Kim's Corner
Page 5 of 6

Art 101

What is a gicleé print?
At its core a gicleé is nothing more than a fancy digital ink-jet print. But, when done by a quality printer, and archival standards are met; it is a piece of fine art. Most fine art prints are made using pigment based archival inks and not dyes. Gicleé prints are usually produced one-at-a-time, combining state of the art technology with traditional printmaking craftsmanship.

The Gicleé (pronounced "ghee-clay") process was developed in the early 1990's by musician Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young fame) and his associate Mac Holbert, who found that using an ink-jet printer, the Iris 3047, that was primarily designed for digital graphic proofing could be used as a method of fine art printing. And with all things digital, the technology, equipment, media, inks and craftsmanship have advanced.

The use and adaptation of digital imaging software and continuing state-of-the-art machinery allows for the true rendering of scanned originals or digitally mastered images in incredible detail and brilliant color. The resolution (DPI or dots-per-inch) using fine art print heads is actually higher than traditional lithography, which results in crisp contrast with rich, intense color.

Life-span estimates of pigment ink printed Gicleés indicate over 150 years with no noticeable fade - providing all reasonable care is taken - compared to less than 20 years with most color photographic processes.

More Pictures - Page 1 of 2

Some of Dick's work.
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Some more of Dick's work.
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He's a busy guy.
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