Shut Up. (steamroller block print)

Totally Judy

Totally Judy

Joined
Dec 3, 2000
Messages
4,347
I am sooo excited! I am re-doing the interior of my house (paint, carpet, etc). The kitchen and living room walls and ceilings were painted last weekend. Carpet is pulled up. But today, my boss (and wife) came over and in addition to doing some "honey-do's" for me, he hung up the newest addition to my art collection. Okay, so I don't have an expensive art collection, but I have some art work pieces by artists I know, and some are even artists who are known and respected in their art communities.

The piece below is a "steamroller block print." Yes, they actually use a small steamroller to apply the ink to the paper. Check out the web site for how they do it - it's pretty cool. They make a day of it. Scroll down until you get to "Full Steam Ahead! SteamRoller Prints 2009

http://www.stonemetal-press.com/pastexhibitions.htm


Anyway, this print, titled, "Shut Up" was done by Artist Gary Sweeney, who lives in San Antonio, Texas. He's a very contemporary artist with a warped sense of humor and he uses different mediums of words in his art. He does some pretty cool stuff. Gary and I "went steady" in the 8th Grade. Then we went to different high schools and lost track of each other for a decade or two. Gary made it possible for me to acquire this print (only 5 prints done - I have 3/5). It will take a little while for the bottom to relax and straighten out. Gary shipped this print to me in December 2009, and it had not been removed from the shipping tube until today. Ignore the concrete floor and no baseboards, and stuff in the hall - it's a work in progress, okay?

It's different, eh? But then so am I. And danged proud of it. I painted the center beam and room divider (not pictured) black so that it would accent the black in the print. I am just so thrilled to finally have this art print hanging on the wall.

So SHUT UP!!!!


ShutUpPrintDebut2.jpg


ShutUpPrintDebut3.jpg


Pretty cool, huh?

Shut Up.

TJ
 
It's really nice.

It deserves a frame.....you can do it yourself with kits, in wood or aluminum for about $100.00 or so.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
It's really nice.

It deserves a frame.....you can do it yourself with kits, in wood or aluminum for about $100.00 or so.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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OldPhysics said:
Agreed. Absolutely.
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STeven and Jamie,

I had planned to frame it. Before it was even shipped, I asked the artist how I should have it framed. His reply?

"Okay, I think I can make this work. The print is expensive: because I'm in museums, and because I'm represented by a gallery, the gallery has to get $XXXX.

Collecting art is a really great, rewarding thing to do. The paper is white, so paint your wall a great, darker color so it will stand out. And the other great news is that you don't have to frame it, you hang it with clips, the paper is very thick and durable. We've had one up for two years and you just dust it occassionally.

I want you to have the print. Congratulations! You're an Art Collector!"​
The clips in the photos aren't the final clips. I didn't realize that he had included larger clips for me to use. I will replace them this weekend. I'm just displaying the print per the Artist's wishes. I suppose I could have it framed anyway - he may or may not care.

Judy
 
A very nice print! The display method is up to you though, formal or informal. If you do decide to just go with clips, you can add an aluminum perimeter bar to the backside to reenforce the hanging. Also be aware that most clips are not stainless and can leave rust spots on the print after a time. I personally prefer a more formal presentation as it does afford a bit more protection for the print. :thumbup:
 
Codger_64 said:
A very nice print! The display method is up to you though, formal or informal. If you do decide to just go with clips, you can add an aluminum perimeter bar to the backside to reenforce the hanging. Also be aware that most clips are not stainless and can leave rust spots on the print after a time. I personally prefer a more formal presentation as it does afford a bit more protection for the print. :thumbup:
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I guess I need to revisit how I am displaying the print. One of the women who is in my yoga class owns the local frame shop. I will ask her what she thinks. The print is so large that it probably cost as much as I paid for it to have it framed properly!!

I sincerely do appreciate the input.
 
I have sent a message to the Artist. I didn't say that my friends on BF think the print should be framed (but I value your opinions and they did prompt me to message him). I reminded him that I live in the desert, there is a massive amount of wind, sand, and dust all of the time. Plus 5 little munchkin dogs running in and out of the doggie dog day/night. Add the UV rays of the desert to the equation.

So I just asked him if I am doing everything possible to maintain the integrity of the print and, based on my living conditions, whether or not I should have the print framed, and if so, how would he recommend it be matted and framed?

