FAQs

FAQs

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.

What is an original print? Who has the original one?
I just found you on the web. How can I see your art works in person?
I love your work but I have trouble justifying the cost? Do you make smaller work?
I want one of the artworks & I like the frame design but the basic frame color doesn't work for me. What can you do for me?
I don't see a shopping cart. How do I order from you? Why do you do it this way?
I have seen your work in my local gallery. I have seen you at an art festival. I have been to the web site several times. Where do I get the best deal?

What is an original print? Who has the original one?

An original print is an art image created for its own sake by the hand of a working artist through the manipulation of an intermediary matrix. It may be in an edition of only one as with a monotype, or in an edition of reasonably identical images of a hundred or more. The word original is attributed to in image to mean that the image in question is itself the handmade result of the artistic process. The intent of this exercise is to create graphic effects and visual images that cannot be attained by paint and canvas. Printmakers explore the manipulation of the transfer of an artist image from an intermediary matrix to a final result as a ceramicist explores the manipulation of glazes on clay before firing, or as a batik artist explores the layering of dyes on fabric.

As with any piece of art, the artist at the end of the creative process decides what the original is. A painter either signs the canvas or he/she doesn't. The printmaker reviews the copies of the artistic process and signs and numbers the successful images and rejects the failures. The edition is the original print; all of it; and every original print in the edition will describe on its title line the number of copies in the group. Like any artwork the original is a figment of the artist's imagination, the actual painting, the original print, the pot, the batik are the physical representation of that imagination and the artist's effort. The quality of that effort determines the price of the result in every instance.

Mechanically copied and photographed reproductions are not originals. Giclees are not originals, Photo offset lithographs sold as signed and numbered limited edition "prints" by the thousands in the 80s and 90s are not originals without regard to their retail price or market value.

I just found you on the web. How can I see your art works in person?

Mary Mark, David Johnson, and Lost Steeple Originals are dedicated to providing personalized customer service to all of those who are authentically interested in fine art prints. The works that you see on this web site are hand made original works of art, with the exception of those items that are clearly labeled as posters. With many of them, the final image was hard fought and only won in small numbers; they are the result of months of hands on labor and everyone is counted. We do not just send them out into the world unsupervised.

However, we also travel the continental US annually. We are involved in art shows and exhibitions from Sausalito to Boston and Fairfax County, Virginia from St. Paul to San Antonio. At some time during the year, we are possibly involved in an art event in your community, or we are probably driving past your house en route to one. You must fill out the Contact Us form and we will engage in a conversation with you about your interest. We can keep you informed about our schedule in your area, we can get you to one of our many local galleries, or we can show you work, even by way of a personal appointment at your house it works with each of our schedules. Maybe you can even help us schedule an event in your area with one of your museums or galleries.

I love your work but I have trouble justifying the cost? Do you make smaller work?

The works that you see on this web site are hand made original works of art, with the exception of those items that are clearly labeled as posters. With many of them, the final image was hard fought and only won in small numbers; they are the result of months of hands on labor. The cost of the work is a direct result of the size and time committed to the effort. and the amount of time and resources it takes to market them to the public. Unfortunately shrinking the dimension of the final result doesn't shrink the that effort, and therefore we can't really shrink the price. We do, however, have a payment plan. We do allow our customer to pay for their artworks monthly without interest over the course of a set time as long as a calendar year. If you wish to explore this possibility, send us an order form and make the request in the comments box.

I want one of the artworks & I like the frame design but the basic frame color doesn't work for me. What can you do for me?

Most of the art works that we sell to the public is a result of this kind of conversation. A lot of people like the work that you see on this web site, but when it comes to putting it in their house, office or cottage they want the colors to match their decor. We customize the basic frame color with the artist enhancing that best suits the taste and desire of our customer. The printed images themselves are not subject to alteration; every edition by its nature is already complete and final. The frame works with enhancements can be mixed, matched and redesigned almost at will. If you wish to explore this possibility, send us an order form and make the request in the comments box.

I don't see a shopping cart. How do I order from you? Why do you do it this way?

Place your order and we will call you on the telephone. If you are hard to track down on the phone, tell us when the best time to call you is. Most people give us a credit card over the phone, others send us checks. With all of them we make sure that we know what each wants, and we encourage all to call us back if they do not get it. Send us an order form and make a time request in the comments box.

We know that many people that shop the web, including, by the way, we ourselves on certain days with regard to certain products, wish to just click the mouse, include a credit card, and get the stuff in the mail. I order my hypoallergenic bath soap that way, and I do not need to talk to any one about it. If you are in that mood here, you may are not be our customer! The works that you see on this web site are hand made original works of art, with the exception of those items that are clearly labeled as posters. With many of them, the final image was hard fought and only won in small numbers; they are the result of months of hands on labor, everyone is precious, and your satisfaction is important to us. We do not just send them out into the world unsupervised. Sorry, if this doesn't work for you.

I have seen your work in my local gallery. I have seen you at an art festival. I have been to the web site several times. Where do I get the best deal?

Mary Mark, David Johnson, and Lost Steeple Originals are dedicated to providing personalized customer service to all of those who are authentically interested in fine art prints. As much as possible, we attempt to ensure to all involved that the price for the artwork remains the same where ever one finds it. Similarly, we struggle to ensure that the quality and handling of the work is always on the highest standards. When we get asked why one price varied from another, research invariably shows that the memory of the customer is more often than not faulty.

The only "assured deals" for Mary Mark's art works occur that last week of January every year at the "Art in the Church", "destinationartistDOTcom" studio sale in New Richmond, Ohio at our studio in the church. It is our annual 'scratch & dent' sale and there are always some great art deals. It is annually held on the Saturday and Sunday on the weekend prior to the Super Bowl. Everyone is invited. Fill out the Contact Us form and we will include you on the reminder list.

2008 Lost Steeple
Originals