Re: Displaying alt prints
The matting masks the borders surrounding the image to good effect,
and irrespective of the printing medium used.
In the case of Masa-mounted-on-acetate-supports prints, matting
effectively uncurls the print and holds it flat against the matting.
Having a good size matting around the print separates it
appropriately from the color of the surrounding metal
panel. Applying strong magnets to an unmatted print would probably
damage it.
I will try and see if the Gallery has any pictures of the hanging
prints. If so, I will try and jpeg it to you off list.
Rajul
On 4-Mar-09, at 1:05 PM, Diana Bloomfield wrote:
I think I can visualize it a bit better now. I had understood that
the lip on one edge was bent backward, to allow for hanging on the
nails-- but I was a little confused about the mounting to the
metal, too-- so the print is just held to the metal with the
magnets-- so you can keep using the same metal sheets with
different prints. Yeah, I think you said that early on.
The link for the magnets was taking such a long time to load, I
gave up-- but I'll try again. That would clarify it, too-- to see
the magnets, I think-- for me, anyway. But you're still using
traditional matting with this, then, or am I misunderstanding
that? If so, you really wouldn't need the matting, would you?
That was just an aesthetic choice on your part-- or is it serving
some other (and necessary) function here. I'm guessing if you
leave a clean border (or not clean) around the print, then you
could simply use the magnets on the border, couldn't you? Or does
that look bad?
On Mar 4, 2009, at 3:48 PM, Rajul wrote:
Katherine,
I am glad that my little experiment done years ago eliminated a
lot of hassle and has evoked interest on our list.
Q 1. The Masa was pre-mounted on acetate supports before taking it
through numerous cyano/gum passes.
NOTHING is glued on to the prepared metal sheets.
Q 2. All prints are matted and held on to the metal sheets with
magnets. Initially, the prints were shown through the
protective clear plastic bags; with Masa prints, I thought I would
expose the beautiful surface which which gelatinizing provided
for all to appreciate. And they did!
The lip on one edge of the metal sheet is bent back more than 90
degrees (closer to 120 degrees) to ensure that it will sit firmly
on the nails. Yes, the upper hangs ~1" from the wall, the lower
edge rests against it.
I hope this clarifies, if not, I will be happy to elaborate.
Rajul
On 4-Mar-09, at 12:15 PM, Katharine Thayer wrote:
Rajul, I'm glad you're so patient with questions, because I'm
still not seeing it and need to ask more questions.
First, my understanding is that you're talking about two
different things, both involving steel sheets but (1) in the case
of the prints on masa, you mounted or glued the masa to the steel
sheets (before printing, right? Or maybe no... my recollection
is that you mounted the masa on mylar before printing?) and (2)
separately you're talking about matted prints in clear bags
attached to the steel sheets by magnets?
The sheets are flat, like a cookie sheet, but bent (a 90 degree
bend?) at the top so the lip could be rested on two nails? So the
top of the sheet is an inch from the wall, or more, and the
bottom of the sheet rests against the wall?
Am I picturing that right?
Katharine
On Mar 4, 2009, at 11:58 AM, Rajul wrote:
Sorry Diana, I cannot provide a picture for you. But I will try
and describe how I went about it.
Metal panels: these were steel sheets I got a local metal
fabricator firm to cut and polish the edges of
(for safe handling). They also made a 1" lip by bending each
panel so
it could hang on two nails.
Powder Coating: This was done by a local powder-coating firm
(can be pretty expensive unless
done on a batch of panels). There were plenty of
colors to choose from but the one
I chose had a beautiful low-profile energy that
did not out-shout the print itself, and
rather complemented it.
Magnets: were bought from a firm with a name Magna-Skin. They
were on the internet at <www.magna-
skin.com> but have since folded up. The magnets (bricks) are
a Chinese import. If you Google, I am sure you
will come up with something appropriate.
Each measures 1.5L x 0.6W x 0.5" thick.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions, I will try and
answer them.
Rajul
On 4-Mar-09, at 10:54 AM, Diana Bloomfield wrote:
Hi Rajul,
Do you have a picture of what this looks like? I'm having
trouble envisioning the prints mounted on the metal panels, but
it sounds great. I would love to get away from mats, glass,
etc. So if you have a picture, can you provide a link?
Thanks.
Diana
On Mar 4, 2009, at 1:39 PM, Rajul wrote:
Paul,
I forgot to mention that in my most recent show of Masa
prints, the matted prints were mounted on metal panels WITHOUT
protecting them in plastic bags. This showed off the seductive
surface beautifully, so the bags might be used just for
storage and not for display.
Rajul
On 4-Mar-09, at 10:32 AM, Paul Viapiano wrote:
Rajul...do you have any photos of this method?
Do you mean the prints were in the bags and then hung on the
panels?
I like the idea of a quick change-out method but not the
display of a print in a bag...hmm
p
----- Original Message ----- From: "Rajul" <eyeear@telus.net>
To: <alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 9:49 AM
Subject: Displaying alt prints
Dear List,
FWIW, I would like to share my experience on this subject
which has cut enormous outlays of time and expense in
accomplishing repeated hangings at the gallery which has
carried my work until the economics of floor space and
costs caused them to relocate (still in progress).
All my prints (~8 x 10", on various paper media) were matted
(outer dimensions 16 x 20") and enclosed in Clearview
plastic bags. These were held on metal panels (20 x 24")
that were bent at the top to provide a lip for hanging,
using 2 strong magnets. The panels were powder-coated with
a cool grey-brown color that showed off platinum, Kalli or
cyano-gum and other combos to great advantage (based on
viewer feed-back).
At the end of a showing, all I had to do was to swap the old
for new prints and voila, that was it.
Hope others will share their experiences to enable alt
printers to devote more time to the thrill of generating
prints that delight.
Rajul
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