Photoblocks are photographs flush-mounted on a cradled wood panel with a Resin top coating.
History
Back in 2011, I did my first outdoor art show. I was at the Dallas Farmer’s market. I had a 10×10 tent with 2×6 grid walls and about 20 framed 16×20 prints. I was doing very well until a big gust of wind blew in and tried to take my tent and art work with it. Yes, I had weights on the tent. The glass broke in about 6 of my framed prints. It started me thinking that there had to be a better way to display my work without frames, broken glass and tears. I always liked the way that painting looked when displayed on a gallery canvas.
I suppose that I could have had them printed on canvas, but I have never like the that look. The quantity, and color wasn’t that great. What I wanted was to mount an a print (using different types of photo paper) to the canvas using some kind of photo safe glue. I attended a seminar at Azel art store in Dallas, they had a rep from Golden Paint company showing some of there new products. I explain to the rep what I was trying to do, She told told me to try Golden Soft Gel Gloss. The 1st version of the photoblocks was created!!
Version 1
Materials:
Paper: Satin and Metallic paper (Red River Paper Co.)
Base: Galley Wrap Canvas
Glue: Golden Soft Gel Gloss
Top Coating : Minwax Polycrylic Protective – Water Based
Working with canvas was kinda tricky at first. Using the soft gel gloss as a glue, I had to work very quickly, because it would dry before I could get the print mounted. The second problem that I had was that it was hard to get all the air (between the photograph and canvas) out because the canvas is soft. I had about 5 or 6 come apart on me because of the problems listed above. Eventually I was able to get the look that I wanted.
But If you know me, I’m always looking to improve on things!! On to Photoblocks version 2!!
Version 2
With Version 2 of the photoblocks. I changed everything. No more problems with air bubble or drying glue.
Materials:
Paper: Metallic paper (Red River Paper Co.)
Base: Cradled Wood Painting Panel
Glue: Scotch Photo Mount (Photo-safe Adhesive) Spray
Top Coating : Art Resin (High Gloss Epoxy Resin Clear Coating)
The new photoblocks are more durable, and cool looking. !!