Wild Horse Artwork II: A Contemporary Look

"TANGO" | Wild Spirit Collection | Dye Sublimation On Aluminum

In my last blog, Wild Horse Artwork: The Highest Standard, I talked about the importance of ensuring that the presentation of an artwork piece (i.e. the production, framing, etc.) matches the quality of the artwork itself. 

Too often, the presentation of artwork is treated as an afterthought, despite the immense effort artists invest in creating pieces that challenge perception and evoke emotion. Many works, though powerful in concept and execution, are produced using subpar production materials, or end up housed in frames that diminish their impact. This disconnect between creation and display is a common oversight—one that I have become increasingly mindful of. While perfection may be elusive, aiming for it in both the art and its presentation has become my personal standard, recognizing that the way a piece is shown can deeply influence how it’s received.

In reflecting on this, I noted in the last blog that while art shows and galleries offer opportunities to speak directly with my viewers about the creative process and production standards, not everyone gets that “behind-the-scenes” insight. To bridge that gap, I have drafted a series of blogs about my production methods. t's my effort to bring transparency and intention to every stage of the artistic journey, from concept to final presentation.

In this blog, I will discuss the most popular production method for my images - dye sublimation on aluminum. There are definitely some considerations to understand when photographic art is produced on metal, so we’ll also talk about why I believe the dye sublimation production method is superior for production of fine art photographic images.

DYE SUBLIMATION ON ALUMINUM

One of the most popular choices for presentation of my wild horse artwork, especially when presenting at art shows, is dye sublimation on aluminum. It has become my “go to” choice due to the clarity and clean, modern look - as well as the durability of this medium.

THE PROCESS

Dye sublimation on aluminum is a specialized process that produces vibrant, high-definition photographic art with impressive durability. It begins by printing the image using dye-based inks onto a transfer paper. This paper is then placed against a specially coated aluminum panel and subjected to high heat and pressure in a heat press. During this process, the dyes vaporize and penetrate the polymer coating on the aluminum, bonding at a molecular level. The result is a sleek, continuous-tone image that is embedded into the surface itself, offering resistance to moisture, UV fading, and minor abrasions. We offer a semi-glossy or matte finish, depending on the desired aesthetic. The depth and color saturation achieved through this method are often unmatched by traditional printing techniques.

"RELEASE"

Wild Spirit Collection

Dye Sublimation On Aluminum

In contrast, laminating a paper print onto aluminum is a far less sophisticated and less durable approach. This method involves printing the image on photographic paper and then adhering it to an aluminum panel using adhesive and a protective laminate overlay. While it may appear similar at first glance, the print is merely sitting on top of the metal, not bonded with it. This makes it susceptible to delamination, warping, and surface damage over time. The laminate can also introduce glare and reduce the clarity of fine details, and the adhesive layer may degrade, especially in fluctuating environmental conditions. Unlike dye sublimation, which integrates the image into the substrate, lamination is a superficial solution that compromises both the longevity and visual integrity of the artwork.

For these reasons, we only produce metal pieces using the dye sublimation approach and strongly advise clients to ask questions regarding the production method when considering a piece of photographic art produced on metal.

As discussed in the last blog regarding framing, the back of a piece of art can tell you a lot about the quality and care that went into the production of the artwork. Before purchasing any artwork, carefully inspect the back to make sure that it is finished to the same standards as the front. In other words, it should form a consistent whole. 

Many times with metal print production, the finished piece consists of a sheet of aluminum with a thin structural frame mounted to the back of the piece. Unfortunately, this leaves the aluminum sheet highly susceptible to damage and warping. If a metal print does not have a more sturdy backing and support, especially for a larger-size production, think twice about future issues with durability, transportation, and longevity.

Our production approach for metal pieces is designed to ensure that the entire piece is as structurally durable as possible and that the back of the piece is on the same level as the the image itself - that is, my collectors can turn a piece over and immediately recognize the beauty of the presentation. 

To achieve this, we always adhere the aluminum sheet to a black sintra or dibond backing that provides a measure of stability, and an elegant finish. Inset into the backing is a metal plaque engraved with the name of the piece, the edition number, the size, and my signature. An aluminum frame, designed to clip snugly into a French cleat for easy hanging, is securely fastened to the sintra backing for stability.

As you begin to look at the production and presentation of artwork with a more critical eye, you will find a wide range of methods and quality levels. My simple rule of thumb is to ensure that the presentation of the artwork, in its entirety (including the back), is of a consistent and recognizable quality. This approach will ensure a higher level of durability and longevity, as well as potentially enhance the value of the artwork as time passes.

Nest time we will discuss printing on canvas, still a favorite of many collectors.