FAQ
Product Specifics
What is a Mono Relief Print?
A mono relief print is a unique form of printmaking that combines the techniques of monotyping and relief printmaking. In traditional relief printmaking, an image is carved into a surface (like wood or linoleum), and the uncarved areas are inked and pressed onto paper to create an image. Monotyping, on the other hand, involves applying ink to a smooth surface and transferring it to paper, resulting in a single, unique print; hence the prefix "mono" which means one, as the technique does not allow for multiple originals.
Jonathan Ford's mono relief prints take these concepts to another level. He uses the naturally varied and textured cross sections of a tree instead of a traditionally carved block; which, after meticulous preparation he applies ink to, capturing the intricate patterns of the tree's growth rings, and then transfers this to a material, such as canvas or Washi paper.
Each print is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique characteristics of the individual tree it was derived from. Despite the moniker "mono" indicating a single print, Jonathan can also create similar, yet distinctive, prints from the same tree cross-section due to the variability in the tree's rings and the ink application process.
What is Dendrochronology?
Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating tree rings to the exact year they were formed. This provides a precise record of a tree's age and the climate conditions during the tree's lifespan. The term comes from the Greek words "dendron" for tree, "chronos" for time, and "logos" for study.
Here's how it works: Each year, trees typically form a new layer of growth that is visible as a ring. During a favorable growing season, trees produce a wider ring; conversely, in less favorable conditions, the growth ring is narrower. By examining these rings, scientists can tell the story of the tree's life and make inferences about past climate conditions.
Dendrochronology has a wide range of uses, from understanding historical climate patterns, aiding in the dating of old buildings or archaeological finds, to providing insights about the health and age of trees in forestry. In the context of Jonathan Ford's artwork, dendrochronology is used as a foundation for exploring the narratives inherent in the trees' growth rings, adding depth and historical significance to each unique piece.
What materials are used in the creation of the artwork?
Jonathan's artworks are primarily created using Intaglio Ink and Washi paper or Canvas. He also employs additional colouring or detailing (such as Gold foiling) in some places to highlight details within the artwork.
What is a Giclee print?
A giclée print refers to a high-quality reproduction of an original piece of artwork using a specialized inkjet printer. The term "giclée" comes from the French word "gicler", meaning "to squirt" or "spray", which indicates the way the ink is applied to the paper or canvas.
Giclée printing distinguishes itself from conventional printing methods due to its high resolution and precision, which allows for a very close approximation of the original artwork. The inks used in giclée printing are pigment-based, as opposed to the dye-based inks used in lower-quality prints. This ensures a greater range of color, with brighter, longer-lasting, and more realistic results.
In addition, giclée prints can be produced on a variety of mediums, such as canvas, watercolor paper, or photo paper. They are often used by artists, galleries, and museums to reproduce original artwork while maintaining the highest quality and integrity of the original piece. Because of their quality and longevity, giclée prints are highly valued in the art world.
All of Janathan's Giclee's are printed on Archival quality Hanhemüle papers.
How are the dimensions of the artwork measured?
The dimensions are provided in centimetres and they measure the full size of the artwork, including any border, but excluding any frame.
Unless otherwise stated on the product page itself; it represents the height and width of the artwork.
How are the artworks packaged for delivery?
We take great care to protect your order as well as we possibly can for shipping.
Prints will be shipped, rolled, in a hard cardboard tube.
Framed prints or originals will be throughly packaged and protected before being shipped via our shipping partners.
Purchase & Shipping
What payment methods do you accept?
We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Union Pay, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and direct bank transfers (please reach out to info@jonathanford.studio to pay this way).
Do you ship internationally?
We ship internationally to most major markets.
(excluding those that would be considered terrorist or oppressive states)
What are the shipping costs?
Many of the artworks on this website come with shipping included, to be certain please add the item you're interested in to your basket and proceed through checkout where your shipping cost will be calculated.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping varies from country to country. Currently all originals and prints are produced in the United Kingdom, so naturally the closer you are geographically to here to faster it will be.
As much of the artwork on this website requires care and attention in both preparation for shipping and shipping we can expect shipping to happen within 2 weeks of ordering and can take up to 4 weeks to arrive (although we will endeavour to ship faster where possible).
Can I order my artwork framed?
Prints such as Ash | the golden years have the option to order framed directly within the product page, other purchases or different framing styles please reach out to info@jonathanford.studio to order a custom framed product.
All framed work comes with art glass (or art acrylic if too large for glass).
Personalisation & Commissions
How do I commission a piece of art?
You can enquire about commissions but reaching out via our contact form or by emailing info@jonathanford.studio
Some product pages may have a specific option for you to order a commission, in which case Jonathan will be in touch with you after you make your purchase.
How does the commission process work?
Jonathan will communicate with you in order to provide a more bespoke service. The easiest way to begin the commission process is to order the product you're looking to commission a variant of and Jonathan will be in touch with you.
Alternatively you can reach out to info@jonathanford.studio or fill out the form on this page.
How long does it take to complete a commissioned piece?
Commissions of Giclee prints and post processes on Giclee prints typically take 10 working days to complete.
Mono prints typically take between 4-6 weeks to complete ready for collection or shipping.
Canvas prints typically take between 6-8 weeks to complete ready for collection or shipping.
If framing is purchased as part of this then it can take longer. Jonathan will do his best to give you an estimate when he communicates with you about your commission.
Artwork Care
How do I care for my artwork?
Preserving the quality and integrity of your artwork purchased from our store is a top priority, and we're here to help you do just that. Here are a few suggestions:
- Framing: All artwork purchased from our store comes can be professionally framed. We highly recommend this as our framing not only enhances the aesthetic of the artwork but also provides a protective barrier from potential environmental damage.
- UV Protection: Each of our frames comes equipped with UV protection art glass. This specialized glass serves a crucial role in defending your artwork from the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays, ensuring your piece maintains its vibrant colors for many years.
- Proper Placement: We encourage you to display your artwork away from direct sunlight. Even with our UV protection art glass, reducing exposure to sunlight further ensures the longevity of your piece. Also, consider hanging your artwork in an area where it's less likely to be accidentally knocked or bumped.
- Stable Environment: Try to keep your artwork in a space with controlled humidity and stable temperatures. Avoid areas that are prone to dampness or extreme temperature changes (such as near radiators or air conditioning), as this could impact the materials of your artwork over time.
Can the artwork be displayed in direct sunlight?
We do not recommend that you display your artwork in direct sunlight as it can lead to irreparable damage from UV radiation.
Where possible try to light up your artwork via indirect sunlight or using LED spotlighting.
How should I frame my artwork?
Framing artwork is as important as the artwork itself. Of course it is an incredibly personal thing that needs to match up not just with the style of the artwork but with the style your home carries.
Where possible we offer the prints or artwork without framing and through out print partners we can mount and frame any of the art on this website in a style that suits you (at an additional cost), simply reach out to us at info@jonathanford.studio for more information.
Alternatively you can order a print and have it framed with your local and preferred framing partner.
At minimum we recommend you frame all artwork to protect it from damage that may come about through day to day life.
Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?
We do not offer returns on original, personalised, framed or commissioned artwork.
If your artwork arrives damaged, then we will endeavour to replace the work on receipt of the returned damaged goods.
How do I return artwork?
Please reach out to us before sending any artwork back to us via info@jonathanford.studio.
How long does it take to process a refund?
Once we have received your artwork back and are able to complete an inspection we reach back out to you with next steps on your order.