Presentation of Art Work: Post 3

In this post I will be explaining how I packaged my artwork for shipment. This project is a simulation of what it would be like to actually ship art to a gallery or to its new owner. In this case, I was to pay for and include return shipping in the package (which is standard for exhibitions). If I did everything correctly, I should expect it back in the mail within the next week.

1.) The first step is packaging this pendant. I have wrapped it in packing paper and placed it into this small black box which I have taped shut.

2.) This next step includes packaging this matted print. I have nested it into two plastic foam sleeves and then bubble-wrapped on top of that. The final image in this section shows that I taped the ends of the bubble wrap so that those edges are completely covered and the print is secure within all of the packaging.

3.) Now that these two pieces are individually packaged, it is time to place them in the box. I have added a base layer of packing to the box which, in this case, will not need to be removed by the person receiving the box. I have the matted piece laying flat and the jewelry box on its side next to the print. I have added a few pieces of cardboard between the box and the jewelry box for extra protection and plastic packing in the spaces on either side of the jewelry box to prevent any shifting.

4.) Now that the items are packed into the box securely, it is time to add the final bits of packing before closing the box and shipping. I have a few layers of plastic wrapping on top which will be cushion between the artwork and the top of the box. I also have a chunk of packing paper directly over the matted print as there is a bit of extra wiggle room which is not advisable. Any room for movement within the box promotes a much larger chance of the art work to be compromised during shipment.

5.) This last step is closing up the box at the post office. Before I taped up the box and handed it over to the postman, I placed an envelope on top. This enclosed a letter to the person receiving the box which listed contact information, a list of contents and where they are located in the box, and the return shipping label and postage. Once that was completed, I taped up the box, attached the address label and shipping labels, and off it went!

Now to wait for the package to return!

Presentation of Art Work: Post 2

For my Presentation of Art Work class, the final bits of class consist of matting and framing an art piece that will be packaged and shipped to the PSU Department of Art. The key is to successfully package it, ship it, AND enclose a prepaid return shipping label. This poses as a simulated real life scenario that artists commonly come into contact with whether they are shipping work off to galleries or their new homes. As I am a 3D Fine Art major, I am required to mat a 2D work and ship that along with a 3D work. The following two images are what I have chosen to mat and ship.

The image below is of a brass pendant I constructed with cold connections (without soldering). The lines of brass running through the center of the circle are actually hammered and stretched pieces of brass rather than just using pre-made wire. This was also the first time working with brass which proved to be quite similar to copper. The brass has a gun blue patina on the surface. The imagery is from one of my old sketches which inspired this piece as well as a design I have had printed on fabric. It has been exciting to see how a simple sketch has taken shape through different media, especially in this three dimensional form.

This next image is of a print that I composed with these ladies that were old individual letterpress blocks. During my initial learning of how to block type and images into a letterpress, I found these blocks and they printed beautifully. Having matted the print really captured the classic image. On matting, it was extremely beneficial to learn how to properly mat a work of art according to archival standards. This knowledge will not only make my 2D work much more professionally presentable but have a long lifetime without falling apart or changing color.

Stay tuned for a step-by-step glimpse into how I am packaging these works for shipment!