Commissioned bronze art serves as a timeless medium for both private collectors and public institutions to commemorate individuals, events, or cultural narratives.

Understanding Commissioned Bronze Art

Commissioned bronze art refers to sculptures created specifically for a client or organization, tailored to their unique specifications and intended for a designated location. These commissions can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Private Commissions: These are typically personal projects undertaken by individuals or families, often intended for private display in homes or personal gardens.

 

• Public Commissions: These involve artworks created for public spaces, such as parks, plazas, or institutional settings, aiming to engage and inspire the broader community.

  

Scope and Scale of Commissions



The scale of commissioned bronze sculptures varies significantly, influenced by factors such as the project’s purpose, location, and budget.   

The Commissioning Process: From Concept to Completion

The journey of creating a commissioned bronze sculpture involves several key steps: 

1. Initial Consultation and Concept Development
 
The process begins with discussions between the artist and the client to understand the project’s vision, objectives, and specific requirements. This phase includes:

• Defining the subject matter, theme, or narrative of the sculpture.
• Determining the intended location and scale of the piece.
• Establishing a timeline and budget for the project.
• Addressing any specific preferences or constraints, such as design elements or material considerations.

 
At Frostad Atelier, Ronnie Frostad offers art consultation services, assisting clients in refining their concepts and providing guidance throughout the creative process.   

2. Design and Approval  

Following the initial consultation, the artist develops preliminary sketches or models of the proposed sculpture. These designs are presented to the client for feedback and approval. This iterative process ensures that the final artwork aligns with the client’s vision and expectations.   

3. Modeling  

Once the design is approved, the artist creates a detailed model of the sculpture, typically using clay or wax. This stage allows for fine-tuning of details and poses, capturing the essence and character of the subject. For instance, when sculpting a portrait, the artist may work from photographs and live models to achieve accuracy and likeness.   

4. Mold Making  

The completed model is then used to create a mold, usually made of polyurethane rubber / resin, and fiberglass. This mold serves as a negative impression of the sculpture, capturing all intricate details. The mold-making process is crucial for ensuring that the final bronze piece accurately reflects the artist’s vision.   

5. Casting  

With the mold prepared, the casting process begins. This involves pouring wax into the mold, allowing it to cool and solidify. The foundry at Frostad Atelier employs the lost-wax casting method, a time-honored technique that ensures precision and quality in the final product.   

6. Finishing and Patina  

After casting, the sculpture undergoes finishing touches, including welding any seams, refining details, and applying a patina. The patina is a chemical treatment that gives the bronze its final color, ranging from verdigris greens to rich browns and blacks. Ronnie Frostad, as an experienced patineur, plays a pivotal role in this stage, ensuring that the patina aligns with the artist’s and client’s aesthetic preferences.   

7. Installation  

The final sculpture is carefully transported to its designated location and installed. This phase may involve coordination with architects, landscapers, structural engineer, or municipal authorities, especially for public installations, to ensure that the artwork complements its surroundings and complies with any relevant regulations.   

Considerations for Public vs. Private Commissions

 
While the fundamental process of creating a bronze sculpture remains consistent, there are distinct considerations for public and private commissions:  

Public Commissions:

 
Locale and Durability: Public artworks are often larger in scale and must withstand various environmental conditions. 

• Community Engagement: These projects may involve community input and aim to reflect shared values or historical narratives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Public sculptures must adhere to safety standards and obtain necessary approvals from local authorities.
• Maintenance Planning: Ongoing maintenance strategies are essential to preserve the artwork’s integrity over time.

 

Private Commissions:

 

• Personalization: Private sculptures are highly personalized, often depicting family members, beloved pets, or significant life events.
• Scale and Placement: These pieces are typically smaller and designed to fit specific home environments or private gardens.
• Budget Flexibility: Private commissions may offer more flexibility in budgeting, allowing for customization based on personal preferences.

 

About the Author

 

Frostad Atelier, located in Sacramento, California, exemplifies excellence in crafting such sculptures, offering insights into the processes and considerations involved in creating these enduring works of art.
At Frostad Atelier, the foundry has produced sculptures ranging from small maquettes to monumental pieces. Notably, they have crafted large-scale sculptures for institutions like Wake Forest University, Bowling Green University, Queen University, the United States Olympic Training Center, and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. These monumental works often serve as focal points, enhancing the aesthetic and cultural value of their respective settings.