Commissions

The Commission Process

Sculpture is a medium well suited to site-specific installation. For over twenty-five years, David and his studio team have enjoyed collaborating with architects, designers and individuals to create sculptural works of art that enliven and enhance their environments. The work created through the commission process is a unique response to the site, its materials, design, and geographical and cultural contexts.

The process begins with a phone call to set up a meeting with David and his staff. He is an affable, intelligent man whose gentle manner will make you feel at ease. During the initial meeting you will discuss the site, any works of his oeuvre to which you are drawn, your vision for the commissioned work, and your time & budgetary parameters.  This is a time for you to explore possibilities, as you build a rapport and begin to discern where your respective visions overlap. Time spent together at the site is the best catalyst at this juncture, but in the event that a site visit is not feasible, David will work from your photographs, renderings and architectural drawings.

As David responds to the space and design criteria, the consultation and design development can take some time (between 2 – 3 months). The process can feel foreign to those who have never undertaken it before, but most people find it enjoyable and quickly become excited at the potential artwork.

Once the design, scale, medium and any potential editioning of the work have been reviewed, a design fee is payable (this varies and will be agreed upon at the outset). Typically, some concept sketches are prepared and presented with an estimated total cost at a second meeting. Based on your responses, David will most often develop a small sculptural maquette of the design.

Should you choose to proceed from there, a 50% deposit is paid and David will begin sculpting the full-size model of the work. The work of creating sculpture takes time but David and his team will inform you of the relevant milestones so you understand the process and timelines involved. When the model is in a state of completion you will be invited to visit the studio to view the sculpture for approval.

The next stages – most often molding and bronze casting – are then carried out. At this point, another 30% installment is made, the final work is completed, and arrangements are made for delivery.

David and his team will perform a custom installation of the work, taking into account any structural requirements. The final 20% is due upon installation of the work.