You know what you want in your sculpture.
You’ve done your research, visited galleries, trawled online, and sought the advice of trusted friends and experts.
You’ve drawn up at least a mental checklist, if not a written brief, including your thoughts on themes, emotions, dimensions, materials, location, and budget.
But none of your sleuthing has turned up the piece of art that exactly expresses your personality and philosophy. The idea nags, first at the back of your mind, then the front. You take the only option left, and decide to commission an original work.
One big question
But one big question remains. How do you decide who is the right artist for your project?
Given the obvious appeal of sculpture, and the extent of your research, it’s likely you’ve identified a particular sculptural style or actual works that attract you.
To begin with, you may feel that the sculptor can conceive and bring to life a unique idea for you. However, for sculpture to achieve its ultimate purpose, it has to capture the essence, values, principles, and spirit that uniquely distinguish you, or your community.
Successful sculptors combine talent with collaborative restraint
When they fulfil a commission, successful sculptors manage to combine an exotic (and sometimes outrageous) talent with a collaborative restraint. The blend lets them navigate a complex course between your need for a deeply personal self-expression, and their sense of artistic freedom.
We believe all commissioned art, and especially sculpture, identifies three kinds of practitioners:
1. Sycophants: Emotions such as disappointment, fear, and resentment rule these artists’ lives and sculpture careers. For a myriad reasons, they have lost, never possessed, or are unable to bring their own creative interpretation to the project. They perform only what the client wants.
2. Egotists: Some artists have a reputation for arrogance, especially if they have achieved a measure of success. Theirs is a ‘take it or leave it’ approach. They believe they are masters of their profession and will tolerate little or no involvement with or by you at any point in the process.
3. Realists: These artists have mastered the skill of balance. They listen carefully to your wishes, but also question, probe, and interpret your brief. They will offer creative thinking that often adds further dimensions to your initial idea. They are neither servant nor master, but your collaborative partner, determined to reach a mutually desirable destination. Through consistent consultation and communication, they make your sculpture journey an adventure, not an agony.
Each has a place, but…
It’s not for us to comment on the validity of these three categories of artists. Each has a place, though not all will bring satisfaction all the time.
We can say that when you select Todd Stuart to fulfil your commission, you engage the third, realist option. More, in over 24 years of design, creativity, and project management, the outcome has always been delight for the client.
If you’re bothered about finding the right sculptor for your idea, put your mind at rest with some expert, down to earth advice call Todd Stuart on +61 4 5151 8865, or visit mainartery.art.
