In the favourite prints I have made, displayed to people and sometimes sold, I have been described by fairly well accomplished artists, some with extensive photographic backgrounds, as having an artistic quality and style.
But what and where does the term "Fine Art" print come from?
My initial thought on this is that the art or artistic definition is in relation not to the actual physical print, or indeed its content, but the subconscious connection of the artists creative spirit, vision, skill, life, philosophies etc. used in the overall process of its creation, with the viewer, and that to some extent the artistic signature of the creator should be identifiable across their work, and show evolution over time as the creator and available creative interfacing methods develop.
Fine tends to imply a strive for a perfection in presenting ones artistic vision is applied to all aspects of the work - that there is an emphasis on maximizing the physical quality of the piece, the use of refined skills / equipment in the technical assembly of it that these components are of the highest order.
Simply put it, at that moment in time the image was produced, it should not be able to be easily bettered by someone else. Certainly very unlikely to be produced as part of a series of 100 images by someone who purchased a mid price point Dslr last week, auto-corrected and converted to BW in LR and printed in editions or 250 at 11x14 on a sub $1000 printer and then advertised on Fickr for anywhere between $25 - $100 which, albeit a slight exaggeration to drive the point.
When it comes to describe my own work I prefer not to say much at all as I think that it should, as individual pieces or collections, be able to describe itself without being surrounded by supportive marketing text - other than date, location etc. as applicable. However living in the real world how do you describe work legitimately when so much is seemingly overstated or dishonestly marketed?
Love to hear your thoughts!