Wall Art Case Study
A coast inspired sculptural wall feature
For this commission I was approached by a new client, Andrew, who wished to commission a really special glass artwork in memory of his late wife Helga.
The brief
The task was to create a wall feature to be comprised of eight sections which would each be a piece of art in their own right – and which would each be given to a member of the extended family – but, importantly, which would also work together to be displayed as a complete work. Helga loved the sea, and her brief for the artwork was for a fresh, light and simple coastal theme.
Initial design ideas
I sketched out several initial concept ideas for the design, to show Andrew. As he was fairly local to us in Devon he was able to come in to the Studio to see the drawings, but often I work on long-distance commissions, and then will email the sketches.
I was delighted that Andrew liked all of the ideas and was willing to let me steer the direction in which to take the design. The concept that we chose to develop was a minimalist abstract interpretation of ocean shallows and the shoreline, with an almost ceramic feel.
Samples
The next stage was to try out my ideas in glass. I had made several beach and sand-inspired pieces before, but I wanted to create a new texture for this one. After several experiments, once I was happy with the effect I made up a further sample piece to show Andrew. Again he was able to visit the Studio - but when this isn’t the case we post out samples so that the colours and effects can be seen (and touched) first-hand.
The finished work
With my sample approved, I had the go-ahead to get on and make the complete work. With various component pieces for each of the eight pieces, and two firings needed for each one, the making stage took nearly three weeks.
Once all the glass was created, I then made individual fixing mounts to go with each piece so that they were straightforward for the recipients to hang. Each piece was safely wrapped up and supplied with printed hanging instructions, a photograph of the complete assembled work, and a copy of my design artwork which was annotated with the names of each recipient. One of the pieces was to have its new home in Australia so I made a cardboard case for carrying it on the plane.
A few words from Andrew…
“Helga would have absolutely loved the final creative execution of her brief, and family members have commented on how their individual pieces perfectly reflect Helga’s style and character.
Thanks to Steve for combining creativity and empathy in a process that helped me to fulfil one of Helga’s final wishes.”
More Case Studies
How to get in touch
If you are considering a possible architectural glass commission, please get in touch at studio@steverobinsonglass.com to arrange a no-obligation discussion with me.