May 16
0

Here today – gone tomorrow

Posted by Toni Collins | Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

Imagine if the artwork you love, now installed in your home – had to be removed!

 

It can happen. If a company offers you an artwork, which is actually the work of another artist, (and that artist has not given permission), in order to resolve legal action, your provider may need to remove the artwork – replacing it with something else!

Doing your due diligence in the early stages of choosing your splashback provider is so important.

If you love an artwork, and really want that for your splashback – it’s important to know who created the artwork.

 

Here are a few tips on how to avoid the heartbreak and inconvenience a removal could cause.

Let’s say the artwork you are considering is photographic, or a combination ‘mash-up’ of photos; here are a few simple questions to ask:

  • Who took the photograph?
  • And… if someone else took the photograph, do you have permission to offer this image?

 

Beyond the questions there is another significant way to spot a provider of the unethical variety.

Is the artwork being offered to you visible on the companies website?

Or, is the work hidden away in a ‘private gallery’ for example?

 

If there appears to be some secrecy surrounding the work, rather than public openness… that is cause for suspicion. Please beware. Ask yourself; if the company did create the artwork, or had the authority to sell another’s work, wouldn’t they want to present it for all to see, rather than hiding it, and being secretive?

 

If a ‘private gallery’ is offered, that is good cause for alarm bells to ring, for you to be suspicious, and to ask questions about the origins of the artwork.

 

You may well ask, “And why does that matter?”

Because, if your provider is of the unethical kind, they are not likely to have permission to use an artwork created by another artist. And that can become a problem for you.

 

“Why would that be a problem for me?“

If the chosen splash back provider does not have permission to reproduce the art of another artist – that is copyright infringement. The original artist has the exclusive rights to the work, and can demand the removal of a reproduction.

After investing a lot of time and effort to consider, then select the artwork for your splash back, only to discover the person selling to you was not the original creator of the work and does not have any authority to offer it to you… the time spent will have been wasted.

So if you fall in love with a particular artwork, it is worth finding out just a few simple things before committing to a provider – to help you avoid the heartbreak and inconvenience removal of an unlawfully reproduced work may cause.

 

“Are there any exceptions?“

Another scenario entirely is stock photography from an image library source. Let’s say the image you like is from Getty Images – you will be able to source that image yourself; reading and agreeing to the terms Getty have to license the use of the image. It’s pretty straightforward.

 

The final word

The risk we are pointing out in the ‘here today – gone tomorrow’ scenario is when a company is either passing off another’s work as their own, and/or they do not have permission from the original artist to use the work. It will create issues, and you deserve not to be inconvenienced by the potential consequences.

May 06
0

Melbourne in Monochrome

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

Photography by Michael Collins captures the urban pulse of Melbourne.

 

And while our city is a thriving, contemporary, metropolis: the images seen in black & white add a timeless quality also. What a wonderful combination!

 

The ever-popular Melbourne Monochrome Collection has been updated with 13 new works.  

 

As creators of the photographic artworks presented within the VR Galleries, we can customise the works to black & white, or by adding a hint of warm sepia tone, for example. So please keep in mind as you peruse the Galleries: any image you like originally seen in colour, can be converted to black & white. This keeps your options wide open.

 

The photo artworks offered by VR can provide the perfect compliment to your kitchen or bathroom as a printed VR Art Glass splashback, or wall art in your living areas.

 

To leave you with an inspired quote to take with you as you look at some inspiring images:

 

“I’ve been forty years discovering that the queen of all colours is black.”   Henri Matisse

 

Hold on to that thought, as you view the selection of works presented below, showing you the full format of each composition. Then click through to see the full Melbourne Monochrome Collection.

 

Pictured above, the classic Pellegrini’s, titled ‘03 Melbourne Mono’, a personal favorite.

 

22 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography.

’22 Melbourne Mono’ a new addition to the ever-popular Melbourne Monochrome Collection of photographic art by Michael Collins.

