What defines a Variable Edition in printmaking?

In printmaking, a Variable Edition refers to a collection of prints that, while stemming from the same matrix or process, each possess unique characteristics or elements that distinguish them from one another. This can be achieved through the application of different colors, textures, or materials, allowing the artist to create individualized works within a series.

The essence of a Variable Edition is the emphasis on the artist's creative input beyond simple replication. Each print can be modified in a way that speaks to the artist’s intent, making each piece not just a simple reprint but a distinctive artwork in its own right. This approach is particularly appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts who value originality even within a series of prints.

In contrast, a series of identical prints would be considered an edition of identical works, and proofs not intended for sale typically serve as trial or practice runs rather than as finished, unique pieces. The completed artwork conceptually refers to the final product in art creation, which does not necessarily highlight the variation that characterizes a Variable Edition.