, known professionally as Strange Dirt. Her work merges the natural world with geometric elegance, often drawing on Art Deco influences to build rich, symmetrical compositions that feel at once modern and timeless.

This particular piece featured an intricately patterned beetle form — a fusion of flora, fauna, and abstract design. The artwork’s bold structure, fine linework, and subtle earth-toned palette created an immediate visual impact. To enhance its presence, we worked closely with the owner to select a frame and matting that would echo the Art Deco character while allowing the detail to shine.

The final framing solution included:

• A deep-set, ridged black frame that added dimension and mirrored the rhythmic linearity of the artwork

• A warm-toned mat that picked up on the paper’s natural hue and supported the earthy color palette without competing with it

• Subtle gold and geometric detailing in the matboard layout to reflect and frame the inner artwork’s symmetry

The result is a beautifully balanced presentation that elevates the artwork without overpowering it — something we always aim to achieve at Jubilee Framers.

Strange Dirt’s work is a wonderful example of how framing can go beyond function and become part of the visual storytelling. You can explore more of Marsha Robinson’s incredible illustrations on Instagram at @strangedirt.