PI

E-Train circa 1973

Writers like FLINT 707 and PISTOL made major contributions in development of three dimensional lettering adding depth to the masterpiece, which became standards for generations to come.

This early period of creativity did not go unrecognized. Hugo Martinez a sociology major at City College took notice of the legitimate artistic potential of this generation. Martinez went on to found United Graffiti Artists. UGA selected top subway artists from all around the city and presented their work in the formal context of an art gallery. UGA provided opportunities once inaccessible to these artists. The Razor Gallery was a successful effort of Mr. Martinez and the artists he represented. PHASE 2, MICO, COCO 144, PISTOL, FLINT 707, BAMA, SNAKE, and STICH have been represented by Martinez.
A 1973 article in New York magazine by Richard Goldstein entitled “The Graffiti Hit Parade” was also early public recognition of the artistic potential of subway artists.

Around 1974 writers like TRACY 168, CLIFF 159, BLADE ONE created works with scenery, illustrations and cartoon characters surrounding the masterpieces. This formed the basis for the mural whole car. Earlier ground breaking whole cars were produced by writers like AJ 161 and SILVER TIPS.

Where the Hell did paper come from?

Paper as we know it today, actually comes from China. Surprise, surprise. IN the year 10, Han Emperor Ho-Ti’s chief eunuch, T’sai Lun, experimented with materials in a search to replace silk as a writing material. He refined a process of macerating mulberry and bamboo plants until each fiber was separated completely. The individual fibers were mixed with water in a large vat. A screen was then dipped into the vat and lifted, catching the fibers on its surface. When dried, this thin layer of intertwined fiber became what we today call paper!

IN 751, when the Tang Dynasty was at war with the Islamic world, Chinese paper makers were captured by the Arabs near Samarkand, and forced to share their knowledge of paper making. This Middle Eastern city would soon become a great center for paper production, and by 794, Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo would have their own paper operations. Finally, when the Moors from North Africa invaded Spain and Portugal they brought the knowledge of paper making with them. Paper making finally entered Europe in the 12th century.

IN 751, when the Tang Dynasty was at war with the Islamic world, Chinese paper makers were captured by the Arabs near Samarkand, and forced to share their knowledge of paper making. This Middle Eastern city would soon become a great center for paper production, and by 794, Baghdad, Damascus, and Cairo would have their own paper operations. Finally, when the Moors from North Africa invaded Spain and Portugal they brought the knowledge of paper making with them. Paper making finally entered Europe in the 12th century.

Feeding wooden chips into Digestors, 1948 / Mark Kauffman

Feeding wooden chips into Digestors, 1948 / Mark Kauffman

Tester tearing off sample. Union Bag & Paper Co. Savannah, GA, 1937. Look at him go! / Margaret Bourke-White

Tester tearing off sample. Union Bag & Paper Co. Savannah, GA, 1937. Look at him go! / Margaret Bourke-White

12x12 in full colour prints by Sammy Pazzio available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Sammy Pazzio available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Sammy Pazzio available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Sammy Pazzio available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Bowman available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Tom Reeves available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Tom Reeves available here!

12x12 in full colour prints by Tom Reeves available here!

In 1975, Esther Cohen took a trip to Paris. Instead of bringing back all kinds of perfume, she bought 200 prints of Man Ray’s, Les 3 Peches, for next to nothing.

Soon after her return to Canada, Esther took a trip to NY City. While strolling the village, she came across a man selling a painting by Canadian, William Kurelik, along with 2 of his silk screens. Showing an interest in the pieces, the seller pushed Esther to buy, ” I don’t have any money, but I’ll trade you 200 Man Ray prints .. ”  SOLD! Esther returned to Canada and sold the silk screens for $750 each. She kept the painting, which has recently been appreaised for $12 000.

For the last 35 years, Esther has been collecting fine art prints. She has been fortunate enough to visit great artists such as Andy Warhol, Alex Katz and Sam Francis in their homes and studios. The distinctive collection includes limited edition graphics signed and numbered by renowned artists such as Alex Katz, Jim Dine and Robert Longo.

In 1976, Esther established Posters International - a Canadian company that grew into a word wide success story. Respected by her colleagues and competitors alike, Esther was the first person in Canada to wholesale art posters, exporting these open editions world wide. The company today continues to thrive with her sons Richie and Andrew now heading the helm.

PI Fine Art has grown to become North America’s leading art source for both residential and hospitality industries. A family run business with over 80 employees that include a creative team of art consultants sales representatives, graphic designers and visual artists.

Representing over 100 artists, PI’s collection consists of original paintings, limited edition gliclees, open edition prints and out latest line of alternative substrates.

Always trying to expand our artistic wall, PI was asked to compile a display for Ossington hot spot, Watusi.

Creating all new pieces specifically for the space and crowd, Tom Reeves, Trevor Bowman and Sammy Pazzio will be releasing their framed prints, Thursday, May 26th.