Links
WHAT ARE FINE PRINTS?
With today's unfortunate proliferation of artificially conceived imagery, the distinction of the "human element" is more important in the art world than ever before. Yet printmakers, print collectors, and print dealers have long dealt with the pessimistic misconception that printmaking is just another tool of reproduction, rather than a legitimate art form. We believe that printmaking's place in the art world is important for many reasons, but today it's quite necessary, as the argument for what makes art art is more clearly coming into focus. To us, it is that human element.
We are often asked to clarify: what separates a fine print from a reproduction? Simply put, a reproduction is made by a scanning an artwork and printing it using an electric machine that doesn't require human operation. A "fine print" refers to an original work of art conceived of and brought to physical reality by a human artist using a matrix, paper, and a printing press, "baren," or silkscreen. Additionally, it's usually done in an edition of two or more impressions. In more detailed terms, a human artist draws a concept (an image) onto a matrix such as a woodblock, a metal plate, a stone, a silkscreen, etc. Then, by various processes, the artist incises into (or, in the case of relief printing, builds upon the surface of) said matrix, which is then inked and hand-printed by the artist onto specific acid-free papers using the aforementioned press, baren, or screen. Unlike gicleés, which merely replicate - rather than create - an original piece of art in a conceptually similar way to that of a Xerox, fine prints always retain the human element.
For further information, see the Print Council of America's explanation of fine prints with links to techniques and other informational resources:
An illustrated overview on fine printmaking techniques from the Print Council of America.
ORGANIZATIONS + INSTITUTIONS
Below are links to a variety of organizations and institutions that pertain to printmaking, printmakers, and to events that we are directly involved with.
CATALOGUE RAISONNÉS
Links to the complete or near-complete, professionally compiled lists of individual artists' printed works, as well as the catalogues of major print workshops. These are often compiled by academics, but can also be put together by dealers who represent an artist's estate or otherwise have access to their works in order to catalog them. They often take years to complete.