First Impressions
“It is only the first encounter that a face makes its full impression on us.” –Arthur Schopenhauer (German philosopher, 1788-1860)
Things Printmakers Like –
First Impressions
Printmakers thrive on making and giving first impressions– every first impression pulled determines the direction of the print run. In the art of printmaking, the first impression provides a point of departure from which to determine the life of the print and its potentially-changing system of matrices. Always entertaining, usually surprising and often eureka-inspiring, creating a new print’s first impression is a uniquely gratifying experience.
From social contexts to incunabula to audiophiles, first impressions fascinate the artist, collector, psychologist and historian alike. Needless to say, first impressions of the collectible kind are highly valued and sought after. Some first and rare impressions in print include:
The Quarrymen album–1958. The one acetate copy resides in Paul McCartney’s collection. (On left: Percey Phillip’s acetate lathe used to produce original album recording.)
Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano
Published in 2008 by the Italian Gruppo FMR to coincide with the 500-year anniversary of Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, this artfully-crafted tome can be purchased for 100,000 euros. Read more about this book here.
