STEP BY STEP: Commissioning art
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
For me, collecting and commissioning art is one of life’s great joys. Yet many people are nervous about choosing something for their walls; they don’t trust their instincts or are unsure where to start. And of course we can all feel like we might be judged when we make ourselves vulnerable and show our style and taste in a public way.
In the realm of interior design, the importance of art cannot be overstated. Art has the power to transform a space, evoke emotions and reflect the personality of the homeowner. While buying art from a dealer is a common practice, commissioning artworks in Australia offers a unique and personalized touch to interior design. It can also mean a lot to the artist, ensuring they get the full fee for their work and allowing you to partner with them on the journey. I love commissioning art, for myself and for my clients.
Art is more than just a decorative element; it is a means of expression, a reflection of culture and a source of inspiration. In a home, art plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment. A well-chosen piece of art can serve as a focal point, tying together various design elements and colour schemes. Beyond its visual appeal, art has the ability to evoke emotions, spark conversation and make a space truly unique.
Commissioning artworks in Australia has become increasingly accessible thanks to the growing number of talented artists and the ease of communication facilitated by technology. The process involves collaboration between the artist and the client to create a piece that aligns with the client's vision and complements the existing interior design. An interior designer can also assist, running the process and taking care of all of the communication. A designer will also advise on the size of the work, the type and colour of frame and might even style the furniture and accessories around the artwork, as Kate Kerin Interiors did in our Lindfield project.
Commissioning art really isn’t difficult. The hardest part really is deciding who to commission, and frankly that deserves a blog post all of its own – which I promise to deliver in the future! Here are the steps involved in commissioning.
Define Your Vision: Before approaching an artist with a commission, it's essential to have a clear vision of what you want. Consider the style, size, colour palette and theme that would best suit your space. Collect images or references that convey your preferences. I find it’s often helpful to map out the size you think you’d like using newspaper or cardboard, and stick it right onto the wall (using blue paint tape to avoid damaging your walls!) This will ensure your specifications are clear before the artist begins work.
Research Artists: Look for artists whose style resonates with your vision. Explore local art communities, online platforms, social media and galleries to discover artists whose work aligns with your taste. Social media platforms like Instagram can be particularly valuable in discovering emerging artists.
Connect with Artists: Reach out to artists whose work you admire. Most artists are open to commissions and will be delighted to discuss your ideas. Share your vision, preferences and any specific details you have in mind. Communication is key in ensuring the artist understands your needs.
Discuss Budget and Timeline: Clearly outline your budget and discuss the timeline for completion. This will help manage expectations and ensure a smooth collaboration. Be open to the artist's input regarding feasibility and costs; after all, it’s their time and skill that you are buying. They’re running a business and may have other clients to juggle alongside your project so be respectful and understand that commissioning an artwork takes much longer than purchasing one off the gallery wall. Most commissions can take 3-6 months before the work is ready for delivery.
Sign a Commission Agreement: Once both parties are satisfied with the terms, sign a commission agreement. This document should outline the scope of work, payment schedule, delivery details and any other relevant terms. Having a formal agreement provides clarity and protects both the client and the artist.
Stay Involved in the Process: Throughout the creation process, stay engaged with the artist. Some artists may share progress updates or seek feedback at different stages. This collaborative approach will ensure that the final piece meets your expectations. You can ask for photos of the work as it develops (some artists may prefer not to provide these but many are willing). You may find it doesn’t look how you expect it to at the start – but art is a process, it will all come together and your feedback will also help guide the artist. Some artists are happy to change things if the work isn’t meeting the brief; others will prefer to stick with their vision. If you’ve talked about this up front, no-one will be surprised and things will run much smoother.
There are a number of benefits of commissioning art rather than purchasing from a dealer. Commissioning allows for a highly personalized experience. The client can work closely with the artist to create a piece that perfectly suits their preferences, ensuring a unique and meaningful addition to their home. The work is often customised to fit your space - whether it’s a large statement piece for a wall in the public parts of the home or a smaller, more intimate work for a bedroom, commissioned art can be customised to complement the colours, dimensions and layout of the space. Commissioning art fosters a direct collaboration between the client and the artist. This interaction adds a personal touch to the creative process, allowing the client to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and establish a connection with the artist. The process may take longer than buying at an art show or from a dealer, but you will feel the satisfaction of having been part of the genesis of the work if you commission. You have played a part in bringing a work of art into the world – and now you get to enjoy it forever more!
Of course, not everyone wants to do it on their own. Kate Kerin Interiors has commissioned artworks for a number of clients, and it’s a job I always relish. Most recently I commissioned artist Rochelle Summerfield to create a gorgeous work titled “A Special Kinship with the Mountain Orange Gum”. It is pencil, gouache, gesso, fallen bark dye, and river sediment on watercolour paper and it is absolutely beautiful. Taking pride of place in my client Pam’s Greenwich (nothern Sydney) apartment, the work was commissioned just 10 weeks ago. I took Pam to Sydney Contemporary to scout artists for a wall that needed a new lease of life and there we met Rochelle. Pam fell in love with a huge drawing of a tree, and Rochelle told her the story of this special tree in the Clarence Valley, on the north coast of NSW. The work Pam loved was far too large for her space, so she asked Kate Kerin Interiors to manage the process of commissioning a similar, but smaller piece. Rochelle arranged for framing and delivered the newly commissioned artwork this week and it now brings Pam joy every time she walks past. Rochelle was fantastic to work with and Pam is delighted.
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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