Ask an Expert
|
|
SEPTEMBER 2024 TOPIC: Shipping Large Artworks: Tips & Strategies
T'Alyne in Front of One of her Large, Fiberglass Works
Photo Courtesy: T'Alyne |
OUR EXPERT:
T'Alyne is an abstract artist and environmentalist currently living and working in a zero-emissions, off-grid solar home and solar-powered art studio in the mountains of Southern Colorado. She is interested in balance and environmental stewardship as well as modeling a positive impact for an ecologically conscientious way of life. T'Alyne shares: "Environmental awareness and protecting our natural resources are crucial if we are to survive. As a culture, we are too busy to notice the delicacy of this complete system of life. Through my work as an artist, I see the opportunities to highlight these subtle spaces that balance and support our natural environment. It is crucial that we attend to the beauty, tranquility and serenity in order to return to the center of balance. When we take care of our planet, we impact ourselves in a positive way." Readers can peruse some of T'Alyne's large fiberglass works from her website. |
|
"Think 'outside the box' when buying shipping containers. Home Depot and Lowes are great resources. Local businesses throw away boxes. Look in their recycling dumpsters or ask them if you can have boxes." ~T'Alyne |
What’s your go-to shipping method for large or heavy pieces? ~ Donna (PA)
Dear Donna,
First method: I make certain to build a solid heavy duty shipping container that is supremely reinforced. I use wood and a polymer matrix type foam for the interior to cushion the work.
Second method: I double box the artwork. The artwork gets wrapped securely in bubble wrap and then cushioned in box one. Then, it’s placed into box two. Note: I wrap box one with more cushion packing material, before placing it in the larger box.
Third method: If I don’t have time to build shipping containers, I hire a company that specializes in shipping containers for large scale and heavy artworks.
Thank you for this important question.
What’s the best choice for protecting a painting during summer months? ~ Arlene (NJ)
Dear Arlene,
I live in a dry climate, so my concerns may be different than yours. Insects and dirt are my greatest concerns. I wrap my paintings in plastic to protect them.
Any tips for saving money on shipping? ~ Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Tips for saving money on shipping could include:
Do you list shipping separately or work it into the price? ~ L.N.
Dear L.N.,
I always list the shipping costs separately. Buyers live all over the world. For example, shipping to Florida will have different costs than shipping to France. Thank you for your prudent question.
Dear Donna,
First method: I make certain to build a solid heavy duty shipping container that is supremely reinforced. I use wood and a polymer matrix type foam for the interior to cushion the work.
Second method: I double box the artwork. The artwork gets wrapped securely in bubble wrap and then cushioned in box one. Then, it’s placed into box two. Note: I wrap box one with more cushion packing material, before placing it in the larger box.
Third method: If I don’t have time to build shipping containers, I hire a company that specializes in shipping containers for large scale and heavy artworks.
Thank you for this important question.
What’s the best choice for protecting a painting during summer months? ~ Arlene (NJ)
Dear Arlene,
I live in a dry climate, so my concerns may be different than yours. Insects and dirt are my greatest concerns. I wrap my paintings in plastic to protect them.
Any tips for saving money on shipping? ~ Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Tips for saving money on shipping could include:
- Work small. Use materials that are light weight.
- Think 'outside the box' when buying shipping containers. Home Depot and Lowes are great resources. Local businesses throw away boxes. Look in their recycling dumpsters or ask them if you can have boxes. Recycle Amazon boxes and packing material.
- Find out the pricing structure from the shipping companies that you might use. IE-FedEx charges based on the size of the box as well as the weight.
- Use the same size shipping boxes for everything. Work in a uniform size.
Do you list shipping separately or work it into the price? ~ L.N.
Dear L.N.,
I always list the shipping costs separately. Buyers live all over the world. For example, shipping to Florida will have different costs than shipping to France. Thank you for your prudent question.
Additional Resource For International Shipping:
Art Business News: "Navigating the Complexities of International Art Shipping: Ensuring the Safe Transit of Large-Sized Paintings"
Art Business News: "Navigating the Complexities of International Art Shipping: Ensuring the Safe Transit of Large-Sized Paintings"
