Fri, Aug 9th, 2019 SO, YOU LOVE THE IDEA OF WALL ART, BUT YOU JUST DON'T SEE THE RIGHT PIECE. Do you wait for me to create it - or do you ask me to create a piece 'just for you'. And WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
If you've met me at an art show, saw my work in the Gulfport, Fl Gallery or perused my online gallery - these are really good questions. Let's say you love the concept of what I'm doing, but you just don't see the right piece. You're the type of shopper that will 'know it when you see it'. But if I don't know what you're looking for, you may not 'see it' for a long time.
Then I offer to create a wall art tile 'just for you'. You wonder, what does that mean?
Here are some answers to your questions.
BUYING DIRECTLY.
This is pretty straight forward, you know the size of the space you have and you know what you like. Maybe you've seen me at art shows for a while and each time you say 'I really like this work'. Now you can simply peruse my online gallery of AVAILABLE WALL ART TILE and make your selection.
If you are more comfortable seeing the work in person, you can visit me at my next ART SHOW to see some of my latest Art Pieces. We can chat about your space and I may even direct you to a few pieces that I think will work. From there you consider your investment and make a decision. At art shows and The Gallery, I offer to deliver and install the new artwork if that works, there's an extra bonus for you. We toast to your new investment, I take a few 'installation' shots for my website and we give each other a warm farewell! It's fast, easy and direct.
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO A CUSTOM ORDER?
First, we have a Free Consultation.
Though I proudly create a 'relationship' with each client who invests in my artwork, when you COMMISSION ME TO CREATE A PIECE just for you, that relationship is more involved & long lasting. This means I am VISITING or looking at your home and the potential art location, all the while DISCUSSING your aesthetic and observing your color and texture palette. Together we are CONSULTING on all the ideas you have while I am SHARING my art sensibility. This is a free service I offer. Then, I go back to the studio and write a PROPOSAL for the artwork we discussed including size options, color palette, and cost. Once you REVIEW the booklet of information and AGREE to move forward, we then SIGN A CONTRACT and the REAL FUN BEGINS!
It is important to know that the custom order is not official until the contract is signed. All the work leading up to that is pro bono. So before any agreement is made, you get a full review of who I am and how I work, including suggestions I can offer.
Second, I provide Drawings of the Design Concept.
Once the contract is signed, DRAWINGS will be rendered. I provide two drawings of the design concept. The client reviews the drawings and we have another CONVERSATION to discuss any changes. Additional drawings are rendered until the design is APPROVED.
Third, I Creating your Wall Art.
I hand CUT the tiles from STONEWARE CLAY and LAY THEM OUT on the table to begin working. Once all the tiles are made and the size is created, I SKETCH the design into the clay and begin working on all aspects of the wall art. Texture, carving, undulation and line work is completed over the course of 2-4 days. Once the Wall Art is finished, the tiles are put on the shelf to DRY. This is where the photographic process gets really exciting. I share a photo album with each client whenever I am working on their piece. This way they get a daily account of what is happening and get to watch me in the studio in virtually real time.
Fourth, The Firings: #1 & #2
The first firing is called a BISQUE. In this firing, all the chemical water is removed from the clay and the tiles are ready for glazing. The GLAZE is the second firing. Glazes go onto the piece in layers. I use anywhere from 7 to 21 ceramic stains in my glazing process and work from the background to the foreground. Applying glazes take about 2 days. From there, the art piece is in a queue to go into the GLAZE KILN. Once in the kiln, the heating & cooling cycle is 48 hours.
Fifth is Framing & Finishing.
Once unloaded from the second firing, the tiles are framed and any finish work is complete at this point. Framing and finishing can take anywhere from 6 days to 2 weeks, depending on my travel & commission schedule. Once complete, the artwork is set for UPS delivery or personal installation, depending on what was agreed to in the contract. Start to finish, depending on the size of a custom order, it is a 6-12 week process where the client & her needs are first and foremost on my mind. The experience is a full-service art exchange filled with trust & joy!
WHAT IS THE PRICE DIFFERENCE?
My inventory comes from ideas that inspire me. The work is free from accountability to anyone but me. There is something liberating about that while in the midst of the creative process. It also means what you see is what you get. My price structure is designed based on the size and complexity of the piece. With inventory, I am free to adjust the price for sales or to move older pieces to make room for new work.
Custom Orders are a collaboration between me and my clients. At all times, there are two or more of us in the studio, working on the art piece. I am working for you and with you. I put a premium on that additional attention, time, and detail. Each custom order is individually priced, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Commissions come with all the special attention, any changes necessary and FREE DELIVERY. Once I price the artwork, regardless of how long it takes or what 'challenges' I run into, that price remains the same. Your investment for the commission is made in thirds spread over the course of the project and always after you see the photojournalistic report. Each custom piece is priced differently, but collectors can expect custom orders to be valued at 15-20% higher than artwork purchased from inventory.
Would you like more information about Brenda's Commission process? CLICK HERE
to get your FREE DESIGN BOOK now.
