About my limited edition prints

Producing, or reproducing, fine art in limited quantities is a time honored tradition.  By restricting the total number of pieces in an edition the long-term value of the artwork is improved and sustained.  While this is beneficial to artists and collectors, to the everyman this is a burden.

Having weighed the pros and cons of reproducing my photography in limited quantities, I have reached a compromise.  Smaller prints will be released as open editions, at a lower price point accessible to all. Larger prints will be released in successively smaller editions as the size increases.  Currently all of my prints 35 inches (long dimension) and larger are limited edition.

While I strive for consistency from one reproduction to the next, there is no guarantee of perfect likeness.  Differences in available print technology and application make perfect matches impossible. Images are reproduced on an as-needed basis and not in a single run.  This further frustrates homogeneity. The variation, however, is kept to a minimum and I make every effort to maintain uniformity across an edition. However, my artwork is always evolving; minor changes to an image may be incorporated into an existing edition.

My limited editions are specific to the medium and the size of the artwork.  For example, I have released an edition of my photograph “Lambent Damnation” reproduced on ChromaLuxe aluminum panels, each measuring 35 inches on the long side.  This edition is limited to 128 total prints. Additionally, I have released an analogous edition consisting of the same image, in the same size, reproduced on cotton canvas.  This edition is also limited to 128 total prints. Reproductions on different media and in different sizes have distinct qualia that define them, necessitating the separation of editions in this way.

While I may change the way in which I release editions in the future, those editions having already been released will not be increased in number beyond the original limit.  Each edition may also include artist’s proofs, not part of the numbered edition, and not to exceed 10% of the total count of numbered reproductions.  For example, for the photograph “Lambent Damnation” mentioned above, I may produce up to 12 artist’s proofs for each of the 35 inch editions.  These proofs are at the artists discretion and may or may not be released. Prints damaged before sale will be marked as “HC” (hors commerce), and removed from the edition count.  Once an edition is complete no more reproductions of that image, on that medium, in that size will be produced.

All of my limited edition reproductions are of archival quality.  Both giclée prints on canvas, and dye-sublimation transfers on aluminum are expected to last many times as long as traditional photo paper, or prints.  It seems that most authorities agree that these media have a lifespan of at least 75 to 100 years without noticeable fading, when stored indoors and out of direct sunlight.  This is a truly archival timeframe; these prints will last for generations.

Accompanying the sale of each limited edition artwork, I will provide a certificate of authenticity. Both the artwork and the certificate are signed and numbered. Certificates should be kept with the artwork or in a safe location.