The Commission Process
This page showcases a variety of animal sculptures and also provides insights into the processes associated with creating commissioned sculptures.
Do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more.
Studio Visit & Photos
On taking a ceramic commission I arrange to meet the client and their pet to get an idea of the animal’s personality traits and characteristics and take photos.
If this is not possible, perhaps the pet is no longer alive, the client is too far away to travel or it is of a larger size such as a horse, I ask the client to send as many photos from different angles for me to work from via email, dropbox or WhatsApp.
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I will show a portfolio of ideas and concepts to help inspire ideas of the composition, size, material, colour, glaze etc, but at the end of the day it is down to what the client would like, so having an idea before meeting me will help the first initial consultation.​
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Sculptor Sculpts
Once the client and myself are happy and satisfied with what we both expect from the outcome, I will begin making a couple of small-scale models in my studio. This is to ensure the client is happy with the development of the sculpture and to discuss any changes if necessary.
I will then model the main outcome sending regular progress photos to the client and encourage visits to my studio to ensure satisfaction of the finished sculpture before the next stage, which will be either firing into ceramic or being prepared to go to the foundry where it will be turned into bronze.
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Ceramic or Bronze Outcome & collecting your sculpture
If the client would like a ceramic outcome the sculpture is carefully hollowed out and then allowed to completely dry before it is fired in the kiln using the discussed colour/glaze. ​
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If the client would like a bronze outcome, the sculpture will have a cast made and using a process called the ‘lost wax process’ is poured into bronze.
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The ceramic or bronze commission is complete, and you will be contacted to collect the unique piece!
Materials & the kiln
Utilising clay as my primary medium, I model sculptures that can take on various final outcomes, including ceramic, bronze resin, or bronze.
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Ceramic sculptures undergo firing in the kiln, allowing for a diverse array of glazes and oxides to be applied.
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Bronze stands out as an exceptionally sturdy material, suitable for any environment due to its resilience.
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For those intrigued by alternative materials, bronze resin is also a durable option suitable for outdoor placement and more budget-friendly compared to traditional bronze.
