Glossary

Limited Edition

     A limited edition print is an original image limited to a predetermined print quantity. The edition is often signed by the artist and individual prints are always numbered. The numbers on the print denote the individual piece number in the edition over the total edition size. For example, 3/125 is the 3rd print in a series of 125.

Giclee  

    Giclee printing made its debut in 1985 and incorporates the technology of digital printing, whereby microscopic ink droplets are precisely positioned onto a surface. Giclee prints offer incredible saturation, depth of color, and a beautifully finished print that captures the essence of the artist’s intent. Many contemporary and influential artists have adopted this new, high-quality printing technique.

Serigraphy

    Serigraphy is a printing process where ink is pressed through a silk screen onto paper. A different screen is used for each color in the image. Unlike offset printing, silk-screening allows the artist to vary the colors and patterns while printing. The serigraphy process was widely used in early twentieth century advertising posters and in pop art.

Paper
     The paper on which serigraphs, giclees, mixed media and stone lithographs are printed adds immensely to the value and quality of the print. The paper weight and content determine the difference in the way a print looks, feels and ages. The choice of paper is also a key factor in how to best interpret the original piece and the artist’s intent.

Cubism-

   Cubism is a more modern art movement in which forms are abstracted by using an analytical approach to the object and painting the basic geometric solid of the subject. Cubism is a backlash to the impressionist period in which there is more of an emphasis of light and color. Cubism itself follows Paul Cezanne statement that "Everything in nature takes its form from the sphere, the cone, and the cylinder." in which these 3 shapes are used to depict the object of the painting. Another way that the cubist expressed their painting was by showing different views of an object put together in a way that you can not actually see in real life.

Abstract Art

    Abstract Art is art that is not an accurate representation of a form or object. This representation can be differed in many ways including the shape, color, and form. The artist takes the object and then either simplifies it or exaggerates it.

Mixed Media

    The term mixed media art signifies the use of different media in the creation of one work. This can allow for great versatility and a rich viewer experience as the eye uncovers the multiple layers that often characterize mixed media art. The character of mixed media contributes to its popularity within the contemporary art world, as it can blend well with conceptual visual formulation. The end result can be less a direct visual statement than a way to bring irony into play as a comment on a visual statement. Mixed media art is frequently used to express political views or social statements.

       Common media combinations include oil paint, graphite, textiles, or sculpture. However, mixed media pieces can include almost anything. For example, found objects can be used in conjunction with traditional artist media. The different combinations of media and varying composition, color, and texture can all be used for interesting effect. It has been said, “Art is not a thing; it is a way.” The process and materials used to create a work of art are always of interest; with mixed media they are central to the work itself. The fact of the mediums, their texture and look, their presence, are important parts of the message conveyed.

 Archival Framing

      A print is normally mounted on a backing board and separated from the glass or plexiglass by a mat or by framing spacers. Archival framing simply means that the materials which come into contact with your print – the mat, backing, and adhesives – are either acid-free or acid-neutral. In addition, your print is protected from contact with the glass or plexiglass either by the mat or by framing spacers.

Question:

How Can You If Frame & Mat are Archival :

       Look at the bevel edge of the "window" opening in your mat. In an archival mat the bevel edge will be a uniform color. (The bevel is usually the same color as the front of the mat, although there are certain colored mats where the top layer – only – may be a different color.) In a non-archival mat, the front and back of the mat are a different color from the inner core of the board. Now look at the back of the frame. The best quality backing will be matte (acid-free foam core backing, rather than shiny (regular foam core backing.) Shiny backing isn't by itself a bad sign; the artist may have sandwiched a layer of acid-free material (which you can't see) between the mat board and the work of art. But the combination of a non-archival mat and shiny backing usually indicates that the matting and framing is non-archival. Finally, check to make sure that, if the print is "floated" in the frame without a mat, there are spacers or other devices used to keep the print from coming into contact with the glass or plexiglass.