How to commission a sculpture
As a sculptor, one of the most flattering things to be asked to do is a commissioned sculpture. There is no limit or restrictions about what subject matter can be commissioned - it is totally the choice of the client. As the artist, I enjoy the challenge to execute the commission as close to the brief as possible.
The process
After initial contact with the client via e-mail or WhatsApp, I like to meet in person or video call if a personal meeting is not possible. The aim of the meeting is to be briefed about the final piece and ask questions in order to be able to prepare a quote for the client.
Ideally, I would be the person taking reference photos of the subject (where possible). Alternatively, the client should provide reference photos from as many angles as possible.
During the sculpting process, I like to keep the client updated with PROGRESS photos and video clips. This helps getting feedback before the sculpture develops too far for changes.
Title: Bernard
The Brief
This portrait was commissioned as a gift from the person's spouse. The brief was to create a portrait capturing the likeness of the subject and to be life size.
The execution
The piece was sculpted using a series of photographs from different angles. Because of the fact that this was a gift, I had to rely on images that were all taken under different circumstances - which was a bit of a challenge in itself, not to mention trying to get accurate measurements without the subject finding out about the gift.
The best feeling was the message I received after the subject received the gift. One of his comments was "this is so flattering, I LOVE it!".
The facts
Time to sculpt: +/- 57 hours over 4 months
Medium: Ceramic Earthenware fired to 1100°C
Total Height: 40cm
Total Width: 50 cm
Total Depth: 40cm
Total Weight: 5kg
Title: #12
The Brief
The client provided reference images of a model he wanted me to capture. The request was to emphasise his toned abs, his nipple piercing and capture the details of his manhood. Facial features had to remain anonymous. The figure was to be seated in the palm of a hand I sculpted.
The Execution
After studying the reference images, I decided on the size of the figure to get the proportions right. I made a wire armature (which was later removed) for the figure to be 40cm tall when standing upright. After blocking out his body, I then posed the armature on the hand and continued sculpting the details. When it came to the face, I decided on a comic like character which then followed through into the hands, which are even more cartoon like. This departure from realistic features of the rest of the sculpture gives it a playful character. I later learnt that the model has a very playful character and this added to the sculpture’s own character.
The final piece was finished in silver guild for the body as the reflection really emphasises the definition of muscles. The nipple piercing and manhood was done in gold, 24-carat gold guild and a 14-carat gold piercing bar. This contrast draws the focus to the details of the sculpture. The hand is finished in matte black acrylic in order to keep the focus on the figure. I chose a granite base with white marbling to break the black from the hand but not take away the focus of the figure.
I really enjoyed creating this piece for the client, who was in regular contact during the process.
The Facts
Time to sculpt: 56 hours
Medium: Ceramic Stoneware fired to 1150 °C
Height: 42 cm
Width: 18 cm
Depth: 19 cm
Weight: 3 kg