caring for your art: tips for protecting your investment
or present in the ocean air, can speed up cor- rosion on metal pieces. And a constant barrage of water from yard sprin- klers, particularly if you’re in an area with hard water, can also leave unwanted markings on your piece. While it may be impossible to avoid all potential hazards, talk to the artist to see what they may suggest. Indoors, try to avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as near heating vents or radiators. Also, consider how much traffic the area gets. Especially if you have pets or kids, you may want to avoid high-traffic areas where the artwork could get bumped. When it comes to your jewelry, you’ll also want to be sure to store your pieces away from humid environments as mois- ture can damage gem- stones and metal. Keep each piece separate in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangling.
"From Bloom to Fade" 36" x 36" Gabriela Aguilo
L uckily art is pretty low maintenance. But like anything, it will require some upkeep to preserve its splendor and beauty for generations to come. There are also some specific considerations to be aware of for certain types of art. As a general rule of thumb, it’s al- ways a good idea to talk with the artist about specific care recommendations. Get expert advice Any good artist will know their me- dium well and will be able to tell you what to avoid and how to care for it. If the artist is not helping you install it, tell them where you were planning to place the piece. Will it be outdoors or in a space that gets direct sun- light? Will it be subject to moisture or extreme heat? These are important details that will help guide the artist on care instructions specific to you and your piece. This is especially important for “wearable art”. With jewelry, because
there are so many variables from the setting to the type of metal used to the gemstones it contains, every piece of jewelry will have its own set of care instructions. The artist is likely to send you off with some specifics, but be sure to mention how often you intend to wear the piece and what it might potentially be exposed to. Keep It clean Regular cleaning, particularly for out- door art, is an important part of the maintenance process. Gentle wipe- downs will keep dust, cobwebs and any naturally corrosive elements from harming the piece over time. For outdoor art, metal artist Trevor Swanson suggests using the clean- ing process as an opportunity to also check for signs of wear in the sealant coat. With indoor art, consider the medi- um first. In some cases, a soft cloth will work, but for mediums like encaustic,
reaction. In most cases, a soft, damp cloth will do the trick. Keep in mind, however, some mediums, like encaus- tic, may not need anything. “As far as care is concerned, en- caustic is the most archival medium there is,” said Gabriela Aguilo. “There is no bacteria in clean, pharmaceuti- cal-grade beeswax, so it will last forev- er. It also naturally repels dust and has natural UV light protection. It's eternal. As long as it's inside the home, it's perfectly safe.”
"Nola" by Dan Romero
tributors to the degradation of most materials. When possible, even for outdoor art, consider finding a shaded location. For indoor art, ask the artist about special UV considerations. For instance, watercolor tends not to hold up well to UV light, but some artists will apply special finishes to protect the piece. While encaustic art may not be sen- sitive to UV light, heat from the sun’s rays can be detrimental. Be mindful of placement, and when in doubt, talk to the artist about it. consider the elements Speaking of natural elements, when it comes to outdoor art, extreme heat, humidity, rain and snow, freezing and thawing are all elements that will take a toll on even the sturdiest artwork. Even salt, whether used for de-icing
Collection of sculptures by Jim & Matt Budish (foreground) and Terrell Powell (background).
Finally, don’t forget to keep records of your artwork, including purchase receipts and any other documents such as artist notes that may have come with the piece. If you do have it professionally cleaned or conservation work performed, keep that in your records as well. Bottomline, when in doubt, ask the artist. They’ll best be able to guide you on how to prolong the beauty of your investment.
ask about sealants Many outdoor pieces will have a spe- cial sealant applied depending on the medium. Ask whether anything has been applied and if it will need any upkeep over time. If it does require wax or oil, you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with the finish. Usually, it’s best to leave this to the pros –– either the artist or an expert in that particu- lar material.
you want to avoid using materials that can leave lint behind. A can of com- pressed air or a very soft brush can also be a good option for many types of art, but ask the artist if you’re unsure. For extreme cases, such as with very old pieces or some other mishap, it’s best to leave it to the pro- fessionals –– a conservator or the original artist. AVOID chemicals With cleaning any artwork, avoid the use of chemicals, solvents and abrasives. These could cause an adverse and irreversible
"Painted Pony" by Terrell Powell
For outdoor pieces, don’t forget about natural chemicals. Tree sap and bird droppings should be removed as soon as possible. The uric acid in bird droppings and the etching effects of dried-on sap can cause long-term damage to the surface. When it comes to jewelry, it’s generally best to remove it before showering, swimming and household cleaning. The chlorine or other chem- icals used in hygiene and cleaning products could damage gemstones and the metal. Steer clear of direct sunlight The sun is one of the biggest con-
"Quiet Meadow" 6" x 18" by Trevor Swanson
"Stupendous" by Ryan Schmidt
Tanzanite earrings by Michael McRae
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Issue 1 | Summer 2023
Issue 1 | Summer 2023
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