A Scientific Addendum to an Almost Unrequited Love
The intimate portraits in Emergence are made possible by the interaction of available light with quartz crystals, some of which have been exposed to Sedona's sunset light in Arizona. As light enters these crystals, it undergoes refraction, bending and dispersing within the crystal's internal structure. This process reveals hidden inner worlds, where light is scattered, reflected, and sometimes split into its component colors, creating a spectrum of visual effects. The natural illumination highlights the ethereal beauty within, capturing the interplay of light and shadow that defines the crystal’s inner being. The images in this series are a direct result of this delicate interaction between light and matter, where the inner life of the crystals is brought to the surface, revealing their hidden depths and intricate structures.

When light—and love—pass through a quartz crystal—and a human heart—several phenomena can occur, depending on the properties of the crystal or heart, such as their clarity, internal structure, and any frailties they may contain:

Refraction
Light—and love—change direction as they pass through a quartz crystal and a human heart due to the difference in the refractive index between air, the quartz, and the heart. This bending of light or love can create interesting visual effects, such as bending the light path or making objects seen through the heart or crystal appear distorted.

Dispersion
If the quartz crystal—and the human heart—have internal flaws or facets, they can split the light and love into their component colors, similar to a prism. This can produce a spectrum of colors or rainbows within the crystal—and within the human—on surfaces around it.

Double Refraction (Birefringence)
Quartz is a birefringent material, meaning it can split incoming light into two rays, each traveling at a slightly different speed and in different directions. This can create a doubling effect where objects viewed through the crystal appear to be in two places at once. Ditto for lustful love passing through a heart?

Internal Reflection
Light that enters the crystal may reflect off internal surfaces or inclusions within the quartz, leading to interesting patterns of light and shadow within the crystal. Now think of your most lustful, deeply connecting love—fill in the blank for Internal Reflection properties between love and the heart, and email it to me (Dear Anonymous, you are welcome to share): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Scattering
If the quartz—and the human heart—have microscopic inclusions or are not completely clear, light—and love—may scatter as they pass through. This can create a milky or glowing appearance inside the crystal, and in the human soul, of course.

Polarization
Quartz can also polarize light, meaning it can filter or alter the orientation of the light waves passing through it. This property is often used in optical devices.

Likewise, a human heart can also polarize love, meaning it can filter or alter the orientation of the feelings emerging from or passing through it. This property is often used in optically-pink devices lustfully and self-delusionally crafted by vulnerable hearts. Which is where Rick Blaine was pointing his gun to—as Ilsa Lund flew away forever on that goddamn plane with that good-for-nothing what's-his-face?—and I am not sure Captain Louis Renault really knew how truly fragile that spot is because there's no way that man would even know that even artichokes have heart!

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, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credit.

• 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.