Working with YouCommissioning art can be a scary proposition for both the patron and the artist. Despite romanticized contemporary notions, throughout history patronage of the arts has been intertwined with specific or defined parameters for the creative artisan to work within. My decades of work as a painting contractor doing custom wall finishes, as well as a career as an art museum educator give me the experience and communication tools to work with people from all backgrounds in commissioning art. All questions are valid and welcomed! We are all (hopefully) in a process of growing and learning. Simply ask and we'll begin a conversation.
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The Process
Some patrons were looking for a large work for a particular room in their home. They had purchased a small painting (10" x 10") from me several years ago. They liked a few large works I had available, settled on one in particular, and we agreed they could hang it and consider a purchase. A few days later they were uncertain, and when I saw it installed, we all agreed that although they enjoyed the painting it simply did not proportionately work on the specific wall. I suggested a commission. Despite a very good relationship of several years, they seemed surprisingly hesitant, eventually revealing that they had commissioned a work many years ago and "it did not turn out well." They'd known the artist and had previously purchased their work. Even they thought their wishes were very clear, in the end they were left with a work very different from what they expected or wanted. There had been no in-process reviews or discussion, and worst, being generous and kind people, they felt obliged to pay the agreed upon price.
Hearing such a story makes me cringe. It took much reassuring that my approach prevented any aesthetic or monetary dissatisfaction. Simply put, if you're not very happy -- no payment is expected. I can work in this way because we are talking things through from the start; if I really am not attracted to the project, I will let you know and not take it on (and can suggest others who might wish to). I engaged the couple in the process from the start with defined parameters, rough sketches, and visual updates in process. We agreed on a price range, and in the end, I enjoyed working with them, creating the work, and they are thrilled with the painting to this day.
Contact UsYou can reach me via cell/text (540/819-4730), email, Facebook,
or by old school post: John Wiercioch, 1137 Kerns Ave. Roanoke, VA 24015 |
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