Commissioning a sculpture is an exciting process where I interpret the wishes of the client and give them concrete form. It’s a joint project which gives the client more than they imagine and gives me a focused support allowing a flowering that would not happen if I were working in isolation. What I hope for is someone who has trust in me, respect for my creed and appreciation of my work. I try to understand them and their tastes, to comprehend what is wanted, maybe by means of a poem, the expression of a relationship or appreciation of a garden. Ideas flash by. Sketches and tiny models and reactions assessed so we can ensure that the communication was effective.Then the intellect plays its part with the development of the idea, studying the subject, understanding the anatomy, making maquettes, and problem solving. The size is determined and the material chosen. Having a maquette (a study for a larger piece) allows me to make the larger piece more from feeling without having to think if there is going to be room for an elbow or a nose, of particular concern with a carving. With a clay or plaster it enables an armature to be made which follows the anatomy of the subject so that if limbs need moving later they will flex in the right place. The sculpture is made and the client can see their commission coming into being. |
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