This series showcases meditative photography portraits of the bark of aspen trees in winter, captured during a spiritual quest through the North American Southwest in a serene aspen grove located eighteen miles north of Flagstaff, AZ. 

I do not know why I was drawn to the aspen. After over a decade in New York, I went to the desert on a sabbatical. One morning, I woke up with my face full of tears, and this continued every waking hour for a full month when I first encountered these trees while driving along US-180 in the snow-filled winter of 2006. Their presence that day, the experience of taking their portraits, and sitting lotus-like before the prints since then continue to invoke in me peacefulness, meditative states, spiritual awakenings, and ultimately a reconnection with nature.

I should also note that I knew nothing about aspen trees when I first encountered and photographed them during that challenging time in my life in the winter of 2006. I knew nothing about them when I took these portraits in the same grove in the winter of 2015 while traveling through the American Southwest. I knew nothing of aspen trees this morning when I uploaded the photos in the summer of 2023.

I just found out aspen trees live for over a hundred years, while their interwoven root systems, all connected to a single parent tree, can live for up to ten thousand years. The oldest aspen tree colony, named Pando, has lived for eighty thousand years in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. An aspen colony as old as our species.

For those new to the world of art collecting, the term "editions" refers to the number of copies produced from a single original piece of artwork. Editions help ensure the exclusivity and value of each print. Understanding the difference between limited and rare editions is crucial for collectors.

In all of my fine art photography, I am committed to offering rare editions to ensure exclusivity and high value for collectors. Each artwork is produced in extremely limited quantities, with only 3 prints available for the larger size and 5 for the smaller size. Some series are even more exclusive, offered in only one size with an edition of 3

RARE EDITION
Definition: A rare edition is even more exclusive than a limited edition, implying extreme scarcity with very few prints available.

Typical Range: Rare editions typically include fewer than five prints and sometimes might even be a single print.

Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.

Numbering: Similar to limited editions, rare editions are also numbered and usually signed by the artist.

LIMITED EDITION

Definition: A limited edition refers to a set number of prints produced from a single image. Once this number is reached, no more prints are made, ensuring scarcity.

Typical Range: The number can vary but is often between 5 to 50 prints. However, some editions can be larger. 

Value: The value of a limited edition print is usually higher than that of an open edition (where prints are made continuously) because the supply is restricted.

Numbering: Each print in a limited edition is usually numbered (e.g., 1/25, 2/25) and sometimes signed by the artist.

EXCLUSIVITY

Each series is composed of a maximum of 18 to 27 artworks. No other artworks from this series will ever be offered for sale. Once an edition for an artwork is sold out, no more prints will ever be available. Once all editions for all artworks in my series are sold out, the entire series will be sold out. This ensures the exclusivity and enduring value of each piece and each series as a whole.

In summary, while both limited and rare editions indicate a finite number of prints, rare editions are more exclusive and scarce, generally making them more valuable. This distinction is important for collectors and galleries as it directly influences the market value and desirability of the prints.

Framing, as displayed under each artwork, includes wood with acid-free mat and archival materials, along with clear acrylic featuring superior UV protection. Your framed artwork ships with installation hardware, and it arrives ready to hang. Unframed prints will be shipped in a tube. Additional framing options are available at an extra cost - please email me at marco@ma9.co for more information.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.

International Shipping: International shipping is available at an additional cost. For more information, please email me at marco@ma9.co.

Processing & Shipping Time: All orders take approximately 10 to 15 business days to print, mount, frame, and prepare for shipping. Once shipped, delivery via UPS Ground typically takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. The total time from order to delivery is approximately 13 to 22 business days.

Tracking Information: You will receive tracking information once your order is shipped.

Custom Orders

• Personalized Creations: Each product is custom-made just for you, making it unique and special. As a result, we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.
• Order Adjustments: You can make changes or cancellations within 24 hours of placing your order. If you need to make any modifications, please contact us promptly.

• Our Promise: We use the finest archival materials and hand-assemble each frame to ensure top quality. Every print is color-matched to the artist's original file and fully authenticated.
• Damaged or Incorrect Orders: If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours. Please include photos of the shipping box and the damage, along with your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although we do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.

Handling Damages

• Our Commitment: We stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products. However, in rare instances, your order may become damaged during transit.
• Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your package. Send clear photos of the damage and the packaging.
• Resolution Process: We will review your photos and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair or replace the damaged item. This process may take up to 30 business days. While we aim to resolve issues within this timeframe, it may extend beyond it. Replacements are subject to our current manufacturing and shipping schedules. Note that you may be responsible for return shipping costs.

Defective Products

• Product Defects: If you believe your product is defective (not just damaged in transit), please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your order. Provide clear photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide on a case-by-case basis whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.

Third-Party Receivers

• Inspection Upon Arrival: If your artwork is shipped to a third-party receiver (e.g., warehouse, installer, framer), please ensure it is inspected upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately by sending clear photos of the damage and the packaging. Once the artwork is checked in at the warehouse, ownership transfers to you.

International Orders

• Placing Orders: Orders outside the continental U.S. and Canada will not be accepted through our website. International clients must place orders privately by contacting us via email. The buyer is responsible for shipping, duties, and any other costs associated with international shipping.

Limitation of Liability

• Scope of Liability: Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product. We are not responsible for any incidental or consequential damages.

Dispute Resolution

• Resolution Process: Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved as per our Terms of Use.

Posting Policy

• Visibility Requirement: Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale. This ensures compliance with state-specific laws requiring conspicuous posting of return policies.

For any questions or assistance, including reporting damages or issues, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We are here to help and ensure you have a wonderful experience with our fine art photography.