 

07 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’07 Melbourne Mono’. An earlier work in the collection.

 

18 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’18 Melbourne Mono’. Photo artworks by VR can provide the perfect compliment to your kitchen or bathroom as a printed VR Art Glass splashback.

 

21 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’21 Melbourne Mono’. Photography by Michael Collins captures the urban pulse of Melbourne.

May 02
0
Sequence & timing for your kitchen splashback measure

Sequence & timing for your kitchen splashback measure

Posted by Toni Collins | Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

 

Visual Resource will complete and take full responsibility for the glass measure.
Having the site ready before doing the final check measure however, that is where we do need your help.

 

To assist with the planning of your project, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

 

  1. Will a glazier come out to do a check measure?

 

  • Yes! Our glazier will visit to complete a final check measure.
  • This is the measure VR will base your glass order upon.

 

  1. When can the check measure happen?

In terms of the sequence, the check measure can be done:

 

  • After your kitchen cabinetry installation, including bench tops.

 

  • Yes, your bench tops need to be in.

 

  • The “rough in” of electrical work has been completed. (So the location and size of power point outlets are known, for example.)

 

  • Appliances have been installed.

 

  • (If relevant) Fixing points for extraction / range hood units have been located and clearly marked. (Only relevant when the glass will continue behind an extraction unit.)

 

  1. How important is the check measure?

 

For VR Art Glass® we work with low iron toughened glass (also known as safety glass), and it is an unforgiving material where there is no room for change of mind, or error.

So the rule – measure three times, cut once – has never been more relevant.

 

Unlike more forgiving materials, we do not get to modify the glass on site if the fit is not right. That’s why, having the kitchen in place (as listed above) prior to our glazier measuring the exact custom size and cut of your splashback – is so critical.

In relation to timing, as you can see from the above checklist…

Your splashback will be one of the last things to be installed within your new kitchen.  Many things come before it!

Apr 20
1

New Collection Released : Melbourne 4

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

A great writer will craft words capable of transporting the reader to a new place, time or understanding.  Equally, a skilled photographer will see an image – where others will not.

The photographer captures a scene in the most engaging way, using vision to see what the image could be, long before holding the viewfinder up to his eye. There is no ‘chance’ or fluking it involved. Instead, each image is considered and achieved through a robust combination of skill and creativity.

That’s how the new Melbourne collection # 4 came about. Michael exploring a city he loves, while putting his creativity and photographic craft to task.

To see the full body of work, please view the collection Melbourne 4.

All works created by photographer Michael Collins.

All works available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

06 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#06, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

19 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#19, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

01 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#01, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

20 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#20, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

Photographer Michael Collins Self Portrait Creating Melbourne Skyline Night Shots

Photographer Michael Collins at work. A rare self-portrait by the man who would rather be behind the camera than in front of it.

Apr 18
0

Do you have a showroom?

Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

‘Yes.’ 

And you are most welcome to visit and check out the photographic artworks we create and how people use them in their homes.    

You will find the centrally located VR showroom at the Albert Park Lake end of Moray Street in South Melbourne.

To be exact: 341 Moray Street, South Melbourne

The showroom is a creative workspace for VR, and a place you are welcome to visit to see finishes like VR Art Glass®, or the ‘Urban Presentation’, to mention but a few of the many photographic finish options VR can offer you.

More importantly, beyond looking at finishes, we can talk about your project during a visit to the VR showroom.

Exploring, for example…

  • Where you would like to add imagery?
  • What style of artwork is right for you?
  • What will be appropriate and work within your space?

 

Our discussion will explore these important considerations (and others), and VR will provide a recommendation for your project.

We consider this part of the image consultation process; it’s the service we provide to help you find the prefect artwork for your home.  

During our discussion, you will have our undivided attention. We can offer you a coffee, or cup of tea as we enjoy learning about the specifics that make your project unique.

 

Visual Resource SHOWROOM for VR Art Glass printed glass photo art and more South Melbourne

The image consultation process is the service we provide to help you find the perfect artwork for your home.

