Toccare...

First and foremost, the word Toccare means “To Touch”. A Toccare is built up with as many as 18 layers of both color and texture.

Before final approval is given by an artist to release a Toccare, numerous visits with the printer are required for the artist to create the desired amount of texture. Therefore, the artist's investment of time proofing and working on a Toccare is far greater than any other limited-edition release.

This printing process begins with the process of serigraphy to build texture and then the image is created by color glazing onto the aluminum board. Lighting dramatically effects the successful presentation of this printing process because of the dramatic textural qualities. Feel free to experiment with lighting from different directions and angles. We find that oblique lighting enhances a Toccarés presentation, whereas direct lighting often washes out the rich colors. Multiple lights that are set on opposing angles will show off a Toccare at its very best. As art is all about Light, the Toccaré™ method of layering color on an aluminum brushed substrate, creates a distinctly vibrant luminosity not attainable in other mediums. Try viewing the piece while walking from one side to the other. This will show the reflectivness of the aluminum. Due to the complexity of the process, Toccarés are usually printed in small editions with special attention paid to detail and quality.

Hessam’s Toccarés are the closest medium on the market today and fill a niche between traditional reproductions and original works. In a world where many clients are unable to attain an original for their collection, the Toccare prints unique attributes bring them one step closer to capturing the same feeling, pride and ownership.