A Loose Definition

Following a long history of new tools and media in the arts it is now possible to make high quality images using the digital computer and to print these on art quality materials- rag papers and canvas among others. For convenience, call this 'digital media'. A close parallel exists in music; for instance, digital code is used to compose, store, produce and reproduce music - as on CD's. Some artists use "natural media" software to paint in the digital space of the computer, simulating the effects of watercolor, drawing and painting in various traditional media. Some combine digital and hand-done processes.

Straight Reproduction vs. Original Artwork

Digital media, as all media, make possible unique creative procedures and qualities. It is this potential that makes digital media useful in creating original and distinctive art. Digital media also make possible reproductions of works originated, composed, initially realized in other media - such as oil painting, etching or photography. Considering that the same tools and materials may be used for presenting original creations as for reproductions a distinction should be made: The creative process, call it "composition," carried out with substantial use of digital media and which results in an image carrying the substance of the artist's vision is original work. An image resulting from such a process is distinguished from an image wholly created in a non- digital medium and reproduced digitally - or with any other reproduction technique.

Artists' Authentification

Original creative work is commonly deemed to be art. A Picasso etching is art; a reproduction, however fine, of that etching is - a reproduction of Picasso's art piece. Artists working in this creative-digital way generally follow some variation of traditional documentation and signature authentication, i.e. signing each print by hand in the margin, on the back, or sometimes on the print surface itself. Different artists should and do chose to characterize their own work in ways that seem useful. "Digital Photograph," for instance, simply differentiates between a silver or platinum process photograph and one realized with a digital camera, scan and/or printing technology. Like any photograph it may be considered fine art, commercial illustration or family snapshot.

Artists should, of course, be clear in their authentication about what they are doing, i.e. offering a reproduction or an original print, singly (mono print or unique variation) or in a limited edition and about what materials are used, guiding users as honestly as possible. Digital technology makes it possible to make very large, essentially unlimited editions from the encoded image file, thus blurring the boundary between the traditional, small, fine art edition, of which each example is considered an original, and open, mass produced editions.

Limited Caveat Emptor!

"Limited Edition" is used for both fine art originals and for commercial reproductions; the collector should be aware. Read the above again.... "Giclee," an anglicized French term, is often used to designate a high quality, inkjet, digital print, usually a reproduction of a work originated in a non-digital medium but sometimes as a digitally composed/qualified original print. Digital prints are made with various printing technologies; inkjet is one widely used. With recognition by museums, galleries, collectors and educational institutions, "digital" becomes simply one more way to, possibly, create art. It is not better because digital computer technology was involved, nor is it worse. Art uses but transcends its crafts, tools and techniques.

_____________ Mel Strawn - July 29, 2001