Monday, November 16, 2009

. . . made chunky photos




More than a year ago, I had some of my photographs printed up professionally on good quality paper with archival inks. I tried to sell some of them at a show of sorts, but had absolutely no response. I matted and framed some of my favorites and they had been hanging in the house.





When I was making my chunky pieces to sell on etsy, I noticed that the width of these photos was the same as the width of my chunky piece of wood. An idea began to percolate. . .



and here is the result. I cut the long chunky board into 7.25" pieces, and sanded the edges of each piece. Then I covered the front and sides with black gesso.



Using Golden gel medium, I affixed some of my favorite photos to the chunky black wood pieces. I used a brayer to get out all the air bubbles and to make sure the photo was securely attached to the wood.



After everything was dry, I coated each piece with a product I had not tried before: Golden's semi-gloss topcoat for digital prints. The finish is great. I used up the whole sample jar, so I'll have to get more. Oh, dear, a trip to the art supply store.

I promise this blog will not turn into an advertisement for the stuff I have for sale on my etsy site. Although this little bit of inspiration is not as spectacular as, say, mapping the DNA of an extinct species of man-eating snails, I wanted to share this with you because I think the end result is successful (and with all the experimenting I do, that's something to celebrate.)

9 comments:

Jazz said...

They're lovely Mary!

M said...

I think you've hit on something here. I love the effect you've created with the wood and I didn't know about the topcoat for digital prints. My mind is in overdrive now.

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Thank you for sharing these beauties...clever, imaginative and perfect with the black sides. I think they will sell well on your site! I learned something new...this Golden top coat for photographs worth looking into the next time I go to the ART STORE.

Mary Buek said...

Thank you, kind Jazz.

Margaret: I know how that "mind on overdrive" goes. Usually it happens to me when I'm trying to sleep. Then I forget everything I thought of when I need to remember it.

Mary Buek said...

Mary Ann: Definitely worth trying the topcoat. There are so many techniques out there, and supplies, and so little time to learn them and use them. Happy anniversary to you and Pablo, by the way. Lovely pictures of the two of you on your blog.

mansuetude said...

they are wonderful!
thanks for the "lesson" .

Gina said...

Hi Mary. You've done a great job making all these gems for your Etsy shop! Be sure to advertise your Etsy shop on your blog (as a sidebar link) so others can easily jump over and snap up your creations.

Gina said...

they look fabulous .. nice work ! >> Gina

mamadoc said...

Whoa--the red and blue piece is GORGEOUS.