The Artist’s Marketplace

Iwata-Medea – New Eclipse Pistol Grip Airbrush Guns

Iwata-Medea is pleased to announce the arrival of the new unique Pistol Grip Airbrush Guns, the Eclipse G3 and G5. These look like miniature spray guns but spray and perform like a large airbrush.

The Eclipse G3 and G5 Airbrush Guns work with most twin-piston airbrush compressors like the Iwata Studio Series Power Jet Compressors.  Eclipse G3 and G5 features include true center-post gravity-feed cups and a MAC Valve for precise control of air and Spray Twilight-chrome finish.  The Eclipse G5 comes standard with a 0.5-mm stainless steel nozzle and has a spray width of ¼” up to 3”, as well as an 8 oz. stainless steel cup and lid. The Eclipse G3 comes standard with a 0.3-mm stainless steel nozzle and has a spray width of 1/8^th up to 2”, as well as a 4 oz. stainless steel cup and lid.

See your retailer and visit www.iwata-medea.com.

Artool – New Steampunk FX® Freehand® Airbrush Templates by Craig Fraser and Metropolis Freehand® Airbrush Template Set by Yvonne Mecialis

Artool Products Co. has announced the availability of the new Artool Steampunk FX® Freehand® Airbrush Templates designed by Craig Fraser and the Metropolis Freehand Airbrush Template Set by Yvonne Mecialis.

There’s a new art form hitting the street, which has been around for over a century: Steampunk!  But, more than an art form, Steampunk is a fashion statement, design aesthetic and kustom kulture lifestyle.  These new Artool Templates have all the “Tesla-esque” Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs goodies for that unique Neo-Victorian, retro-futuristic techno rendering.  The Artool Steampunk FX lineup: Junk, Mechanix, Gauges, Switches, Klockworx, Gear Drives or the whole Steampunk FX Set.  Steampunk FX is also available in the popular Artool Mini Series as a six-pack.

The 1927 film “Metropolis” by Fritz Lang was the inspiration for Yvonne Mecialis’ new Artool Metropolis Series of Freehand® Airbrush Templates.  Over the years Yvonne has developed her own unique style through the influence of the 1920’s Art Deco and Art Moderne movements.  With the Artool Metropolis Template Set, which contains 6 separate templates, you can easily add “deco flare” when creating futuristic renderings by utilizing these elegant curves and geometric shapes.  The artwork of Yvonne Mecialis has been featured in various publications as well as on TLC’s popular custom car show “RIDES.” 

See your retailer and visit www.ArtoolProducts.com.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Sakura of America

Archival Records Validate Your Artwork
by Peter Ouyang

The lack of documentation associated with an artist’s creation has drawbacks for both artists and collectors. When artwork is unsigned or if its authenticity is in question, extensive research will be conducted to determine the creator of the work. Although appraisers can point out inconsistencies in an art piece, they are generally not considered authenticity authorities. In fact, no single authority can be used. A costly, time-consuming collaboration is conducted. Art scholars, scientists, and signature analysts, all of whom are experts in their fields, participate in the authenticity research process.  Key points of authentication and recordkeeping tips point out the importance of documenting artwork.

Authentication – What’s involved?

Two key terms associated with the authentication process of artwork are provenance and catalogue raisonné. Provenance refers to the history of ownership records, which details when an art piece was created, its size and dimensions, and dates of acquisition and sale. A catalogue raisonné includes photographs, documentation, and the provenances of an artist’s work (even if the piece is lost or destroyed).

The authentication process consists of art scholar, scientific and signature analysis.  Art scholars compile, review an artist’s catalogue raisonné and agree that an artist’s documents, photographs, and exhibit references are legitimate. Handwritten annotations are not only prized by collectors, but are essential when researching an artist’s life and work. The signature-verification process used to authenticate artwork can include business transactions—such as checks, wills, or contracts—and personal correspondence, including letters, journals, or notes. Ten to fifteen signatures are the minimum requirement for comparison, and these usually fall within two years of the creation of the artwork. Scientific evaluations validate the timeframe of the artwork’s creation with high-powered microscopes and chemical analysis of the materials used.

Recordkeeping Tips

Artists that validate their work secure the future marketability and potential value of their work. An artist’s handwritten archival records confirming the details of an art piece are one of the most valuable sources of documentation. Ensuring that the signature endures is imperative. For example, artists should sign a painting while the paint is still wet and use an archival quality pen to write their signature on the back with the date.

Beyond a long-lasting signature, artists can keep handwritten journals. Chronicling motivations for creating a work, significant life experiences, relationships involving the work, and living locations reinforces authenticity. Signatures and commentary to last for generations, fade-resistant, non-feathering, water- and chemical-proof ink, as well as acid-free paper or stationery, are essential.

It’s also a good idea to track the dates and locations of exhibitions. Include press coverage from events and photographs of the artist with the artwork at the exhibition. Creating a list of patrons that purchased an art piece is important. Recording the patron’s name, date, gallery/exhibition location, and where the artwork resides is also a good step toward providing the chronology of a particular piece. Therefore, artists need to select a recordkeeping method that is as simple as possible.

Longevity issues should be considered when using modern methods to organize and preserve artwork. Methods include a photograph portfolio with appropriate captions or storing computer digital files in folders marked with specific subject matter, medium, and the year created.  Silver halide black-and-white photographs last longer than color. If digital files are going to be stored, it is best to save them on gold-metal-backed CD-ROMs. Some artists have a microchip embedded into an art piece. If this is being considered, it is important to determine the lifespan of the chip and how long it will last in the embedded environment.

It is beneficial for artists to establish archival records to protect their future prospects and their patron’s interests. Key factors for artists to consider include: create a simple tracking record of their art, consider longevity elements of modern organization methods, and that there is no substitute for handwritten documentation, signature examples, and tracking patron purchases with archival-quality ink pens and stationery. Artists can provide evidence that reinforces their connection to their audience, adds value to their artwork, and in turn avoids authenticity questions. By initiating suitable archival procedures in the present, an artist creates assets for future artwork transactions and long-lasting family heirlooms.

Invented in 1982, Pigma® ink is permanent, fade resistant and chemically stable. Consistent ink quality does not bleed, smear or run underwater. Available in six point sizes and up to fifteen colors, the Pigma Micron® pen is the basic tool for preserving handwriting and signatures.  Visit your retailer and www.sakuraofamerica.com.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 3 — January 2009