 

Where are you located again?

The VR showroom isn’t located in an industrial area. Instead you will find us on a tree-lined street, surrounded by intriguing boutique businesses. So while the size of our showroom is modest, we find it to be creatively inspiring and conducive to good conversations.

Once again, you are very welcome to visit and check out the photographic artworks we create and how people use them in their homes.

Find us here: VR Visual Resource, 341 Moray Street, South Melbourne 

VR Visual Resource SHOWROOM 341 Moray Street South Melboourne MAP

Centrally located, you will find the VR Showroom at the Albert Park Lake end of Moray St in South Melbourne.

 

Do I need to make an appointment, or call ahead?

Yes, it is important to make an appointment or call ahead before you visit, so we can reserve a meeting time for you and give you our undivided attention.

Pellegrinis photo Art by Michael Collins framed black and white photographic paper print

You are welcome to visit the VR Showroom. Check out the photographic art we create and how people use them in their homes.

 

Apr 15
0

LIQUID SCULPTURES: New Collections Announced

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

Photographer Michael Collins has created a series of original works titled LIQUID SCULPTURES.

Each artwork is created in camera, as opposed to a digital construction, making the collections even more impressive.

The works provide the perfect balance of dynamic forces frozen in time. Demanding of the creator, both vision and patience.

Selected pieces deliver bold combinations of colour and form, while others are more demure, offering subtle design and colour. Consistent for all LIQUID SCULPTURE works however: the boundary between colour and form is suitably blurred.

There is a lot to love about these new abstract photographic artworks. Please decide what you think by taking a peek at the new LIQUID SCULPTURES Collection # 1 and Collection # 2.

Conceived and created by photographer Michael Collins.

Available exclusively from Visual Resource.

Pictured here, a selection of works from COLLECTION 2 – LIQUID SCULPTURES

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 05 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

05 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2. Each artwork is created in camera, as opposed to a digital construction.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 10 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

10 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 04 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

04 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2. Abstract photo art created by Michael Collins.

 

Pictured here, a selection of works from COLLECTION 1 – LIQUID SCULPTURES.

To see the full collections, please visit the Abstract Gallery.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 20 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

20 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 11 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

11 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 05 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

05 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

 

Apr 11
0

Art Filled Bathrooms : Bold and Beautiful

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

When art dealer and 204 Art Space gallery director June Zhu selected the art for her new bathrooms, two pieces by artist and friend Chen Zhong were standout, easy choices.

 

About the process

The large original artworks by Chen Zhong were provided to Visual Resource on paper, each around 1.5 x 1.3m in size. Of course, paper in a bathroom ‘wet area’ would not survive – paper just does not love water, unlike VR Art Glass.

Michael from Visual Resource digitised each artwork, so the art could be prepared and printed onto glass.

 

Reproduction of any artwork requires careful colour management, both in the capture (digitising) and in the printing, especially when glass is involved. Being a photographer, Michael used his imaging skills to convert the art on paper to a digital format, and then during the print stage, he ensured the colour (on glass) remained true to the original.

Another important point when using an artist’s work: the homeowner June Zhu had permission from the artist to reproduce his work within her art filled home.

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG Batman behind bath 2

VR Art Glass featuring original art by Chen Zhong. Unlike paper, VR Art Glass is perfect for ‘wet areas’.

 

 

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG Girl in Ensuite 3

The finished VR Art Glass piece delivers a striking focal point in the bathroom. Original art by Chen Zhong.

 

About the art

From the back streets of Shanghai to the exuberance of contemporary Australian culture, Chen examines, explores, questions and celebrates the transcultural identity of being an Australian artist with a proud Chinese heritage.

Beginning with small sketches and paintings, Chen draws inspiration from everyday life, contemporary subjects and traditional Chinese ladies to blend the ancient themes of Chinese culture with a dynamic and ever-changing new world.

