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Fine
sculpture comes in two basic flavors- editioned and commissioned.
Information
on editioned pieces is available at left under Editioned
Work.
Commisioned
sculpture is produced with ideas or themes requested by
a client, and is custom made to reflect the client's personal
preferences or needs. Most portraits and public sculptures
are commissions. When a client wants to commission a sculpture,
the process generally follows this course:
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preliminary sketch
armature construction
adding foam core to the socle
planning out major forms
modelling
 finished
clay
moldmaking begins
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The
Private Commission
step one- Exchanging ideas
The client approaches us with an
idea, it may be very specific-- they want a portrait of
their company founder, and he should be wearing an open-necked
shirt and have a thoughtful expression on his face-- or
it may just be a general problem-- they want to remember
a loved one or colleague, celebrate a child or pet, or
create a piece for public display that commemorates an
event or inspires thought on a certain issue. Based on
this, we will ask for reference materials- photos, videos,
modelling sessions as needed and produce some sketches
or proposals. We can provide a rough estimate of costs
at this point.
step two- The Commission
After discussing initial ideas,
the client and Joshua will settle on a plan for the sculpture.
This may just be a matter of the client approving Joshua's
design, or he may help direct a dialogue with everyone
involved to hone the idea for the finished sculpture.
Once this is accomplished, the client will approve the
plan, we'll discuss materials, costs, copyrights, and
agree to and sign a simple working contract. At this point,
we will also take a first working advance on payment,
usually around 50% of the final estimated price, although
this can vary by job and client needs. This deposit is
generally non-refundable once work has begun. Sculpture
requires a large investment of time and material to produce,
much more than other artwork, and some start-up money
is usually vital in order to proceed. Steps one and two
may be accomplished over lunch, or may require several
meetings, depending on what the client needs.
step three- Execution
Joshua will begin work either on
a smaller model of the final piece called a maquette
or bozetto to fine-tune the design, or proceed
directly on the finished piece in clay, depending on the
scale and the client's needs. This may require several
days, weeks, or months, depending on the scale of the
piece. At this point our studio will handle most logistics
of production, using the advance to procure necessary
materials and services (receipts can be made available).
The client may be called upon for more reference material,
information, or modeling if necessary.
step four- Approval
During the sculpting process if
desired, and once the piece is completed, the client will
be called in to approve the piece, suggest changes, and
otherwise comment on the sculpture. Once everyone is happy
with the final result, the client will approve the sculpture
for production. At this point, we will take a second,
production advance on payment, to cover the final creation
of the bronze, marble, or whatever medium has been decided
upon. This amount will vary depending on the costs involved.
step five- Production
We will hire for and supervise the
final production of the piece. The actual production of
final sculpture in metal or stone is typically done by
skilled artisans who specialize in working those materials,
as it has been for hundreds of years. The final piece
should be identitical in every detail to the clay production
piece as approved. The client will have the opportunity
to approve the final piece. This production process generally
takes a month or more to accomplish for a portrait size
piece, and several months for large pieces or stonework.
We frequently work with Alchemist
Foundry in Kalamazoo Michigan.
step six- Installation
The client is generally responsible
for securing a location for the piece, although we can
consult if necessary. The client is also generally responsible
for providing a base or pedestal as necessary unless we've
discussed otherwise, and is responsible for any logistics
of transportation or physical installation as necessary.
We can help arrange these things, but do not pay for them
unless that's been negotiated into the initial price.
Many of these logistical concerns only apply to very large-scale
sculptures. If a piece is something we can deliver and
set up without hiring a crane, We will of course do so.
Payment is due upon delivery of the finished piece. Custom
comissioned artwork is not returnable or refundable.
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