CUSTOM-MADE SCULPTURES
PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
One-of-a-Kind
Bronze Sculpture
Are you looking for a specific type of sculpture, a particular size, subject matter, color, within your budget? A custom-made sculpture to perfectly fit in a very specific place in your beautiful home/office/outdoors space? Or, maybe, you want to honor a loved one with a one-of-a-kind piece that will remind you of them? This is no different than buying a car, home, fashion, tailor made just for you, etc. Not to many people know that they can also order a custom sculpture! This is a very special gift to yourself and to your family. This is exactly what I love doing!
Creating a custom-made sculpture takes more than just the ability to sculpt. As an artist, I love the challenge of creating a visual piece that reflects your vision. I am a great listener, and I have the imagination to take someone's words and turn them into visual poetry. My goal is to create a timeless, elegant artwork, that will touch your heart every time you look at it. I'm so confident I can sculpt something very special just for you, that if you don't like it, you don't buy it. Simple as that. My confidence is based on my proved record, and my 30 years of experience.
Your one-of-a- kind sculpture go beyond bring joy to your soul or beauty to our surroundings. Limited-Edition quality bronzes increase in value with time. It will also become a cherished family heirloom. It's a win-win experience. All you need to do to get started is to call me, and I will be gladly describe the process and answer all your questions. Contact referrals of previous clients upon request. Absolutely no pressure, just pure joy, and fun.
About me: I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing & Finance from San Francisco State University. Post 5 years training as a classical sculptor, artistic human anatomy, & 2 years of stone carving under the tutelage of Master Sculptor Harriet Moore. Teaching “Classical Sculpture Classes” to adults and children since 1996 from my studio & at Waldorf High school in San Francisco, CA. I'm the author of an award-winning book “An Artists Guide to Proportions & Measurements of the Skeletal System”.
How do you get start it?
It all starts with you reaching out to me and communicating your vision. Zoom calls are more personal and we get to know each other better. Describe exactly what you have in mind. I’ll ask questions to understand your vision better. The more specific you get, the more you’ll incite my imagination. After you feel comfortable and a budget has been agreed upon, I start with a preliminary drawing. We go back and forth until the drawing touches your heart and fits your vision. Once you approve the drawing, I start sculpting it. The final sculpture usually looks 90-95% as the drawing. If I make any changes is to make it look better from all angles. I'm sculpting a three-dimension object, not just a drawing. This must be a stress free, fun experience for both of us. Life is too short for otherwise.
How long does it take to receive my sculpture?
Minimum 5 months, depending on the complexity and size of the artwork. Considering that the bronze casting process alone takes 3 months minimum, the preliminary drawing can take 2-3 weeks, add my time sculpting, then 7-10 days shipping time. I highly recommend you order in advance if you have a deadline. The creative process should never be rushed.
Price:
I will give you a price upfront which I will honor regardless if I underestimated my time, or if the bronze price goes up in the interim. Since every piece is different, prices will vary depending on the design, size, complexity, style, volume, and number of limited editions you wish to own. If you order more than one bronze casting, you will be afforded a 20% discount for each additional sculpture order within 3 months from initial purchase. Please understand that due to the exclusive nature of the work, and time consumption, the price quote is not negotiable. After 30 years as a Master Sculptor, I wish to keep it simple and straight forward for both of us. I hope you understand my artistic sensitivity. I also assure you; my prices are very reasonable given that you will own a one-of-a-kind sculpture, own all the limited editions you decide to cast, and you are bipassing a gallery by coming directly though me. To give you an idea of what to expect, a 24” high bronze sculpture usually starts at approximately $25,000 depending on its complexity or if I need to hire professional art models. Children sculpture classes in Bay Area
Shipping Cost:
I normally use UPS or FedEx. It will be professionally packaged, and 100% insurance replacement or repair costs included in the price. Stress free.
