Like many things in life, I learned about shipping artwork the hard way. The first time I shipped my work, I simply wrapped my fragile encaustic paintings in bubble wrap and sent them off into the world in nothing more that a cardboard box. After all, that’s how things are shipped around the world every day, right? Well, yes and no. Every piece that I shipped sustained some degree of damage, ranging from cracked encaustic medium to warped canvases. Needless to say, I pay a bit more attention to the shipping process nowadays.
Step 2: Shipping crate, fully lined
How you protect fragile work for transportation is in direct relation to the challenges that your particular medium presents. Although there is no definitive way to ship art, the following guidelines are a good place to start regardless of the different challenges presented by delicate mediums:
Begin by selecting sturdy materials for your outer crate. The exterior of your crate should keep your work safe from the inevitable bumps along the way, as well as give your canvas support, keeping it from warping. I begin with 2' x 6' planks and create a basic crate.
Step 3: Shipping crate with top
Your outer crate should allow enough interior space for both your artwork and the protective lining that will securely hold your work in place. I typically buy large sheets of 8' x 4' foam, which can be found at any large home improvement store. For flat art, the foam should be cut to enclose the exact size of your work for a snug fit, keeping your work from moving throughout transit.
Don’t underestimate how dirty your work can get in the process of shipping. Wrapping your work in protective paper will keep dust and dirt off its surface, as well as protect it from fingerprints during the packing/unpacking process. Because encaustics can be slightly tacky, I use a museum-quality waxed paper material, known for its non-stick surface. Once wrapped in protective paper, I also wrap the entire piece with a thin layer of bubble wrap.
Although it may seem obscure, your shipping crate can have a very positive impact on a gallery owner. A true professional will always take the time to properly prepare and package their work for transport, ensuring the integrity of their work upon arrival. For more information about shipping work, building custom crates and selecting the proper materials, visit my Web site at www.SarahEarle.com . Happy shipping!
Sarah Earle is an encaustic artist living in the Midwest. To view her work or for more information about encaustics, please visit her Web site at www.SarahEarle.com .
For more information on shipping and crate-building, be sure to pick up the September issue of Art Calendar magazine, on stands in early August.
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