A generic diagnostic questionnaire for a proposed sculpture as part of a larger project or development can be useful … and tricky.
By asking a range of questions, a diagnostic method can go a long way to clarifying your thinking about the impending project. At the same time, it can ignore or miss as much information as it gleans, especially when it attempts to tackle sensitive or subjective issues such as style, taste, and artistic influence.
It can also clarify whether your project will benefit from this kind of analytical approach, or if it requires the skills of a more complex, longer term study. If the latter, we will recommend the services of a place consultant. For more information on this process visit [insert link to Mainartery place consultancy blog].
As a sculptor, designer, and project manager, I see my purpose in life as helping you discover or express yours. Embarking on a sculpture is a deeply soulful process for me. It entails high emotional and intellectual stakes.
Parallel to a surrogate birth
In one sense, I view it as the artistic parallel of a surrogate birth. We will work together through a process of uncertainty to bring into existence an emotional reality that will bring you, and those you represent, delight.
It must also work to and for a larger audience — those people who will be exposed to the art as a public offering. Where the likeness to a surrogate birth begins to change is that we have the power to reduce or even eliminate the uncertainty before the product of the journey finally emerges.
When you decide to involve me in your sculptural journey, I make a pact with you. I will learn as much as I can, as quickly and as thoroughly as I can, so as to unite you and the expression of your project in the shortest possible time.
I also promise to communicate with you at every stage of the process. I will not proceed to the next step until I receive your full approval.
In return, I ask only for your honesty.
Diagnostic sculpture questionnaire for small to medium scale developments
As an architect, designer, or property developer, you already know the value sculpture can bring to public spaces. Its job is to unify people and place by facilitating and promoting a spatial dialogue. Great sculpture can inspire a visual conversation between those who occupy or use the space and the physical and design elements that make the space unique.
These questions will first help you decide if sculpture is the right art medium to capture and express what you want to say for yourself, and to a larger audience. The diagnostic covers the six most important components of commissioning or buying sculpture.
Some of the questions may appear to overlap. Don’t worry. Even if you repeat some of your answers, the diagnostic will help build a useful profile. We can then funnel down to a beautiful solution.
1. About you
Who are you, and what do you do that is most important to you?
What values and principles guide your work in creating integrated public spaces?
What is your project and why do you think sculpture has a place in it?
What types of people will have exposure to your project?
What has been your experience of sculpture to date?
What message or messages do you want your sculpture to convey to make your project more desirable?
Why have you chosen sculpture rather than another art form?
How long do you envisage the sculpture being part of the development?
How exclusive do you want the work to be? (That is, do you want the work as a strictly one-off design, or would you be prepared to own a limited or open edition?)
2. Your audience
Who do you want to reach, teach, or impress with your sculpture?
How do they respond to sculpture right now?
What are your plans for describing or explaining the work to the public?
How do you want them to respond?
How will you know?
3. Your ideas
How do you imagine your sculpture will look?
Where are you now in terms of concepts and design?
How much more concept work and design do you need?
What ideas can you share at this point in our collaboration?
What examples of known sculptures or works of art you have in mind if you’ve identified something you like?
What are your initial thoughts for the appropriate dimensions?
How confident are you that these dimensions will work within the constraints of the location and site?
What materials have you thought or dreamed about?
For your preferred materials, what type of finishing would be desirable?
4. Location and site
What is your relationship to, and influence on the location and the site?
What is noteworthy about the site’s past or present?
How will our work enhance the amenity of the location?
How will you know if the sculpture has been successful?
How will you measure it?
What does the proposed installation location offer in terms of:
– Access to general public
– Presence of vandals, animals, and vehicles
– Exposure to the atmosphere – sun, wind, rain, and salt
– Other?
What sources of light does the proposed location have:
– Naturally lit by sunlight
– Open air or semi shaded space
– Existing landscape or building lights
– Other?
What opportunities are there to plan lighting into our proposal?
5. Influences and restraints
Will the sculpture be contained within your project or site, or do other parties (owners, planning department at local government, lessees, tenants, visitors) need to be consulted?
How sensitive is the site in cultural, religious, indigenous, historical, political, architectural, and material terms?
What kind of design or material parameters do you have to meet to comply with local guidelines?
What occupational, health, and safety issues could affect your project?
6. Time and money
How urgent is your project?
How dependent it is it on associated projects or operations?
What budget do you have in mind?
Does your budget cover the creation and supply of the sculpture to site only? Or does it also include foundations, physical installation, lighting, and any topical finishes?
Are you exploring the idea of commissioning a sculpture? Before you commit to a brief, talk through this diagnostic and call Todd Stuart on +61 4 5151 8865, or visit mainartery.art.
