|
Before
commissioning a bronze a client may already have an image in mind
of how a particular horse should be portrayed, or the client may
wish to collaborate with the artist in developing the pose. After
discussion, the client's choice may range from a piece as simple
as a small head study to a large, dramatic racing horse and
jockey. Generally speaking, price is determined by two factors;
the size and complexity of the sculpture and the number of
sculptures in the edition ordered. The price per bronze drops
significantly as the size of the edition commissioned increases,
and although it is possible to order one single unique sculpture,
Ms. Kaiser also encourages group commissions by those with a
special interest in the horse. This becomes an affordable way for
an owner, trainer, breeder and jockey, for example, to remember an
important horse. Some clients choose to commission a small edition
themselves and give the sculptures as unique gifts to those
integral to the horse's career.
Though it is always preferable for the artist to see and
photograph the horse herself, when that is not possible an
excellent likeness can also be created from photos and videos
provided by the client.
After deciding on the pose and size of the piece, the artist
will begin work on the clay model. This usually takes from one to
three months, depending again on size and complexity. After
approval by the client, the clay model is sent to the foundry,
where a mold is made and the bronze or bronzes cast. This phase
will take an additional two to four months. Generally speaking,
the client can expect to have the finished sculpture four to six
months from when work was begun.
A life-sized sculpture begins the same way. Most life-sized
bronzes seen today are originally sculpted in a small, 1/4 to 1/3
sized original model, or "maquette" which is then enlarged, or
"pointed up" by the foundry to a shape that is roughly eighty per
cent of the finished figure. The artist then applies the final
layer of clay and sculpts the details.
Please feel
free to contact
Ms. Kaiser with your questions about your potential commission. |
