I received the email above on July 28, 2006. After I responded to it several of my students sent me their own response to the question asked by John Smith. Two of these responses, by Jeff Ball and ., are published below.

1-Answer by Jeff Ball
I don’t like to spend much time on what goes into making a fine art print, but I think it is necessary to briefly capture the value behind the print from time to time.  There is also a need to reiterate that the final performance is the fine art print and not web-display.  Web-display can be so limiting when presenting the true quality of a fine art print.  It is not simply a “point and click” proposition as each image is carefully crafted to exacting standards.  So to borrow an approach from Alain Briot in his well-crafted reply to a question about the value of his prints, please allow me to share with you the individual qualities that comprise the value of my prints.

The value of a fine art print by Jeff is comprised of the unique combination of many individual qualities, namely dedication, tireless study, self-criticism, vision, inspiration, motivation,  frustration, education, failure, success, pride, attention-to-detail, a pursuit of excellence, uniqueness, up-bringing, compassion, passion, gratefulness, graciousness, humbleness, respectfulness, environment, Appalachian culture, my mentors, perseverance, imagination, experimentation, intelligence, appreciation, teamwork, openness, flexibility, and focus. 

Old Oak Tree
Jeff Ball