Why a Commission?
A commission can be good if you would like to receive a customised artwork tailored to your preference.
Maybe you have been browsing through my artworks and you saw a ceramic shape you liked but did not like the colour. That is were a commission can be useful as you can send me information saying for example I like this sculpture form or that painting style but I would like it in red. Or perhaps you have something different in mind, maybe something completely new, or something for your empty space you been thinking about?
Maybe you have been browsing through my artworks and you saw a ceramic shape you liked but did not like the colour. That is were a commission can be useful as you can send me information saying for example I like this sculpture form or that painting style but I would like it in red. Or perhaps you have something different in mind, maybe something completely new, or something for your empty space you been thinking about?
Ceramic sculpture Skills?
I mostly use stoneware clay to create my ceramic sculptures. I find that stoneware is good for throwing and hand-building. It is strong once fired and assists in depth of colour and glaze.
The making process usually starts on the potter’s wheel. I use the wheel as a tool to create objects such as cylinders, cones and spheres. I then cut up these shapes and join them together and sometimes combine them with hand-built components to create the overall form. It is all a constructive process.
The sculptures are usually bisque fired to 1000c to remove water and harden the clay for the next process. All firings are done in an electric kiln to control the temperature and in most cases the results.
I often apply vitreous slips to the sculpture using a spray gun. Depending on what type of sculptures I create I sometimes use masking tape to control the application of colour. I will use this to create lines and patents and sometimes use gradients of colour to draw the eye to different spaces and brake up the form. Depending on the complexity of the colour applied to the forms I will sometimes do multiple firings up to 1140c. At this stage I am then ready to apply a clear glaze.
I sometimes use clear glaze to harness the interaction of light with the form. However, some parts of the form can remain unglazed to absorb light. I usually glaze fire my sculptures between 1220-1260c.
The making process usually starts on the potter’s wheel. I use the wheel as a tool to create objects such as cylinders, cones and spheres. I then cut up these shapes and join them together and sometimes combine them with hand-built components to create the overall form. It is all a constructive process.
The sculptures are usually bisque fired to 1000c to remove water and harden the clay for the next process. All firings are done in an electric kiln to control the temperature and in most cases the results.
I often apply vitreous slips to the sculpture using a spray gun. Depending on what type of sculptures I create I sometimes use masking tape to control the application of colour. I will use this to create lines and patents and sometimes use gradients of colour to draw the eye to different spaces and brake up the form. Depending on the complexity of the colour applied to the forms I will sometimes do multiple firings up to 1140c. At this stage I am then ready to apply a clear glaze.
I sometimes use clear glaze to harness the interaction of light with the form. However, some parts of the form can remain unglazed to absorb light. I usually glaze fire my sculptures between 1220-1260c.
Painting Skills?
I like to think of my 2d artworks as an extension of my ideas. This can sometimes help me think and develop new sculptures. On other occasions they are just there to exist by themselves.
The materials I use are broad, I don’t like to limit myself to one material. I use materials I find that are available to me. This includes paper, collage of paper cut-outs, unwanted canvases found at the local charity shop, household paints (even decking oil!), pencils, pen and acrylic paints.
Sometimes I like to build up layers to the surface to reveal textures and depth, it can often feel like working on a 3d piece.
I enjoy experimenting with the materials and seeing what can be achieved.
The materials I use are broad, I don’t like to limit myself to one material. I use materials I find that are available to me. This includes paper, collage of paper cut-outs, unwanted canvases found at the local charity shop, household paints (even decking oil!), pencils, pen and acrylic paints.
Sometimes I like to build up layers to the surface to reveal textures and depth, it can often feel like working on a 3d piece.
I enjoy experimenting with the materials and seeing what can be achieved.
Completed Commissions
Customer Reviews
Mushroom Mug Commission
November 2024
"I commissioned Martin to make a mug for a friend with specific fungi on it with a foreground colour. I am delighted with his design that he created for me, it looks wonderful and I am so glad I gave him free reign to use his artistic skills designing the mug for me. I am extremely pleased with the finished product it was way past my expectations. Thank you."
British Folk/Punk Band Skinny Lister
October 2024
Martin made 100 absolutely spot on mini flagon's for us all thrown on the wheel with porcelain and almost identical to each other. In getting to that point we worked together to make sure the items looked how we wanted them. Really fiddly work, I can't even imagine how he did it. He then decorated them with bows and bells and the end result is just stunning. Thanks Martin!
Ginny. Personalised Mugs
October 2024
“exactly what I asked, stunning quality, love the colours, done on schedule” Jinny
November 2024
"I commissioned Martin to make a mug for a friend with specific fungi on it with a foreground colour. I am delighted with his design that he created for me, it looks wonderful and I am so glad I gave him free reign to use his artistic skills designing the mug for me. I am extremely pleased with the finished product it was way past my expectations. Thank you."
British Folk/Punk Band Skinny Lister
October 2024
Martin made 100 absolutely spot on mini flagon's for us all thrown on the wheel with porcelain and almost identical to each other. In getting to that point we worked together to make sure the items looked how we wanted them. Really fiddly work, I can't even imagine how he did it. He then decorated them with bows and bells and the end result is just stunning. Thanks Martin!
Ginny. Personalised Mugs
October 2024
“exactly what I asked, stunning quality, love the colours, done on schedule” Jinny
Here is what I can help you with:
✅ Work with you to design your commission. Wether this is a sculpture, painting or something else. You can tell me what colours, patterns, subject matter you would like. Depending on the project I can produce drawings/diagrams if needed.
✅ Keep you updated throughout the process.
✅ Deliver the artwork to your chosen location.
✅ Keep you updated throughout the process.
✅ Deliver the artwork to your chosen location.
How it Works?
- In the Contact Box please specify what you would like.
- I will then get back to you, to let you know if it is something I can help you with.
- If we agree to proceed, depending on the project I will send you a contract. We can also work together to create a completion date.
- I will let you know about the overall fee. The fee is paid in two instalments, half first and the final half on completion.
- Next we can work on a design and have your approval and go-ahead to start making the artwork.
- Throughout the whole process I will keep you updated.
- On completion the artwork will be delivered/installed in your chosen address.
Cancellations or Refunds
1. If you agree to start the project and then decide to cancel the project please let me know before I purchase the materials and start making the artwork.
That way I will only charge you from the first fee for the time spent preparing and return you the remainder of the fee.
2. If you decide to cancel midway through the project after I have purchased the materials and started making I will only charge you from the first fee the materials and time spent making.
3. If you cancel the project after midway through the project I will unfortunately need to keep the first instalment fee and cancel our agreement.
