All art is personal, and sculpture, with its extra dimension, takes subjectivity even further. Sculpture lovers, patrons, and collectors often take their appreciation of the art a step further too, getting involved in the creation of new work alongside the sculptor.
The process can be complicated. Without a clear brief between you, the commissioner of the work, and me, the sculptor, misunderstandings can sneak in. This six part diagnostic approach helps clarify your thinking, and my understanding.
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 delight. Where the likeness to a surrogate birth begins to change is that we have the power to reduce or even eliminate any 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 personality 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 questionnaire for private sculpture projects
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 and owning a 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 to help us funnel down to a beautiful solution.
1. About you and your sculpture
Who are you and what matters most to you?
Why does sculpture command a place in your life?
What has been your experience of sculpture to date?
How long do you envisage the sculpture being in your life?
What will happen to the sculpture when you die?
How exclusive do you want the work to be? (A once-off design, a limited edition of a maximum specified number, or an open edition — my choice of the number of copies?)
2. Your message
How personal do you want your sculpture to be?
What do you want your sculpture to say about you, or others?
Who will get to experience the work?
3. Your ideas
How do you imagine your sculpture will look?
What ideas would you be prepared to share at this stage of our collaboration?
What examples of known sculptures or works of art do you have in mind if you’ve identified something you like?
What are your initial thoughts for the sculpture’s 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 are your thoughts on the types of finishes you’d like?
4. Location and site
What is your relationship to, and influence on the location and the site?
Is there anything noteworthy about the site’s past or present?
How will your sculpture enhance the amenity of the location?
How will you know if the sculpture has been successful?
What is there about the site that could offer a special viewing or installation opportunity?
What installation or viewing obstacles does the site have?
Describe the proposed installation location in terms of:
• Exposure to general public, people, vandals, animals, and vehicles
• Exposure to the atmosphere – sun, wind, rain, salt, pollutants.
Describe the light source in the proposed location:
• Naturally lit by sun light
• Open air or semi shaded space
• Existing landscape or building lights.
Is there an opportunity to plan lighting into our proposal?
5. Influences and restraints
Will the sculpture be contained within your premises or are there other parties that may need to be consulted such as neighbours or tenants?
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?
Will we need to gain approval from a statutory body such as a council or heritage authority?
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?
Will the budget cover sculpture production and delivery to site only? Or will it include foundations, full installation, lighting, and 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
You might also look at other useful blog links: sculpture as investment, and five reasons for declaring your budget.
