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!

Our framing includes wood with an acid-free mat, archival materials, and clear acrylic with superior UV protection.
We offer framing for prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Each framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
For additional or custom framing options on any size, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co for details.

Visual Rendering On Your Screen
The Sofa Display images and Frame Option previews are digital renderings that provide an approximate visual representation of the artwork and framing. Screen sizes, resolutions, and color settings may vary across devices, affecting the accuracy of scale and color reproduction on your screen. Please refer to the table below for exact print and framing measurements.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
Free shipping is available for framed prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Your framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
Free shipping also applies to the PRINT ONLY option on any size, with your artwork shipped securely in a protective tube.
Custom framing is available for any size upon request—please contact me directly for details.

International Shipping
We’re happy to offer international shipping. For details and a personalized quote, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We’d be glad to assist you.

Processing & Shipping Time
For framed orders, please allow 10 to 15 business days for printing, mounting, framing, and preparing your artwork for shipping. After that, UPS or FedEx Ground delivery adds 3 to 7 business days. The total estimated delivery time for framed orders is 13 to 22 business days.

For the PRINT ONLY option, orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. Once shipped, delivery via UPS or FedEx Ground takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Your estimated delivery time is 7 to 12 business days from order to arrival.

Please Note: Delivery times may be affected during the holiday season. We recommend placing your order early to ensure timely arrival.

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Edition Note
The largest print in a series is offered in a rare edition of 3, plus 1 Artist’s Proof (AP), held in the artist’s archive for legacy purposes and not available for sale.

Certification
Each piece is signed, editioned, titled, and dated on the verso. A certificate of authenticity is included.

Pricing
As editions sell out, prices may increase to reflect their growing rarity, demand, and value.

About Editions
In art collecting, "editions" refer to a limited number of prints produced from a single original artwork. Understanding the distinction between rare and limited editions is crucial for collectors, as it directly impacts the value and rarity of each print.

Rare Editions
Rare editions are the most exclusive, with very few prints available.
Typical Range: In my work, rare editions consist of 3 prints, plus 1 Artist's Proof held in reserved for legacy purposes.
Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly sought after and hold significant value for collectors.
Numbering: Each rare edition print is individually numbered and signed by the artist.

Limited Editions
Limited editions refer to a fixed number of prints produced from a single image.
Typical Range: Limited editions in my work range from 9 prints for smaller sizes to a rare edition of 3 for larger sizes.
Value: While more accessible than rare editions, limited editions still offer exclusivity.
Numbering: Each limited edition print is numbered and signed by the artist.

Exclusivity
Once an edition is sold out, no additional prints will be produced, ensuring the lasting value and exclusivity of each artwork.

Custom Orders
Each product is custom-made specifically for you, making it unique and special. Therefore, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for custom creations.

Quality Assurance
We use the finest archival materials, and each frame is hand-assembled to ensure exceptional 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, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the damage, and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although returns, refunds, exchanges, or credits are not offered.

Handling Damages
While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products, rare instances of transit damage can occur.
Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it. Include clear photos of the damage and packaging.
Resolution Process: We will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary, a process which may take up to 30 business days. Replacements depend on current production and shipping schedules, and you may be responsible for return shipping costs.

Defective Products
If you believe your product is defective (distinct from transit damage), contact us within 48 hours with photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.

Third-Party Receivers
If artwork is sent to a third-party receiver, such as a warehouse, installer, or framer, please ensure inspection upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately with clear photos of both the damage and packaging, as ownership transfers to you once it is checked in.

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For orders outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, please place your order directly by contacting us via email, as we do not process international orders through the website. Buyers are responsible for all shipping, duties, and associated international costs.

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Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product, and we are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages.

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Posting Policy
Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale to ensure compliance with state-specific laws requiring prominent posting of return policies.

For 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.