UK Newcomer who needs advice please....

[roachford]

Hi there.

I'm hoping that some of you kind people out there will be able to advise me as I'm kind of frustrated at the moment with the direction I need to go.

I really havn't done too much sculpture before as I'm primarily an artist who works with oil's an canvas (abstract art). However, over the past 12 months or so. I have been dabbling with small pieces of sculpture but nothing serious. But, as time has progressed, I have felt the same kind of drive I have for my painting becoming apparent with some ideas for possible sculptures. The reason its so frustrating is that when these kind of ideas hit me, they seem to grab me by the scruff of the neck and no matter what I do, they simply wont let me go. Which is good, but also bad, especially when I have to go to work and coupled with the fact that I have little experience within the field of sculpture. So, I find myself turning to the likes of you good folks out there.

My question is this, as an unknown sculptor, what would be the best way in taking a project forward, with regards to cost and approaching individuals, companies or bodies about a proposed site for the piece? A broad couple of questions I know, however I would love to hear anyones thoughts.

When sculptors are creating work (and I'm talking about substantial sized pieces, such as an installation 7ft high, 6ft wide and 10 ft long) is it common to approach companies or bodies win relation to giving the piece a home? How would I find people that were loooking for sculptures to be comissioned for their surroundings?? Sorry to be so inquisitive, but really have no idea on how to move this forward; and this feeling inside needs to come out!!!!!!

Thanks in anticipation of any response,

Regards

Dan

[iron ant]

Dan,
I am no expert,but lets start with your studio.Are you capable of making large sculpture,or do you plan to design and sub out the fabrication or carving?Do you have a portfolio?What is your knowledge of the materials you are interested in?

Many companys will take work on loan from young atist,but you have to have some visuals to back up your ideas.I feel you should scale down your first ideas to get a series of works together.Also,you might want to meet some local artist in your area and get a feeling of what is going on in your area.

If there is passion and drive you can over time create your ideas and goals.It can be a rough road sometimes,but never stop producing or marketing yourself,and over time you will start to build up a body of work.You might want to also check out taking some classes at a university or art school to get the basics down.Good luck...Mini metal man

[roachford]

Hey Iron Ant,

Firstly, thanks so much for replying. The materials I have in mind (for a number of pieces) are wood & slate. I have no real studio space as such right now, but the idea of creating a smaller version to start off with is a good idea. Maybe a few preliminary sketches too??

Its exciting to plan out but also a bit daunting when you have never embarked on this kind of thing before.....

[fritchie]

Dan - Iron Ant has given very good advice, at least from the U. S. point of view, but he is far too modest in reporting his own activities. If you look over his posts, you will see that he has worked at large scale for at least a dozen years (I may be underestimating), and he exhibits and sells widely across the U. S.

Here, I doubt any public or private group would commission work on your proposed scale from a person who says he has no experience in the field. Far too many practical problems certainly would arise during the construction, and a first piece on this scale probably would face many compromises.

If you first do similar work on a smaller scale, probably at your own expense, and you find general esthetic acceptance for this work, then groups might commission you for others. In any case, follow your inspirations, and Good Luck!

[iron ant]

Frichie,
Thanks for the props.I know a bunch of folks probally feel I coment on to many things,but a lot of things I have learned from experience,and a lot of things I learned from seasoned proffesionals in the field.I feel information is to share and help,afterall we all had to start from scatch too.I do emit if my work was like my spelling,oh I would be in big trouble...........

[JAZ]

fritchie's and iron ant's advice is right on target - that you need to do some work first in order to get commissions. Once you have a good portfolio of examples of work that you have done in full-sized scale (maybe develop some designs that are not as big as the one you described), you can develop maquettes for work you want commissions for. Maquettes are scale models (for example 1 inch to a foot) that look exactly like the finished piece you envision.
Your enthusiasm will be very helpful to you. Welcome to the group.
JAZ

[JAZ]

Frichie,
Thanks for the props.I know a bunch of folks probally feel I coment on to many things,but a lot of things I have learned from experience,and a lot of things I learned from seasoned proffesionals in the field.I feel information is to share and help,afterall we all had to start from scatch too.I do emit if my work was like my spelling,oh I would be in big trouble...........

Hey, iron ant,
There's no way you comment too much. (If anyone's guilty of that it's me.) I thought this site was about communicating and sharing, right? And no one is checking spelling. This isn't about literature; it's about art. It's what you say that counts and you have very good things to say. So lighten up, will ya?
JAZ
(a.k.a. micro woman. Not quite five feet tall, but only small on the outside.)

[ilona]

I am brand-spanking new here, but am not the type to lurk about and not say anything, I'm more of a "jump right in there" kind of girl.

I make sculptures in my spare time, for enjoyment, although I would love to see it turn into a career one day. I know what you mean about size and cost, and having room to create a piece, all being enormous hurdles. Most of my work right now is very small and easily handled in my garage, but I have many BIG ideas for future projects, including outdoor installations, that someday hopefully I will be able to complete.

I look at it this way. Many of my pieces start off right now as assemblage "junque" pieces, but I like to think of them as being models for future projects. I hope to be able to eventually recreate them in metal or ceramic, on a much bigger scale, in other words. (Not all of them, but some of them.) My recommendation is, start off small, build some 'models' of your ideas, and then maybe you can use these models in creating your portfolio. This will also help ease some of the frustration you are feeling at not being able to manifest your ideas into living, breathing pieces. I understand that need all too well!

[ilona]

Heh, I should have read all the way through, before posting, I didn't see the bit about 'maquettes' before...

But now I have a fancy new word for describing my work! lol thanks!

[nero]

talk to your local council arts admin people to see what kind of opportunities there are in your region. If they facilitate the process they may well fund the material side of a large project and have access to engineers, builders and fabricators. Spend a lot of time in the proposed site. Whatever you come up with double its scale! Dont expect to make any money.
If that dosnt work out see if you can help out other sculptors working on big projects. best of luck.