June 2023
What Makes Art More Easily Available to Art Lovers?
How does Social Media Influence Artists? A Bane or a Blessing?
Introducing: “Summer”
WHAT MAKES ART MORE EASILY AVAILABLE TO ART LOVERS?
I would like to start by demystifying a trope that “good art is expensive” and not within the reach of most. If you would like to collect art that brings you joy and enriches your life but must not stray from a restricted budget, this information will open a window to your dream of owning good art.
Giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) refers to high-quality reproduction of an original artwork. Giclees are produced using professional grade printers that use archival inks and fine art papers or canvas to create prints with exceptional color accuracy and detail. I myself could not, on one occasion, distinguish between one of my original paintings and a giclee of it until I looked on the back of the canvas.
There are several reasons why giclees have become attractive to art collectors:
a) giclees capture the intricate colors, details, textures of the original artwork.
b) many giclees are produced in limited editions, meaning that only a specific number of prints are made. Personally, I only sell giclees made to order; I do not keep an inventory.
c) original artworks can be expensive and out of reach for many collectors. Giclees offer a more affordable option to own a high quality reproduction of a favorite artwork.
d) preservation and durability – giclees are printed using archival inks and materials, ensuring their longevity and resistance to fading over time, thus making them a reliable investment.
e) giclees can be printed on paper, canvas or metal.
f) artist involvement: in many cases the artist is closely involved in the giclee production process. They collaborate with professional printers to ensure the colors and details of the print match their original vision. I usually spend a couple of hours with the printer personally revising the proof of any giclee that I sell.
It is important to note that while giclees offer many advantages, they are still reproductions and not the same as owning an original artwork. However, their high quality and limited (often a one and only) edition make them appealing to collectors who appreciate fine art but may not have the means to acquire originals.
HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA (SM) INFLUENCE ARTISTS? IS IT A BANE OR A BLESSING?
SM has become an essential tool for artists to showcase their work, connect with their audience and gain exposure. It enables artists to create a personal brand, develop a unique identity and aesthetic and help build a loyal fan base which establishes artists as recognizable figures in the art world.
SM also plays a significant role in democratizing the art world. With it artists now have a direct line of communication with their audience and often can bypass galleries and curators.
Many artists are now creating work specifically for SM, with the goal of creating visually striking and shareable content. Hence the rise of digital art, which is perfectly suited for the online environment.
However, the impact of SM on the art world is not entirely positive. Some argue that the emphasis on SM-friendly content can lead to a homogenization of art, with artists creating work that is designed to be popular, rather than meaningful.
While there are some downsides to the influence of SM, it is clear that it has changed the way we consume and appreciate art.
I personally wonder if scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. and seeing a multitude of art in a seemingly endless variety of forms will dull our senses, numb us, and make us immune to the significant and specific meaning and beauty of art itself.
INTRODUCING – Fittingly – “SUMMER”
| “Summer” – Acrylic, Encaustic on 38″x32″ wood panel |
“Summer” underwent a transformation from its previous form. The center area used to be textured with a variety of molding pastes and some cool/cold colors such as off-white, green and blue. For a while I liked it a lot but then I started to feel some dissatisfaction with it. However, I resisted making any changes apart from the colors. After working on it for days on end, I was still not loving it. Until I realized I had to listen to the painting – and not to myself. I decided to use Encaustic (hot wax) and create an organic, fluid pattern. Et voilà – it worked! I hope you like it now as much as I do.
“Summer” is available and waiting to bring its warmth and uniqueness to a beautiful home. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional clarifications. My Website Shop still shows the old painting as I’ve just finished this. An update is on the way.
CONTACT ME HERE:
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Twitter: @bela_fidel