The Curator's Chronicle
The Soul of the Print:
Why Hand-Produced Prints Are True Artistic Originals
In our digital age, the distinction between hand-produced prints and mechanical reproductions has never been more important for collectors. Hand-pulled prints—whether lithographs, etchings, or relief prints—carry the direct imprint of the artist's touch, making each impression a unique original rather than a mere copy. The tradition of printmaking spans centuries, from 15th-century woodcuts to contemporary innovations. Artists embraced printmaking not just for multiplication, but because the medium offered new possibilities for expression. Each technique—from the bold contrasts of relief printing to the delicate lines of intaglio—imposed its own character on the final work. Featured masters like Paul Flora, Božena Augustínová, and Gary Boyle demonstrate how hand-produced prints continue to offer something irreplaceable: evidence of human presence and craft. Flora's satirical etchings, Augustínová's innovative textile-based works, and Boyle's naturalistic reliefs all carry the "poetry of process"—the accumulated decisions and discoveries that occur during creation. For collectors, hand-produced prints represent both aesthetic pleasure and sound investment, offering authenticity and rarity in an increasingly digital world.
by: Mc Dunford
Understanding the intimate artistry behind hand-pulled prints and their enduring value
In an age of digital reproduction and mass production, the art of hand-produced printmaking stands as a testament to the irreplaceable value of human touch in artistic creation. When you hold a hand-pulled print—whether it's a lithograph, etching, or relief print—you're not merely holding a reproduction. You're holding an original work of art that bears the direct imprint of the artist's hands, tools, and creative vision.
Gary Boyle: The Naturalist's Vision
Canadian artist Gary Boyle (born 1961) represents the contemporary continuation of hand-produced printmaking traditions. Born in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Gary developed a love of all aspects of life, from the busy city streets to the incredible solitude of the north. The images that Gary has chosen to portray consist mainly of wildlife and rural Western Canadian farm life.
Boyle's approach to printmaking demonstrates how traditional techniques can capture contemporary subject matter with fresh eyes. His careful attention to the textures and patterns of natural life shows how hand-produced prints can achieve levels of detail and emotional resonance that digital reproductions simply cannot match.
Božena Augustínová: Textile Pioneer in Print
Czech artist Božena Augustínová (1939-2005) represents the innovative spirit of contemporary printmaking. A versatile artist in various fields of art, she was especially known as the creator of non-woven tapestries Artprotis and Arttex. She was one of the founding members of the studio Arttex and stood for many foreign exhibitions.
Augustínová's work demonstrates how printmaking can extend beyond traditional boundaries. Her textile-based prints and experimental approaches showed how artists could push the medium into new territories while maintaining its essential hand-made character. Today there is a Grand Prix of Božena Augustínová for Textile Art, as a tribute to her artistic legacy in the textile field.
Paul Flora: The Satirist's Delicate Touch
Austrian master Paul Flora (1922-2009) exemplified the sophisticated possibilities of hand-produced prints. Flora was known for his black ink line drawings and was one of Europe's most profiled illustrators since the 1960s. His prints, particularly his Venice series and political cartoons, demonstrate how printmaking can serve both artistic and communicative purposes.
Flora's approach to printmaking was deeply personal—his delicate line work in etchings and lithographs captured not just images, but emotions and commentary. His 1988 Serenissima Collection shows how an artist can use the printmaking medium to create works that are simultaneously intimate and universal, speaking to viewers across cultures and generations.
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Explore our meticulously curated selection of limited edition prints by internationally renowned artists. Each work is chosen for its exceptional artistic value and potential as a sound investment. Whether you’re just beginning your collecting journey or expanding an existing collection, you will discover pieces that will enhance both your investment portfolio and your environment.