Visual Arts
INTENT
To make an object that is recognizable as a unique and expressive example of finely executed visual art whose products are to be appreciated by sight. This category includes but not limited to: painting (watercolour, acrylics, encaustic, ink wash, oils, tempera), collage, mixed media, photography, prints and photo transfer. Each are considered a separate category.
DESIGN
Obvious thoughtfulness used in determining the proportions, structural integrity, materials, and colours used.
PRODUCTION QUALITY & TECHNIQUE
Must reflect excellent skill and production quality, being visibly well conceived and expertly executed. Technical skill and control over the medium should be easily recognized in the finished work.
SOURCE
The object must be conceived and executed by the applying maker. While giving a sense of the historical context from which a traditional adaptation has come, the pieces should clearly reflect a personal interpretation.
MATERIAL USED
The object must use materials which are of high quality and are appropriate to the structural integrity, utility, and visual appearance of the final product. Conservation quality includes the use of acid free materials, papers, canvases, matts, tapes, glues, light fast colours, and processing that will allow the longest known life of the object. This includes framing and any other means of presentation.
SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS
Reproductions of visual art works that do not meet the definition of an original print are not permitted.
Visual Arts - Additional Considerations
Photography, Art & Photography Prints, Photo Arts, and Photo Transfer
PRODUCTION QUALITY & TECHNIQUE
Photography
Work needs to demonstrate:
Originality and Impact - whether subject matter, composition or lighting, the overall feel of the piece should demonstrate originality and impact - i.e., is the image compelling.
Creativity and Inventiveness - showcases your creativity with photography and perhaps using photography in new ways or to conjure a feeling, thought or emotion.
Technical Ability and Composition - whether digital or traditional film / negative photograph, an overall level of competence with lighting, focus, subject and composition should be exhibited. Post production work is permissible as long as it enhances the overall image or creates something new, such as a photo collage.
Uniqueness - the image conveys a story or feeling. Is it different from other work?
Overall Proficiency - should be readily demonstrated in the work.
Prints (Photographic and Art Prints)
Prints can be of photography or of original artwork (e.g., original watercolours or oil paintings).
Original artwork (e.g., watercolour / oil painting) should be digitally reproduced with high resolution scans or photography for reproductions purposes.
Photographic prints can be created from digital files or negatives.
Prints can be either open or limited, numbered editions. If numbered prints, it must be indicated according to industry standards on the piece, along with the artist’s signature.
Art prints must be clearly labelled as ‘Art Print’ or ‘Reproduction’, as well photographic prints should be labelled as such.
Prints (often referred to as giclée fine art prints) must be produced on archival-quality acid-free paper / canvas / other material and, if mounted, with acid-free mounts or mattes.
To ensure longevity, prints (whether photographic or art prints) must be created, either by the artist or at a professional establishment, with pigment-based inks (such as Epson Ultrachrome) or other inks for archival quality.
No photographic or art print reproductions should infringe on the copyright, intellectual or creativity of another person/artist.
Photo Transfer
Photo transfer work is allowed as long as the materials used display an overall sense of professionalism, creativity and originality.
Any materials used must exhibit durability and longevity using archival quality pigment inks or similar and acid-free materials (mod podge is not encouraged).
All images used must be the artist’s original images.
Mediums
Reproductions can be produced on materials and substrates including the following: archival-quality paper - including various finishes (matte, semi-gloss, lustre, etc.) and canvas. For a better quality, finished product, canvas should not be 100% polyester. Photo arts may also use additional substrates.
*The above requirements are not required for greeting cards.