Storage………solving the problem!
As I keep making more of these encaustic panel paintings, I keep thinking of how to store them in the studio. And how will they be taken care of and stored by galleries. I got out my Uline catalog and looked and looked. Finally, I went to their site and just plugged in 13 x 13 x 3″ in the corrugated cardboard category and came up with what I thought would be a good solution. These are called “literary mailers” and resemble a good, heavy pizza box but with the 3″ depth. Taking advice from Joanne Mattera’s wonderful encaustic book, I have lined the boxes with small bubble wrap and put a piece of glassine on the top of the panel. I also printed out an image onto light weight poster sheet I had in the office…and a small image for the spine in case they are held in the gallery storage this way………voila! I think this will do to protect the panel and also make it easy for me or the gallery people to pull this work when not hanging on the wall.
I can also pack this up with extra bubble and enclose in a larger box for shipping when necessary.
Now….somewhere on the internet, or in a book, I found a statement an artist printed out to put on the back of their encaustic paintings…..hum, now where is it? I need something similar edited to fit my work. Hope I don’t have to just go and re-invent the wheel on this.
Here's what I put on mine (I print it out and tape it to the inside of the box):
"Caring for your encaustic painting:
This encaustic painting includes beeswax mixed with damar resin crystals.
Encaustic paintings are fairly durable, although they are susceptible to melting and cracking. As you would with any work of art, avoid storing or displaying your painting in direct sunlight.
If the painting accumulates dust, wipe the surface gently with a very soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid touching the surface of the painting.
When transporting or storing the painting, avoid temperatures below 35 degrees F or above 120 degrees F."
Thanks, Deanna. I finally found one statement and shortened it down some what so I could print two to a page. Your version might be even better, as it's shorter.
It's hard being an artist. As you create you have more and more things to add to the pile. Storage is often a problem with me.
Wonderful post!
*HUGS*
Yes…my studio is getting more and more crowded working with several media…and the storage. Sometimes I don't think any amount of space would be enough as I would just fill it up with more. :>)
By the way, the folks at Uline are quite helpful. If you have a need for something specific, just call and ask. Usually they can come up with some suggestions, and send you samples for free.
Thanks Daniel. They have always been really quick to send your order, too. I get next day service out of Dallas. I like being able to plug in sizes in the search box on their site although I do look through the catalogs as well.
So far, the several shipments I've made of the encaustic panels (ground) has worked well for me for this smaller size.