Making art in the sign industry
Printing and sign-making can be seen as an art, which is what makes the two industries so exciting. One Canadian artist has used Drytac products to create his art and prints that celebrate the outdoors since 1998.
Friday, 23 Mar 2018 09:27 GMT
Robert Ryan’s work can be seen across America and Canada, and Ryan credits his previous experience with print and signs for his work
Robert Ryan is an artist and founded his company Render DC in 2007, and creates one-of-a-kind images using his print knowledge. His previous experience with large format printing, photography and graphic design has presented the perfect qualities to produce his artwork.
Ryan explains: “I first came across Drytac in 1998 when I was in the silkscreen and sign businesses. I then rediscovered the products when I worked in a photo studio which did its own processing, mounting and printing. I quickly realised that Drytac products were of very good quality compared to sign-grade material and have sought it out for my own personal prints and creative projects ever since.”
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Ryan’s workshop also holds small and private showings of his work. Ryan’s art can be seen across North America, in restaurants and in galleries. Other artists can also benefit from Ryan’s studio as he finishes and recreates work for them.
I first came across Drytac in 1998 when I was in the silkscreen and sign businesses. I then rediscovered the products when I worked in a photo studio which did its own processing, mounting and printing”
“Once taken, each photograph is printed onto different media to make the images stand out and glow,” continues Ryan. “Some look great on metal, others look better on a rough cotton paper or canvas with resin.”
Drytac come in during the finishing process, and Ryan uses the Protac range to overlaminate his final prints. He says: “Print permanence, colour, detail and feeling are the end objectives in a print. Drytac’s overlaminate film is outstanding as it breathes vividness into colour, especially when mixed with metallic print media.
“I use it as a base for my epoxy work as it acts as a very thin piece of plexiglass than can be sanded and even coated with epoxy. Without this product, my gallery work would not be the same. It has helped me sell my work – and often – at an increased price.
“Additionally, the double-sided Drytac mounting adhesive is incredible strong, yet flexible which enables me to enhance the creative options in my work. I use it to laminate a multitude of substrates. It allows for bending of substrate without separation and is suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures – ensuring greater stability and longevity of my prints.”
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