I do want to display it to its best advantage, and I do want to protect it. I also realize that it now belongs to me and I can do anything I want with it, but I also respect the vision of the Artist. Heck, it's not like he is gonna stop by to see it or anything - he's in Texas and I'm in California.

I may have to take up a collection here on BF to fund the framing, however. It is gonna be called, "Put Up or Shut Up!" I would expect STeven, Jamie, and Codger_64 to be the first in line with your donations! :p :D
 
Consider that what you gave for the print does not reflect it's current or future value. IMHO, preserving the artist's intent means preserving the artwork itself. Personally, I would be tempted to have it professionally done, regardless of the (one time) expense.

Very few of my original artworks exist today precisely because I was not meticulous in properly preserving them over the years. In fact, only one has survived intact as I created it, a pointilism portrait of R.E. Lee done in siena ink, because I gave it to my Mother who valued it highly and had it matted (acid free) and framed behind low glare glazing and sealed. No, it will never be worth much because I was not prolific, not a gallery artist, and not a commercial entity. But it will outlast me by quite a few years. Perhaps it will be appreciated by my grandchildren. And perhaps "SHUT UP" will be this generation's Warhol.
 
Codger_64 said:
Consider that what you gave for the print does not reflect it's current or future value. IMHO, preserving the artist's intent means preserving the artwork itself. Personally, I would be tempted to have it professionally done, regardless of the (one time) expense.

Very few of my original artworks exist today precisely because I was not meticulous in properly preserving them over the years. In fact, only one has survived intact as I created it, a pointilism portrait of R.E. Lee done in siena ink, because I gave it to my Mother who valued it highly and had it matted (acid free) and framed behind low glare glazing and sealed. No, it will never be worth much because I was not prolific, not a gallery artist, and not a commercial entity. But it will outlast me by quite a few years. Perhaps it will be appreciated by my grandchildren. And perhaps "SHUT UP" will be this generation's Warhol.
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Because the Artist once loved me, and I was the first of 2 girls to break his heart, I only paid a portion of the value of this print - the $$ due to the gallery who represents him.

I understand about losing art because it was not matted and framed properly to preserve it. I lost a lovely ink drawing by an architect/artist from Argentina, who is the sister of a scientist I worked with at TRW, because I did not get it matted and framed in time. I was able to get the first 2 ink drawings framed, and they are still lovely. I believe I've had them for probably 30 years.

The one-time expense of framing this print is not my concern. I'll charge it if I have to. I was just going to do some research on the proper way to have it framed, much as you stated, "matted (acid free) and framed behind low glare glazing and sealed." I'm also concerned about the UV damage that can be done.

While the ink part of the print itself is 4' x 6', the actual size of the paper is approximately 4'6" x 6'9". I am thinking that glass might be difficult to use, or maybe too heavy. I don't know what types of plexiglass is available for a print like this. I don't know the specific type of ink used for this block print - probably whatever is used artistically/commercially to ink regular block prints. This specific one just happens to be larger and was rolled with a steamroller.

The woman framer I mentioned in town is supposed to do really quality work. I have seen many pieces of art that she has framed.

Any suggestions for what type of frame and what type of glass/plexiglass I should use would be appreciated. And if there are other methods I should look into - please let me know.

Thanks much,

Judy
 
Your professional framer would be the best one to make those suggestions for a work of this size. Behind a glaze, I can see using a very thin frame and no real matt at all, just letting the print fill the frame to the edges. I used an artist's spray on some of my art, but I found that while it prevented moisture damage and smearing (pastels, watercolors), it did eventually yellow. It is possible you could use a two piece glaze split horizontally to avoid the single sheet cost, but the work will be heavy regardless. Beyond your framer, ask the curator at a local art gallery/museum. Show them the pictures. You are good with it as is for now, so no rush making a decision.

Again, I like it. I would be tempted to add a few small frames around it with other sign language text, like three small ones down one side or something. Heck, even the sign language flash cards, the artist's inspiration.
 
Codger_64 said:
And perhaps "SHUT UP" will be this generation's Warhol.
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Gary Sweeney is making a name for himself in the art world. He tends to do very large art pieces, and many of them are displayed in public venues. Bless his heart... he has a barely tapped head full of way out-there artistic ideas. Just watch a few of his videos to get a feel for him. He is a frickin' art genius. He often acts the jester, but that is on purpose and gets him attention that his gigantic ego needs. I don't know how his wife, Janet, maintains her sanity when he involves her in some of his artistic shenanigans. He would drive me crazy, and it would be a very short trip! (I believe that was one reason I broke up with him during our 8th grade summer. Silly me.)

