Sculpture Commissioning
How to commission a piece of work?
If you already know what you want simply contact us for an informal chat to discuss your ideas.
Commissioning work
Whether you decide to commission a one-off life cast, classic figurative work or a contemporary abstract piece for a special gift, your home, an institution, or place of business, JLivian will work with you, or your project team to crystallize your vision.
Commissioning a one-off sculpture should be like an investment. Much like any investment it is not a decision you will take lightly, but once you have made your choice, you can be sure that your bespoke piece of art will take pride of place in its new home or location, be a topic for discussion, enjoyed and treasured for generations to come.
For example, commissioning a one-off bronze life cast of an honoured family member, loved one, or individual can be a rewarding and valuable decision. You are capturing a moment in time in an incredibly personal and precious way that will never fade.
One of the decisions you will want to discuss is the best type of material and finishing to use for your sculpture such as; high quality plaster, aluminium and resin, water clear resin, bronze resin or pure bronze. If these are unfamiliar to you, JLivian will explain the differences in your discussion. This is important as it will ultimately affect the cost of your sculpture.
Life cast: Kissing Couple.
Life Cast Sculpture
Here’s what happens when you commission a one-off life cast.
After detailed discussions and agreements have taken place, a date is set for the sitting at JLivian’s studio in South East London.
- The sitting takes approximately 45-60 minutes for each subject (plus a further 45 mins to cast the hand and arm, if relevant)
- Sitting for a life cast sculpture is a unique and memorable experience, and you will be made to feel comfortable and at ease with the process.
- A mould is taken directly from your face (and hand if relevant).
- A cast is then made from the mould and worked on.
- When the life cast is 90% complete you will be invited to a preview, or alternatively images can be sent electronically for approval.
- When you are happy, the life cast is completed with your choice of finishing. (The life cast image shown on the left has a bronze resin finish).
- Afterwards, the sculpture is ready for your collection, or can it be personally delivered.
Sculpture: Young girl.
Sculpture
The process for sculpting is different to a life cast, but the detailed discussions on requirements, and agreements before the commission begins remain the same.
- A date is set for the sitting. This can be done at home or in the studio and it will take no more than 30 – 45 minutes.
- The subject will sit to have a number of photographs and measurements taken from all different angles.
- JLivian will start sculpting with clay from the photographs and measurements taken.
- When the sculpture is 90% complete the client will be sent images of the finished sculpture electronically to approve.
- When the client is happy, a silicon mould of the sculpture will be taken.
- It will then be treated with your choice of finishing. So for a bronze effect for example, a bronze resin mix is poured into the mould and left to set.
- When set, the completed sculpture will undergo the finishing touches of sanding and polishing.
- Afterwards, the finished sculpture is ready for presenting to the customer at collection or by personal delivery.
A finish in pure bronze can also be available. Ask for details in your discussion
Cost of work
The price for creating a one-off life cast or a sculpture will vary depending on individual requirements and specifications. This will be discussed when you make an enquiry, so do contact us for an informal chat.