Real Authentic Copies

[puppetmaker]

I can remember looking at some artwork at a convention and realizing what I was looking at was a computer print out of the artwork. Since then Art Shows have expanded and changed the rules for this sort of artwork. The rules for the World Con Art show are very specific as to what is an original or how it is to be labled.

From the World Con Art Show Rules:

All entries must be the artist's own original work on a science fiction, fantasy, or fannish theme.

The following items may not be entered into the Art Show but are eligible for print shop.

* Commercial multi-lithographic copies,
* photoprints or photocopies of any kind
* hand colored and remarked prints,

Commercial ceramic molds, painted commercially cast pieces and kits of any kind will NOT be accepted for the Art Show or Print Shop. Items using patterns or designs by others must credit the second party.

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY & COMPUTER GENERATED ART will be accepted only with the specific permission of the Art Show Directors. Both must fit within the following guidelines and be labeled accordingly:

* Unique Image---Data Files Erased/Negative Destroyed

* Limited Edition Print---Data Files Erased/ Negative Destroyed, or

* Unique Image---Data Files/Negative Archived.

Each image must be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that clearly indicates the print/image type and the disposition of the negative or data file.

TRUE LIMITED EDITIONS (MULTIPLE ORIGINAL CATEGORY) All hand pulled prints—serigraphs, photographs (silk-screens), etchings, lithographs, woodblocks must have the following clearly visible information in pencil on the print itself.

1. Artist's signature,
2. Title,
3. Date,
4. print of/print run, and must be a run of less than 100.

Then there are those things called Originals. Like the original oil painting or charcoal sketch or sculpture. I understand the artist trying to maximize their profits from their labor. I have noticed that a lot of doll artists use the words OOAK (One of a Kind) to signify that this is a one off. I don’t have a problem with artists doing this at all if they clearly label the work as a limited series for the consumer. In fact it allows others to own work that they might not be able to otherwise.

That being said, I was surfing E-bay looking for some Christmas/Hanukkah for various people I am getting presents for. I ended up, through a round about way, running across autograph pictures of various famous people. Some of the prices seemed a little low especially for the people who were dead and had been for sometime. I looked through the description and found something really disturbing. These were pictures of the autographs not the original autographs but they came with certificated of authenticity that these were copies from an original photo with a real autograph on it. Photoprints is what some of them were called. A number were a bit deceptive until you read the WHOLE description to find out you were buying a copy of the original autograph.

I found this phenomenon first when I was looking for Labyrinth stuff as I occasionally do or Froud work that is out of print. They were selling a script with the signature of Jim Henson, David Bowie, Brian Froud, and Jennifer Connelly. If you read through the description you found out that you were buying a color Xerox of the autographs attached to a Xerox of the script.

I don’t have a problem if the seller is up front with exactly what they are selling. I do have a problem with the numbers of sellers that buried the fact that these are copies and not originals. Especially when the description at the top says “Insert name of actor” signed 8X10 photo. It is not signed. It’s a frelling copy of a signature. If I buy a signed photo then I expect a signature on the photo not a picture of the signature. What good is a certificate of authenticity for a copy of a signature? Why even give it? My favorite was the certificate that was given to the photo to let anyone the bearer care to show that they original was in the hands of the person who made the prints. What is to stop anyone from buying a copy and making more copies with more certificates? Makes it kind of hard for those who do have the real autographs that they stood in long lines for that they want to sell now. I am even really suspicious now of any dealer selling signatures with a few exceptions where I have known the dealer for years and know that they are not going to rip me off.

So from now on, with very few exceptions, I plan to get any autographs from the people I want the signatures from. That way I know that what I got is authentic and mine. And if anyone wants my signature for any of my work, I suggest you find me at a convention because I don’t think it is going to show up on Ebay anytime soon.

I am grateful for the autographs I have gotten over the years especially from my friends.

Comments

[photognome.livejournal.com]

Ive always been confused by the idea of buying an autograph someone else got. To me, the whole point of the autograph is a reminder of meeting that person.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

I agree. I use a lot of my autograph collection to remind me of when I met someone.