Q: What is a Giclee Print?
Giclee is a French term meaning “to spray”, referring to how an inkjet printer works and how giclee prints are usually produced. Once Steven creates his original prints, we get them scanned by a professional, and turn the image into a digital format. From there, we size the image to fit 8x10/11x14/16x20 white mats, and print the image on archival paper with archival ink. These large format inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can both match color and apply ink precisely, recreate a high-quality print of the original art. Printers we use are larger models that are able to hold up to 12 ink cartridges which produce a wider range of colors for duplicating the artwork.
This is achieved using inks that are pigment-based instead of dye-based, meant to last for life time.
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Q: What is the difference between an Original and a Giclee Print?
A: Original prints are manually printed by Steven from a wood or linoleum block. They are limited editions (number of prints.) Typically Steven limits the original prints in small editions to keep the integrity and quality of the prints.
Giclee prints on the other hand are printed with a high quality ink-jet printer on archival paper with an open-edition. Some large scale Giclee prints are limited edition of 50, and numbered at the bottom left corner.
Both come with the artist's signature and are meant to last a lifetime as long as they are kept dry, well ventilated and indoors. A climate-controlled setting is ideal but not required.
Q: Why are there multiple "original" prints?
A: Steven creates limited number of original prints from the hand carved woodblocks. Each original is numbered on the bottom left corner. He typically limits his original editions to a small quantity, keeping the integrity and quality of the original image. He also sells AP prints after the numbered editions are all sold out. AP stands for Artist Proof, typically one of the first prints he printed for proofing.
Q: What do you do with the original block? Do you sell them?
A: Traditionally, a printmaker is supposed to destroy the original block when the limited edition of prints is complete, so no further prints can be made from the block. However, they are his precious babies, a creation of the artist that take days sometimes over a week to create. He keeps them in his personal archive. Right now Steven doesn't have a plan to sell the original blocks, but maybe in the future he has some ideas to do so...stay tuned!
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Q: Do you sell Giclee Prints in custom size?
A: Yes, we do on request base. We worked with many resort hotels, office buildings, TV production sets, etc. in the past. Please email us at info@keanarts.com with specification, and we'll come up with quote. We need to know which image you would like, and specific size you are looking for. We can create custom size prints with or without a frame. We look forward to fulfilling your needs with Steve's designs to fit the aesthetic of the space you are looking to add art to.
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Q: How should I display the matted prints?
A: We recommend that you put the matted Giclee print in a frame, in a place avoiding direct sunlight. Since the mat is American standard size in inches, frames are readily available at most U.S. art and framing stores. If you are from outside of the U.S., you may have to have a custom frame built depending on what is available in your country. The Wooden Art Cards look great in 5x7/ 4x6 frames and are perfect for accent tables, shelves or in an arrangement on the wall.
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Q: How long does it take to receive the items ordered online?
A: We are committed to shipping-out within 3 business days after confirming your order. In addition, we will contact you separately if we need additional time to prepare the shipment. When your order is fulfilled, we will send you notification with tracking number. Please make sure to leave your email address at check out to receive those notices. If we are on vacation, our online store will remain open, but we will not be able to mail out your order until after returning from vacation. We will leave note on the header of the website for such occasions.
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Q: Can you ship overseas?
A: Yes, we accept overseas orders and can ship anywhere in the world. It will be delivered by a carrier suitable for the country such as local postal service or UPS/ Fedex. International orders will take a bit longer than domestic orders. Taxes and customs duties will vary depending on the country of shipment and will be the responsiblity of the customer.
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Q: I would like to order as a gift, do you gift wrap?
A: Currently, we do not offer gift wrapping, but if you wish to send as a gift, please specify the mailing address to the person receiving the gift. (billing address remains as sender) Please email us and let us know any specification if you would like us to include message on the packing slip.