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Another dimension for EPSON prints
26 August 2003 - EPSON prints have been given an extra dimension in an unconventional new sculpture. Royal Academician Ivor Abrahams has created a 6ft sculpture of a hen, using EPSON large format printers.
Abrahams modeled the structure of the hen from reinforced styrene, coated with an epoxy resin. From this, he designed a template to cover the hen, which was made up of individual pieces all fitting together like a jigsaw.
Abrahams had previously made a smaller model of the hen, which was his starting point when creating the designs for the final template. Using photographs he had taken and digitally manipulated, Abrahams applied images to the templates, which were then printed on an EPSON Stylus PRO 9600 at Coriander studios in London.
The finished templates were cut into shape and used to cover the sculpture before being sprayed with a urethane resin to finish the piece.
Abrahams particularly enjoyed creating this piece of work because it allowed him to combine sculpture and print in one piece of art. "Creating the hen has been an exciting project because I was able to build what could already have been a finished sculpture, and then go one step further and develop it into a three-dimensional print".
The templates were printed onto EPSON polyester banner, which suited this piece of work as the material is slightly elastic making it easier to form to the surface shape. The Stylus Pro 9600 also offers in excess of 75 years lightfastness*, which is important for Abrahams. He wants the colour and vibrancy of his work to look as good as new for many years to come. The sculpture took around three months for Abrahams to make, and recently it finished its run at the Royal Academy Summer Show.
Abrahams exhibits internationally and currently has work displayed in 30 museums worldwide. This is the second sculpture that Abrahams has created using EPSON technology, the first being a 10ft cockerel that was subsequently bought for the Duchess of Devonshire. The cockerel is now on display at Chatsworth House.
Working in this way is something Abrahams wants to continue, he feels his sculptures are "a contemporary statement of the moment" and takes pleasure from the excitement of not knowing exactly how the finished piece will look. This type of work is developing into a niche market for Abrahams at the Royal Academy, and EPSON among others is looking forward to the revelation of his next creation.
Website: www.epson.co.uk
About EPSON
The EPSON Group increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. Dedicated to providing its customers with digital image innovation, its main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices including displays, semiconductors and quartz devices, and precision products such as watches. EPSON products are known throughout the world for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency. The EPSON Group is a network of 73,797 employees in 114 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., which is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Group had consolidated sales of 1,322 billion yen in fiscal 2002.