His practice of the ancient craft of Chinese ink brush painting is juxtaposed against fresh pops of pinks, blues and yellows. Counterbalancing traditional Chinese images and art form with sophisticated, modern technique is a cornerstone of Chen’s work.

 

VR Art Glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG full original FORMAT 4

Original artworks by Chen Zhong. His practice of the ancient craft of Chinese ink brush painting is juxtaposed against fresh pops of pinks, blues and yellows.

 

About the artist

Chen Zhong was born in 1970 in Zhongshan, China and arrived in Australia at the age of 19 in 1989. Today he lives and works in Melbourne.

Chen’s exhibiting history has taken his artwork throughout Australia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York.

 

About 204 Art Space

June’s gallery 204 Art Space, specialises in contemporary art. Presenting the work of artist Chen Zhong, along with many renowned and emerging artists. Located in Kensington, Melbourne, the gallery is over 800m2 of exhibiting space, offering a unique experience for visitors. For more about 204 Art Space, past and future exhibitions, please click through to the website.

Artist Picture of CHEN ZHONG in front of his art

The artist Chen Zhong. Counterbalancing traditional Chinese images and art form with sophisticated, modern technique.

 

About the bathrooms

The bathrooms were designed, project managed and completed by Philip Theo of TSG Tiling Services and Mitcham Tile Centre. To see more great work completed by Philip, please visit the Mitcham Tile Centre website.

 

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG girl close up 5

VR Art Glass featuring original art by Chen Zhong.

Apr 05
0

Create, don’t imitate

Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No Comments

Create, don’t imitate.

A message originally penned by Tess McCabe, founder of Creative Minds Publishing.

 

The quote, ‘Create, don’t imitate’, is one I appreciate and wanted to share with you as I think it can be interpreted in a few different ways.

Firstly….

When thinking about home decorating from a finding your style perspective, the quote provides encouragement to…

 

“Live for yourself and not for someone else”

a quote from Shaynna Blaze

 

While it may be unusual for someone to decorate a home, buying all furnishings at the one time and being true to only one style. I like to interpret the quote as license to let a personal style evolve over time, rather than emulating an established style, verbatim.

Perhaps it is more realistic (and certainly more personal and interesting), for our homes to be filled with items treasured from our past, along with newer pieces to meet our comfort, function and aesthetic needs.

When I think about the quote ‘Create, don’t imitate’ in this way, I believe it gives creative license to experiment with old and new, to tinker with established styles and my take on them, therefore mixing things up, in order to discover my own style.  A method which takes courage, and trust in myself.

 

Shaynna Blaze would also council:

“Your personal style will be a pinch of your past, a lot of your present

and ever evolving into the future.”

 

Beyond my home decorating interpretation of the quote, I am aware how the creator who originally penned the phrase intended ‘Create, don’t imitate’, to be received.  When creator Tess McCabe first shared the quote on Instagram, she wrote,

*SIGH* Another week, another armload of Insta-stories from artists, makers and designers regarding imitations of their original works being found online. Today, let’s send a message to those who trawl the web for ‘inspiration’ to step back and put their OWN thinking caps on! Feel free to re-post this image in your own feed. Here’s hoping it will flick on a few lightbulbs.

The message McCabe shared is a sentiment many creators of original work know only too well.  And lament when other less creative, or people with questionable ethics… simply copy their work.

As creators of original photographic artworks, we think the message behind ‘Create, don’t imitate’ is inspired, thought provoking and worthwhile.

Why? Because you deserve original artwork in your home – not a copy by someone lacking in the imagination to conceive an original idea, or the skill to execute an original work.

 

A note about the images:

I gave our young daughter an assignment to decorate the quote I had printed.   The visual at the top of the post, and the next, are both her work. The one you see below was her first go at it. It’s super creative! But then… a five year old is very qualified to provide fresh, unencumbered creative designs.

 

Create dont imitate - Tess McCabe Quote 2

Colouring design by Roisin Collins. Five-years-old and loving colour.

