From Sketch to Life
The journey from sketch on paper to full scale artwork is a meticulous and collaborative process. My experience covers every stage of this journey, from initial consultation to final installation. I work collaboratively with developers, estate owners, art consultants, architects, councils, private clients, and builders who seek to commission both integrated artwork and stand alone sculpture to enhance and enrich a site.
HoW I CAN HELP
For a small-scale, private project in a home for example, the conversation is intimate. We meet on site and discuss how you would like me to bring my creative vision to your space. For a large-scale public project the journey can be more complex, with stakeholders and local authorities to satisfy. Over the years, I have assembled an outstanding team of fabricators, engineers, craftspeople and planning and sustainability consultants. Our combined expertise allows us to realize ambitious, complex projects for prestigious clients such as The Crown Estate, JCDecaux and University of Cambridge.
Here's how we go about it.
1. Consultation
Initial consultation is crucial for understanding the desires and requirements of stakeholders. This insight is then used to write the brief for the artwork. Consultation takes the form of a series of workshops designed to gauge the exact concerns of community groups, councillors, local charities, planning advisory panels and residents' associations.
2. Community Engagement
Community engagement is sometimes written into the brief and might contribute directly to the concept and creation of the work. In these cases we invite a local school, group or artist studio to a workshop that allows the community to become part of the creative process. This engagement can foster a deeper connection to the artwork and ensure it resonates with the community. Community engagement can also take the form of mentoring. In these cases I take a local, emerging artist along the journey of the development of the work, involving them in each stage of production.
3. Concept Design
This phase is fuelled by a great deal of research which might take the form of sketching in the neighbourhood, visiting local archives to source stories and documents relating to local history and talking to local people via social media groups. Since each piece of work is unique and site specific, this period of research enables me to generate truly original ideas that say something about the local environment. My research is then developed into a proposal which we present to the client. This proposal captures the vision for the artwork in a three dimensional physical model which the client can handle and view from different perspectives.
4. Detailed Design
During this phase, the initial concept is refined and expanded into a full design, complete with technical specifications, material choices, samples and detailed costs. We consider the environmental impact of materials and processes and strive to create a work that is as green, sustainable and long lasting as possible within the budget allocated.
5. planning, Per Cent for Art Schemes & Section 106
Many public artworks are commissioned as part of the Per Cent for Art Scheme. This is local legislation which requires a percentage of a development's budget to be allocated to create public art. In order to gain planning approval for the development, a sensitive and relevant artwork must be commissioned as part of Section 106 obligations. Navigating the approval of planning conditions is essential to ensure the project's feasibility and compliance with local regulations.
We present the project to the local authority ensuring that the work is harmonious with its surroundings both formally and conceptually, as well as meeting all building regulations including structural safety, accessibility and adherence to environmental standards. This presentation is by necessity compelling and comprehensive, addressing any potential concerns and showcasing the artwork's value to the community.
6. Fabrication
I work closely with my brilliant team of fabricators and engineers to transform the detailed design into a full scale, tangible artwork. No decision is made without my approval and communication is constant. The client receives regular progress reports and is invited to attend the workshop if they so wish, to witness the fabrication in process.
7. Installation
The precious final work is delivered to site with utmost care and installed by my expert team with all permits and access in place. The client is invited to be present on this exciting day if they so wish. Groundwork and surrounding landscaping is then finished to spec, all snagging is completed and the work is professionally documented.
