New member needs answers please?

[talb_art_studio]

Hi, my name is andy (beep), and I'm new to all this, but, what I've seen so fsr I like. What is the history of ACEO/ATC work, I mean like when and how did this phenomenon hit the States? And what does SFA mean? Any help on this would be appreciated - x andy.

[artistjillian]

SFA, is 'small format art' - art under 14". There is a SFA group you are welcome to join, if you wish. It does include ACEOs and miniatures. ATCs (Art Trading Cards) have been around for centuries in one format or another. Parisian artists used to exchange them as samples of their work, for instance, and sweethearts exchanged small portraits pre-photos. In 1995 a Swedish (or Swiss - sorry, I forgot) artist re-introduced them at an art exhibition, with the thought that artists would swap them face-to-face. This has spread world-wide and countless creators enthuse in making, collecting, exhibiting, swapping. Because of world-wide participation, they could no longer be swapped face-to-face, so mailings and the internet expanded this further. They were only to be traded, so original guidelines decreed. Hence they are called trading cards. But as we know, all trading cards (baseball, etc.) ended up getting sold, as one way to obtain wanted cards that couldn't be obtained by swaps. ATCs are HUGE in the world of altered art and rubber stamping! There was a discussion on the A&A ebay boards in October 2004 about selling these cards. bone*diva headed up a new group with some other artists to sell these on ebay. By poll at the time the term ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) was the winner, rather than ATC. They have steadily grown in popularity, to what you see today. There was originally a huge uproar from ATC artists about selling these cards - stretching well into late 2005, but now they do publish in ATC books that ACEO is the name used when sold. I actually discovered them in discussions on wetcanvas, and didn't realise for several months it was an 'ebay thing'. I finally came over to ebay and joined Lisa's group (bone*diva) in April 2005 - there were 400 members and about 1,500 ACEO listings or less at that time. Today Lisa's group is about to hit the 3,500 membership mark. This group was started late December 2005 for personal reasons. Many people do not realise ACEOs were 'born' on ebay. ~Jillian

[mircea*gabor]

Thank you Jillian for explanation. I printed it to have it whenever I need as reference. Remember, I said few days ago that we need some kind of history to be translated in many languages. This one is perfect! If you will be willing to give us permission to use it and to inform people about ACEOs, will be great. We can start translate it and spread it to Europe! The parisian painters (and collectors I hope) will find a new bust. - Second thing: please tell me what's the name of the group for SFA. Thank you, Mircea.

[mircea*gabor]

SFA includes "Art under 14" That's nice, my son is 13 so he could be a member! Hi, hi, hi. Mircea

[artistjillian]

Here's the SFA group. You are all welcome to join: http://groups.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=100037616 (It a group I started September 2005)

[artistjillian]

I have a detailed write up at home re ACEOs I'll try to seek it out when I get home.

[mircea*gabor]

Thank you Jillian. I've joined the ASF group few seconds ago. Mircea

[mircea*gabor]

SFA rather. Mircea

[artistjillian]

Great to have you there. It is a steadily growing group. We have a theme week 1st week of the month. Feel free to invite other SF artists. There is also a web site - you can pick up the logos from there - http://www.smallformatart.com (there are no sale links - only link to ebay listings currently, so no problem with live link in here). ~Jillian

[adamsartworks]

Hi all, I haven't been here in a while....sorry. But every time I peek in I learn sometinkg new! Thanks Paula

[adamsartworks]

OOOOPPPS!! I should have checked that last message. LOL I was trying to say I learn "something" new. The keyboard & I have a love/hate relationship... Bye for now, Paula

[artistjillian]

Learning something new is a good thing Paula. Nasty keyboards aren't! 😉

[indooryardsales]

Jillian's answer is concise and elegant. You might also want to look at the guides (type in aceo in the guide area, many of the people here have written them) I have one if you click my user name.

[bdelcb]

Hi Jillian, I just joined your SFA group. Are you moderating any other eBay groups? 🙂 Bridget

[artistjillian]

🙂 Yes.