Pro Print Article - Sculptures by the Sea
/Sublitech prints giant inflatable coral reef
8 Nov 2018 | Sheree Young | Comment now
Sydney sublimation printer Sublitech has pushed further into the large scale outdoor market as the printer of giant inflatable coral installation Microcosm which featured at Sydney’s Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.
Sublitech owner Peter Faill says it was a no brainer when Sydney artists Maurice Goldberg and Matthew Aberline came to him with their idea for the installation, which is now set for a tour of regional NSW.
The fabric was supplied by Ricky Richards and Sublitech used a Japanese Mimaki inkjet printer using a roll to roll process to cover it with the colourful coral design which the pair then cut, restitched and inflated to create the eye catching display. It was seen by half a million people at Tamarama beach every day.
Faill says, “Goldberg Aberline Studios came along with their inflatable idea and we talked about a partnership.
“It was a no brainer for us to sponsor the project. I like the guys at Goldberg Aberline… As to whether it has value it is hard to quantify but if I get lots of calls (from new customers) then that is a good thing.”
Sublitech already prints for leading active and swimwear brands including Running Bare and Seafolly and taking on a project of this scale was just a further extension of what they are already doing.
Faill says,“The digital files were supplied to us and then we printed it with a roll of paper.
“The printing survives very well in a harsh environment.”
Aberline agrees saying that in one of the three weeks weeks that Microcosm was on display it was hit hard by up to 700 lightning strikes and wild storms but was “fresh as a daisy” despite the onslaught.
Aberline says, “It was like it had a good wash and goes to show the quality of the fabrics that Ricky Richards supplied and the printing work.”
Microcosm came within 10 votes of taking out the Peoples’ Choice Award and will now be taken on a tour of regional NSW art galleries.