At the dedication ceremony for Judge Tanya Gee’s sculpture, her husband, Chris Koon, mentioned that when he started the process of commissioning a sculpture to honor his late wife, he didn’t know where to start. That comment stuck with me. So, I thought it would be helpful to share a step-by-step guide to commissioning a bronze sculpture.
As a sculptor specializing in creating personalized bronze sculptures, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families and organizations immortalize their loved ones or commemorate significant events/locations. If you’re considering commissioning a bronze sculpture, this guide will walk you through the steps involved.
- Finding the Right Sculptor
The first step to having a bronze sculpture made is to find a sculptor who specializes in the type of sculpture you envision. Researching local sculptors and their portfolios will help you find one whose style and aesthetic aligns with your vision. Look for a sculptor with experience in creating the type of sculpture you’re interested in, whether it’s a portrait, a figurative sculpture, or an abstract piece. In my opinion, the portfolio is significantly more valuable than a written resume. Trust your eyes. Does the work look good? If not, it doesn’t really matter how prestigious their client list might be.
- Initial Consultation
Once you’ve found a sculptor, schedule a consultation. This meeting will allow you to discuss your vision, the desired size and look of the sculpture, and any specific details you’d like to include. The sculptor will also provide you with an estimate of the project’s timeline and cost.
- Fundraising (if necessary)
Sculptures are pretty expensive. Do some research to find costs of projects with a similar size and scope. If the cost of the sculpture exceeds your budget, you may need to explore fundraising options. Consider organizing a fundraiser, reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships, or applying for grants. Talking to friends about your idea is another great way to fundraise. Oftentimes, companies, organizations, or other families will offer to help fundraise or donate to the effort.
- Design and Approval
The sculptor will begin working on the design of the sculpture based on your input. They will start with sketches. These drawings are a quick way to sift through ideas and variations until all parties are on the same page.
After the drawings and design are agreed upon, the sculptor will often create a maquette (a small-scale model) for you to review and approve. This is an opportunity to make any necessary changes or adjustments before work on the final sculpture begins.
- Coordination with Organizations or Municipalities
If you plan to place the sculpture in a public space, you’ll need to coordinate with the relevant organization or municipality. This may involve obtaining permits, securing a location, and addressing any zoning or historical preservation requirements.
- Sculpting the Piece
After the maquette is completed and approved, sculpting on the big piece begins. This is a longer process that involves many steps; including armature construction, foam carving for bulk, clay modeling and carving.
- Casting
Once the clay is finished, the client will be able to see what their final sculpture will look like (though still made of clay). After approval of the clay, the sculpture is taken to a foundry where it will be cast in bronze. Casting is also a long process with many steps. Positive and negative molds are taken from the clay sculpture. A wax version of the sculpture is made. Ceramic molds are made around the wax. And ultimately, molten bronze is poured into the shell, creating your final piece.
- Installation
Once the sculpture is completed, the sculptor can help coordinate the installation process. This may involve transporting the sculpture to the chosen location, securing it to a base, and addressing any site-specific requirements.
Conclusion
Commissioning a bronze sculpture can be a rewarding experience that creates a lasting legacy. By following these steps and working closely with a skilled sculptor, you can ensure that your vision is brought to life.
To inquire about commissioning a bronze sculpture, contact me. I’d love to talk with you.