Taxes:
If applicable. As per your City requirements
Step by Step:
* Call 415.948.3099 or email, [email protected]
* Pour your heart out. Tell me exactly what you envision, and ask as many questions as you like
* I will give you a price upfront, and a time frame as soon as we narrow down exactly what you want
* I welcome photos, video, or any additional reference which will help me capture your imagination
* I will start drawing the sculpture. We can go back and forth until you are fully satisfied
* After you approve my drawing a 25% deposit is required. I begin sculpting your piece
* You will be receiving photos of the work in progress
* After the sculpture is finished, and approved by you, an additional 25% of the agreed amount is required
* Next step, the finished sculpture goes to the Foundry to be cast in bronze. (3 months process)
* I will send you "Patina" color swatches for you to choose from
* The remaining 50% balance is due prior to shipping Children sculpture classes in Bay Area
Can I order one of you already made sculptures but at a different size?
In most cases, yes. Just contact me.
Personal note:
I truly enjoy creating custom-made private commissions for several reasons. It is extremely satisfying to me to sculpt a piece knowing where it's going, and who it will belong to, as opposed to when my work sells through a gallery. I love the challenge of capturing your vision in a visual form. Your satisfaction is my reward. This collaboration creates a bond, a long lasting and rewarding human connection for life. All my clients end becoming my friends.
I want to give you enough reasons to send me referrals!
Examples of Private Commissions:
"Lyna"
Bronze Sculpture
Limited Edition of 2
Size 26" H
Commissioned by the Larsen Family
This was a surprise birthday present for my collector's wife. He sent me photos and a video, and we had a lengthy conversation about who she is, likes, believes, etc. When he mentioned Lyna was originally from Cambodia, I suggested placing two of Cambodia's national flowers on her heart, to represent the love between them, and two more over her pelvis representing both of their children. Since she is a practicing Buddhist, we agreed that a peaceful praying gesture would best capture her essence. I suggested including an original design of the Buddhist wheel on the back of the piece, and I had her emerging from a Lotus flower, both symbols of her culture. You may not be able to see it in the photo, but I also included her favorite ring, earrings, and necklace in the sculpture. Even her "Lucky Mole" on her lower left cheek was depicted, as I was told by her husband, it's a very important symbol of luck for Cambodians. He described her as a very calm, reflective, and sensuous woman so I designed a beautiful feminine outfit which shows her body in a very sensual and elegant way. They loved it so much they order two castings in bronze.
Step 1- Preliminary line drawing
Final Step: Cast in bronze.JPG)
Testimonial:
"The Piece was absolutely beautiful and will be a treasured family heirloom. Marilyn is a true wonder!"
~ C. Larsen / Executive Chairman, Ripple Inc.
"The Family"
Bronze Sculpture
Limited Edition of 4
Size 51" H
Commissioned by the Hebard Family
Step 1- Preliminary drawing
Step 2- Work in progress. Sculpting original in plasticine.
Step 3- Final Bronze Sculpture. Featured atop an elegant black granite base
Testimonial:
"Well, I love it, and it will be timeless, unique and completely personal. Congratulations"
~ H. Hebard / Founder and CEO of Natures Crop, International
"Words cannot possibly do justice to my emotions on arrival of your extraordinarily beautiful sculpture. I fell in love with your work immediately"
~ E. H.Hebard
"The Tiger"
One-of-a-Kind
Size: 12' L x 6'H
Commissioned by the Larsen Family
This was a commission for a private Burning Man celebration in the Bay Area, CA by the Larsen family. It was 12' long x 6' High. Completely made out of pine wood and painted with Milk Paints to reduce the fumes when it burns.
Testimonial:
"Marilyn built the most amazing gigantic Tiger sculpture, I was just amazed at her incredible skill and creative heart. The successful outcome led me to commission a sculpture of my wife Lyna"
~ L. / Executive Chairman, Ripple Inc.
"A.O.R"
1928 - 2022
In memory of his mother
24" H x 16" W x 9" D approx.
Commissioned by The Rendon Family
Step 1- Approved preliminary drawing
Step 2: Below is the final original sculpture in plasticine. Ready to be taken to the Foundry to be cast in bronze after collector's approval.
Finished sculpture in clay My client looking at the finished original for the first time
Step 3: Sculpture after it was cast in bronze. Enjoy it forever!
Testimonial:
"Mari, thank you. This has been an incredible experience so far."
~ J. Rendon/ Founder, Creative Director