The paper pulp process used to make “Keith II” is very mechanical and labor-intensive. Using a plastic grid from a commercial fluorescent light fixture, each square in the grid is labeled with a number and associated color value of pigmented pulp based on the original gridded Polaroid. This process is essentially digitizing the image. Working wet on wet, the assigned value of colored paper pulp is placed in its corresponding numbered square on top of a wet, freshly couched sheet. It is then lightly pressed. Once the paper pulp is pressed, it bonds to the paper making one integral sheet of paper. Although “Keith II” was published as an edition of 20, the process results in essentially creating a one-of-a-kind piece with every pull.

Created in 1981, this work is hand-signed by Chuck Close in pencil in the lower margin and numbered from the edition of 20. The piece is archivally presented in a white-washed maple frame.