commissions
Satisfied Patron and Website Expansion
Sunday, April 27, 1997
Vancouver. Had brunch today with the Goldsmiths, during which John presented the carving, "Rest and Sing" to his wife Joanna. They both love it.
I have thought of some additions to the website. I will add a Materials page, in which I describe the materials I use and where they come from. Also, a page that describes my philosophy, an Artist’s Statement page. And finally a gratitude page or a Thank You page, in which I'll list people who have assisted in various ways with my art. Perhaps I need to change my domain name to shane.com or shanewilson.com or shanewilsonsculpture.com.
I have thought of some additions to the website. I will add a Materials page, in which I describe the materials I use and where they come from. Also, a page that describes my philosophy, an Artist’s Statement page. And finally a gratitude page or a Thank You page, in which I'll list people who have assisted in various ways with my art. Perhaps I need to change my domain name to shane.com or shanewilson.com or shanewilsonsculpture.com.
Five New Commissions
Monday, April 14, 1997
Five new commissions!
Miriam Kaytor would like me to carve an eagle on an arrowhead for her husband, Tony, as a graduation present ($500). I just finished showing Richard Olson around, and he settled on a moose skull with an abstract pattern ($2000). It should be a lot of fun. Pippa Atwood has ordered a grizzly bear in soapstone ($1000 plus materials). She wants him fairly large, about 18 inches to 2 feet high. Mom and Dad have ordered a small mammoth ivory sculpture ($500) and Douglas and Jane Kim have ordered a carving on either a caribou or a moose antler ($1500).
I feel honoured and happy.
Miriam Kaytor would like me to carve an eagle on an arrowhead for her husband, Tony, as a graduation present ($500). I just finished showing Richard Olson around, and he settled on a moose skull with an abstract pattern ($2000). It should be a lot of fun. Pippa Atwood has ordered a grizzly bear in soapstone ($1000 plus materials). She wants him fairly large, about 18 inches to 2 feet high. Mom and Dad have ordered a small mammoth ivory sculpture ($500) and Douglas and Jane Kim have ordered a carving on either a caribou or a moose antler ($1500).
I feel honoured and happy.
Quality Bears Fruit
Sunday, March 09, 1997
I am very happy with the bear. I would do the eyes differently next time, but overall it turned out very well. It has an almost jewel-like quality, and I think my philosophy will be to produce quality work that takes time, and steer clear of making loads of cheap, “saleable” items. I may continue to do butterflies and things like that though, so long as they reflect the quality of the larger work.
Richard Olson called the other day to say he may be interested in a piece, although he didn’t see any pricing on the Commission Info page on my website. We’ll see if he calls back.
Richard Olson called the other day to say he may be interested in a piece, although he didn’t see any pricing on the Commission Info page on my website. We’ll see if he calls back.
First Major Commission
Friday, January 24, 1997
Wow! I just got a call from a gentleman who saw my work this summer at Yukon Native Products. He wants to commission a piece. He offered to put 50% down on acceptance of the commission and 50% on completion. I am overwhelmed and grateful and a little nervous. I hope I didn’t sound too eager, though he seemed pretty eager himself.
I feel as though the past few weeks and months have been a testing time and I’ve passed. Paid to do art. Wow! But maybe this too is a test. The key is to ask myself, "do I keep doing stuff others want, or how do I blend themes that others want with my own style?" I have loads of stuff on wolves and some on ravens. These are subjects I enjoy and want to do. Yes, I think this is positive, and I am encouraged to add my own touch. So yes, I’ll do it.
I feel as though the past few weeks and months have been a testing time and I’ve passed. Paid to do art. Wow! But maybe this too is a test. The key is to ask myself, "do I keep doing stuff others want, or how do I blend themes that others want with my own style?" I have loads of stuff on wolves and some on ravens. These are subjects I enjoy and want to do. Yes, I think this is positive, and I am encouraged to add my own touch. So yes, I’ll do it.
Resolutions Not Yet Realized
Monday, January 29, 1996
From now own I'll do my own work. No more commissions.
