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The pigment prints that
comprise the Beneath the Surface series are printed with Epson™ UltraChrome® inks on Hahnemühle PhotoRag® fine art paper. This
"paper" is actually more of a cloth, as it is not made of tree pulp
but of 100% cotton, which is a renewable resource.
The original images themselves are works of art that I hand-created
with the aid of a camera and a computer. Unlike an automated
process, the computer does not generate the works. I use the
computer just like any other tool, to help me create images based on
original photographs or sketches I have made. The actual process is
very much like painting, except that my "canvas" is the computer
monitor. The final images are saved as digital files from which I
can generate a finished, limited-edition, print. Please note that my
editions are small, that is 25 prints or fewer. Although we
appreciate art for its beauty and meaning, the smaller a print
edition is, the more monetary value it retains over time. The printing of
small editions of works is also exciting and challenging to the
artist.
To assure the highest possible quality, I work closely with a
professional printer. As with any other fine art print or
photograph, I have proofs printed during the process so I can adjust
the image to achieve the final result I envision. For any given
image I may pull 2 to 5 artist's proofs. The overall process is very
exacting and time-consuming, no different from working in any other
fine art medium. Unlike traditional printmaking techniques such as
etching and lithography, the advent of high-tech digital pigment
printers has made modern printing more accurate; however, this does
not guarantee an exact replication of the original image each time. Experience has shown that slight variations can and do occur due to
ink and paper interactions, so the individual prints can vary just
as in the older methods—though significantly less so. I feel that
this actually adds to the interest and collectiblity of the works.
Framing your Artwork
In order to protect your investment, it is recommended that your
original print be framed by a professional framer using the
best-quality materials you can afford. Although Epson's UltraChrome
inks are reputed to remain colorfast for many decades, it's always
best to avoid displaying any artwork near a heat source or in bright
light. That way, your piece is likely to give you many years of
pleasure.
Due to the strength and richness of the Epson UltraChrome inks, it
is not absolutely necessary to cover your art print with glass once
it is matted and framed (see below), but it is advisable to do so in
order to avoid dust and dirt from settling on it. Therefore, for the
best appearance, I recommend a non-reflective museum-grade glass
with UV protection (i.e. DEN™ glass or Tru-View™), over at least one
layer of 100% cotton conservation-grade matte board. Non-reflective
museum-grade glass costs considerably more than ordinary UV glass,
but best allows the richness of the pigment inks to come
through. A knowledgeable framer will use museum-grade matting
material. Many collectors prefer a
staggered double matte for extra depth.
Please be aware that the
glass used in framing should not touch the artwork, as humidity can
cause condensation to build up and damage your print. The image
itself should be carefully mounted onto an acid-free backing using
acid-free tabs or corner mounts. DO NOT permanently dry-mount (glue)
your print directly to any surface for mounting, as this will
seriously damage the value of the artwork. Although the framing
method described above is more expensive than framing with ordinary
glass and materials, doing so will give you the peace of mind that
your work will retain its beauty and value for many years to come. If you do not intend to frame your print shortly after receiving it,
you may want to consult your local professional framer on how to
safely store it to best protect your fine art investment. |
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Please be aware that international copyright laws cover just about everything
that is created, even when it's not obviously stated or signed. Copyright
protection applies to all the images and text on this website. You as the art
collector can own your purchased print, but not the legal rights to reproduce or
alter that image without the written permission of the artist.
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