The Art Behind the Music
Interview With Classic Rock Art Curator Michael Goldstein of RockPoPGallery
Rock and roll has been part of our popular culture for many decades and so has a pop / rock memorabilia and art associated with it. Many classic album covers were created to not only sell music, but the concepts and images that were often the driving forces behind the music as well.
A company is keeping this ideal alive is www.RockPoPGallery.com, a site that is dedicated to bringing customers the best selection of Limited Edition rock and pop music related art with engravings, photography and related collectibles on the market today.
I spoke with the curator and owner Michael Goldstein of RockPoPGallery.com on your business and why it is so important to preserve these historic pieces of audio. We will learn more about the man behind the scenes:
RockPoPGallery.com Founded in 2005 in Huntington, NY Michael, a long time collector of music-related art works, as Michael explains:
"It was my personal collection (and my screen it in my office where I worked on television) that I got into the business in the first place. "
Y interest in the art of music was evident at an early age, as the details of Michael:
"My father was an artist / cartoonist and, though I only was 20% of their natural ability, I made a lot of drawing. I had made a reproduction of one of Roger Dean "Flying Machines" on a wall in the basement the house he grew up, and it was the first time I really sat down and glanced at the Masters, which took these covers. Growing up during the height of the disc latest version of the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Iron Butterfly, the Electric Prunes and early Black Sabbath to King Crimson, Yes, Frank Zappa and the Mothers, and mouse / Kelly 's work, all these images ingrained in my psyche. Later, when I got into the animation of cartoons and then into TV / Web production I had the opportunity to work with some of the illustrators and photographers whose work I admired while growing up, and see how many still "had to work to make a living "makes me mad / curious about why these works of art and most people had done were, in my view, seen from outside the establishment of fine arts. I had to do something about it. These images were all expressions of collaboration between musical artists, directors art, illustrators and photographers, many of these pictures have certainly survived the "test of time" even better than some of the accompanying music! The work of art is about emotional connections and various forms of inspiration (sometimes chemistry) and I think that is why my visitors enjoy the cover story the album art associated with the write, and it's all about art and artists. "
Not knowing much about the fine art, I asked Michael about business details, some quite obvious and others that need clarification. Here are some of the questions I was curious about:
What it is an impression?
"In short, unlike a painting, prints are made by drawing not on paper or canvas, but on a surface like stone or a metal plate, which image can then be printed a number of times, "said Michael." The surface is inked, a sheet of paper is placed on it and the two are run through a press. The total number of prints that strip is decided by the artist and the editor in advance and this is called an "edition." Each edition print is signed and numbered (and sometimes adorned otherwise) by the artist. Once the edition is completed, the original plate or stone is either defaced or destroyed that can not be done. "
"Graphic work often refers to the technique that was used to produce them, as lithography, screen printing and the new (and somewhat controversial) Method – digital print (or giclee '). I explain these techniques in detail on page web. "
I asked Michael, how do I know what I'm buying is an original?
"In almost all circumstances, RockPoPGallery purchase its inventory of only one of three sources – either directly from the artist, directly from the publisher of the artist, or at an auction auction firms that can be authenticated provenance (documented history of a work of art from production to date) of a work of art, "explained Michael." Although many Articles from these sources with complete documentation, this is not the case for all the work and originality, and guarantee that, based on our knowledge, source and the previous checks. As an art lover, collector and gallery owner would not consider buying or selling a work of art that I'm not 100% sure. Upon request, RockPoPGallery will provide a certificate of authenticity, including a copy of the source provided by our sources. Then you can go visit the websites of artists / editors, and if the description of the print matches theirs in every detail, then there is a very good chance it is original. "
What determines the market price of a particular print?
"The international art market decide the price based on the principles of supply and demand, basic economics really, "said Michael." Graphic work can exist in multiples of more than one, which may explain a difference of thousands of dollars from the price of a poster produced in series, an 'unsigned open edition "print, signed and numbered limited edition printing. If printing is in demand and supply is no longer there, the price will rise. However, price depends largely on the condition of print. Works on paper are extremely delicate and can easily be damaged by mishandling, poor development, exposure to intense light and of course, the passage of time. Prints in good condition are more sought after by collectors, so their prices are higher. And finally, some engravings been signed by both the artist / photographer and the musical act that was done to cover, such as impressions Jimmy Page-Led Zeppelin IV signed impressions, David Bowie Ziggy Stardust-signed prints, and signed Tony Iommi-Technical Ecstasy sell. I have much more detailed information on the website. "
What is the piece face that you sell, or otherwise, perhaps the most interesting that has owned or sold.
"This really changes from day to day and is expensive a relative term, "said Michael." Compared to a Warhol or Lichtenstein or a Haring-all of which were album covers, none of my pictures are expensive. The higher-priced items tends to be parts where the issues are almost empty, like Led Zeppelin 4 cover signed by Jimmy Page, Carlos Ferris photos for the cover of "Are You Experienced? "And" Electric Ladyland "Entwistle" Who By Numbers ", etc. As for the most interesting item I have sold, or the one with the personal story must have been my copy of Roger Dean "Birthday Magician." I bought one for my personal collection to a very good price and then offered a lot of money to sell it, which I did, not knowing how much I wanted to keep. To punish myself and stop looking at me every day, I was a part of it tattooed on my right arm! "
I enjoyed my conversation with Michael and have certainly learned a valuable information on art that is available for fans of rock and roll. I think what impressed me most about Michael's conversation was the commitment and passion for what he does, no doubt intangible qualities can not be worth a.
About the Author
Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and operates
http://www.collectingvinylrecords.com
, where you can pick up a copy of his FREE ebook called “The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting.” Have your vinyl records appraised at
http://www.vinylrecordappraisals.com