Portrait Commissions

Picture
Portraits are a great way to commemorate a turning point or important moment in your life and get to know yourself better. Over two or three in-person sittings with you, I will work on the piece and take reference photos. While my hands shape the sculpture, our conversations become part of the piece. This can be a great time of reflection and nonjudgmental, compassionate witnessing in a safe space where you can be truly seen. Past clients have found the portrait process to be deeply nourishing. The finished piece is a sculpture that you can enjoy and display for years to come, imbued with deep personal meaning through this moment in your life.

Process
Expect about a four to six-month turnaround. Throughout the process I will be in touch with you, sending photos and updates.
  • Initial sculpting in clay can take a few months. This includes two or three sittings in person. If you and I need to travel to meet, we can hold these close together for convenience. I’m happy to get feedback from you and make sure you are happy with the piece before moving forward.
  • If your commission is in clay the next step is hollowing out the sculpture and making sure everything is ready to fire the piece in my kiln. 
  • I cast bronze pieces using the lost wax process. When the original clay sculpture, called a pattern,  is complete, I make a flexible rubber mold over it and a plaster “mother mold” that that holds the rubber mold from being floppy. I then remove the original. This allows me to pour a wax version of the piece, which gets refined and adjusted. When the wax is ready, I make a silica shell mold around the wax  and then burn the wax out.  Finally I pour in the molten bronze.  When the metal is cool, I break the silica shell off the bronze sculpture there is some metal clean up to do, grinding of the gates and vents. The surface color is called a patina- I apply chemicals and heat to create it and then I seal the surface with wax to protect it.

Pricing
Prices vary depending on size and materials. I can give a more exact estimate when we discuss what you would like.
Bust (18-20 inches high)
  • Bronze $5,000-8,000
  • Terracotta ceramic $2,500-4000
Relief (18-20 inches high)
  • Bronze - $3,000-4,000
  • Terracotta ceramic $700-2,000
After we’ve discussed options and agreed to a plan, a third of the cost (non-refundable) is due up front. The next third is due when you are happy with the portrait and it is ready to be fired or cast. The final third is due upon delivery. Depending on what kind of base you would like, that would be extra. Shipping is not included.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does the process take? From the first sitting to a complete bronze bust, you should expect a six to eight month process. From the first sitting to a complete terre cotta bust, you can expect 3 months.
  • Can you work from photos? Normally, I take photos during each sitting so that I can continue to work on the piece when my sitter is not present. And I have done portrait commissions using only photos- taken by someone else with my direction, but my strong preference is to work in person. This is because the connection between myself and the sitter is important in creating a sense of vitality and personality in the portrait.
  • Can I surprise someone with the gift of a portrait?
    Ideally, the subject would need to be part of the process and join me for two to three sittings in person, so your surprise gift would be that a portrait will be done.

  • I like the idea, but I have in mind a piece that is more realistic/abstract/has more than one figure/has a certain pose …
    If you have a pose, a particular piece of mine, or another source of inspiration that you relate to, I would be happy to work that into the design. Please get in touch!

  • How do I care for my piece?
    Bronze: Dust with a damp cloth or feather duster using no soap or chemicals.Keep it indoors; this is to protect the patina, since the bronze itself will not be hurt. Patinas do change over time, so some changes to the surface are expected. If you would like to re-finish the piece, this should be done with wax by a professional (myself or someone else). 

    Clay: Clay pieces should be kept indoors, as freezing and thawing may crack and ruin the clay. Dust with a damp cloth or feather duster using no soap or chemicals.

Please send me an email if you are interested!