A short video about time: http://vimeo.com/8610013 (He actually IS a baggage handler part-time for Continental)

Drama and Pathos: http://vimeo.com/10125915

Beach Fashions 2010: http://vimeo.com/11381123

Drum Lesson: http://vimeo.com/6988353

Gary has actually done some very nice videos about art for various cities in Texas. Real and valid - not a joke.
 
Codger_64 said:
Again, I like it. I would be tempted to add a few small frames around it with other sign language text, like three small ones down one side or something. Heck, even the sign language flash cards, the artist's inspiration.
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How about some ASL flash cards that say, "STFU!" :D

Yes, I know that I need to balance this print with something, but I hadn't really had much time since Saturday to contemplate what it should be.

Y'all have inspired me to do something with the Shut Up print. I have taken it down, rolled it up and put it back in one-half of the huge shipping tube, and covered the top end that is exposed a little. It is packed in my car, along with another paper art piece that I need to have re-mounted.

Thanks!!!

Judy
 
Meet the Artist - Gary Sweeney introducing his public art display at the San Antonio Airport.

Gary Sweeney's Nostalgia, Texas

[youtube]TtXXs0dJ7P4[/youtube]
 
Please do keep us informed. Very interesting topic. The posibilities with flash cards are endless. And... If Sweeney is like most artists I have known, he has also done some smaller "pocket-sized" works. One or two like that would be interesting to display with this print as well, someting to offset/augment the scale of the major piece. Also, rather than something that agrees with the piece, possibly something that contrasts. Like a Tahitian pareus or Gauguin prints. Where is BA on these suggestions? She is the resident "artsy-fartsy" here, accomplished enough to make a living at art. Something yours truly never did until he went into commercial graphic arts.
 
Codger_64 said:
Please do keep us informed. Very interesting topic. The posibilities with flash cards are endless. And... If Sweeney is like most artists I have known, he has also done some smaller "pocket-sized" works. One or two like that would be interesting to display with this print as well, someting to offset/augment the scale of the major piece. Also, rather than something that agrees with the piece, possibly something that contrasts. Like a Tahitian pareus or Gauguin prints. Where is BA on these suggestions? She is the resident "artsy-fartsy" here, accomplished enough to make a living at art. Something yours truly never did until he went into commercial graphic arts.
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Actually, Gary doesn't do many smaller pieces. Most of the work I have seen takes up an entire wall in a gallery. Hey, if you go to a Red Robin Restaurant, look for the American Flag made out of painted baseballs. Gary did something like 100 of them for Red Robin. It started when he was commissioned to do something for one of the sports arenas in Texas - I'm thinking Houston. He came up with the idea to make it out of basketballs.

I actually did purchase two small art pieces that I thought would go with the Shut Up Print. That was last year and they are still wrapped up. When I moved everything out of the kitchen and living room to paint, I moved them, and now I will have to figure out where I put them. Maybe I'll dig them out this weekend. I'll take pictures and see what you think. At the time, I thought they were both pretty funny when combined with SHUT UP!!
 
I am willing to bet he makes conceptualizing sketches before beginning a full sized work. Some of mine were, in retrospect, better than the finished work, particularly the nude studies in charcoal and pastels. With the "old flame" history, he just might be willing to concede a few sketches for your display. It is worth a shot. And yes, I'd like to see the other pieces you have collected.
 
Totally Judy said:
I have sent a message to the Artist. I didn't say that my friends on BF think the print should be framed (but I value your opinions and they did prompt me to message him). I reminded him that I live in the desert, there is a massive amount of wind, sand, and dust all of the time. Plus 5 little munchkin dogs running in and out of the doggie dog day/night. Add the UV rays of the desert to the equation.

So I just asked him if I am doing everything possible to maintain the integrity of the print and, based on my living conditions, whether or not I should have the print framed, and if so, how would he recommend it be matted and framed?

I do want to display it to its best advantage, and I do want to protect it. I also realize that it now belongs to me and I can do anything I want with it, but I also respect the vision of the Artist. Heck, it's not like he is gonna stop by to see it or anything - he's in Texas and I'm in California.

I may have to take up a collection here on BF to fund the framing, however. It is gonna be called, "Put Up or Shut Up!" I would expect STeven, Jamie, and Codger_64 to be the first in line with your donations! :p :D
Click to expand...

I'm ready!!:eek::);)
 
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