 

Mar 08
0

FIRE & ICE: the inspiration for a magnificent kitchen

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

Prior to finding Fire & Ice, Susie & Glen were at a loss to know what to do with their kitchen design.

 

During an unlikely visit to the Home Show, they found the inspiration they had been searching for and Fire & Ice became the genesis for the entire kitchen design.

After discovering VR Art Glass and the dynamic Fire & Ice artwork: from that moment on the kitchen design took shape. Selections for bench tops, tap ware, even the positioning of power outlets: all decisions were made to ensure the artwork had centre stage and could shine.

Why was the artwork Fire & Ice so significant for the kitchen?

“The artwork of Fire & Ice has all my favourite colours. It’s just beautiful. I love it.”  Susie said.

 

After an extensive design and build process, the family who enjoys this stunning home was able to move in just in time for Christmas 2015.  Shortly after the installation, Susie wrote to Toni & Michael to say,

“Your splash back was the inspiration for our entire kitchen!!

You have been so wonderful to work with – I could not recommend you more highly.”

VR Art Glass printed glass kitchen splashback featuring FIRE & ICE by Visual Resource 2

VR Art Glass splashback featuring FIRE & ICE # 1 – created by photographer Michael Collins

VR Art Glass printed glass splashback kitchen featuring FIRE & ICE by Michael Collins for Visual Resource 4

VR artwork FIRE & ICE # 1 became the genesis for the entire kitchen design. All VR artworks are available exclusively from Visual Resource.

VR Art Glass printed kitchen splashback featuring FIRE & ICE by Visual Resource 3

Selections for bench tops, tap ware, even the positioning of power outlets: all decisions were made to ensure the VR Art Glass splashback had centre stage.

 

 

Feb 12
0

NZ earthquake creates havoc: Natures Shape helps to restore balance

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

While the devastation of an earthquake happens in an instant, the impact on people and their homes takes years to rectify. Sharon & Gary living in Christchurch, New Zealand are two such people.

After contacting Visual Resource in late 2014, interested in an original artwork for their kitchen splashback, we discovered Sharon & Gary’s home was being rebuilt following the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes. The foundations of their home had broken and sunk causing twisting and warping of the entire house. Damaged beyond repair, insurance would cover the very basics of a rebuild, but not ‘nice to have’ items like VR Art Glass.

After considering the trauma of loosing a home to an earthquake, along with the hardship of rebuilding, Michael wrote to Sharon in Oct 2014 to offer:

Dear Sharon,

Toni and I were both touched by your circumstances and would be delighted to provide that ‘wow’ factor for your kitchen.  So if it helps we are happy to offer this artwork to you at… no charge!

 

Four and a half years after the earthquake disaster and living elsewhere, the rebuild is now (finally) complete; the couple is back in their home with this to say…

 

February 2016

Hi Michael,

Our new splashback is now installed and looks awesome.

Thank you so much to Toni and yourself for your generosity in allowing us the use of this fabulous artwork. Anyone that has visited us has said how amazing it looks.

Thank you both once again.

Sharon & Gary

Wainoni, Christchurch NZ

Visual Resource NZ Original Home DEMOLITION

Pictured during the demolition stage, the original home was damaged beyond repair during the 2010 / 2011 NZ earthquakes.

 

VR ArtGlass printed glass splashback NATURES SHAPE 4 by photographer Michael Collins for VISUAL RESOURCE

Kitchen splashback featuring VR artwork ‘Natures Shape # 4’

VR Artwork NATURES SHAPE 4 printed glass kitchen splashback by Michael Collins Photographer

VR Artworks are created by photographer Michael Collins, available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

 

Visual Resource NZ Earthquake HOME after rebuid

Home again! “We are so very happy to be back in our new house after living four and a half years elsewhere.” Sharon

 

Gary & Sharon, for selecting the beautiful VR artwork ‘Natures Shape # 4’  for your new kitchen, we say thank you.  May it bring you years of calm and enjoyment.

Toni & Michael Collins