Commission: Sculptor Sought for 25mm Gnome

xscd

xscd

New member
February 12, 2011
Hello-- I'm hoping to commission a sculptor for a small gnome based on or patterned after the well-known depiction by artist Rien Poortvliet, and 20-25 millimeters total height from base to top of hat.

I live in the United States and would prefer a sculptor in the same country only because I would be afraid of losing the finished work in international mail, but anyone who is interested will be considered, and I would like to choose from among those interested by looking at some of their work. Payment would be via PayPal.com. If a reader thinks of a particular sculptor who might enjoy this commission, or believes that another forum or website might be more appropriate to post this commission offer, please let me know.

I'm hoping to have the figure custom cast in lead-free pewter. The modifications (differences from the illustration below) and specifications of the small gnome would include (and are all subject to further discussion with the artist and possible change)--

  • standing on an integral base, disk or oval-shaped
  • shorter hat so that more detail can be accomplished in the body and face at 20-25mm total height
  • somewhat more prominent belt buckle
  • leather pouch visible from front, perhaps at the side, attached to belt or suspended from a shoulder strap
  • arms visible from the front (such as hands on hips, crossed on the chest, one hand on the tool pouch and the other arm hanging down, or a different pose suggested by artist)
  • able to be cast in one piece (no assembly required)
I realize that this particular sculpture subject might be boring or uninteresting to some of the many very fine sculptors represented here at coolminiornot, but I'm hoping to find someone who might enjoy bringing this small figure to life and giving him some character, in the sculptor's own style (it's not necessary to adhere too strictly to the figure in the illustration). I would like to make a final decision in 1-2 weeks, or as soon as practical thereafter. Replies in this discussion thread, private messages and email are all fine. Thank you very much. Steve D, New Mexico U.S.

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freakinacage

freakinacage

Well-known member
whiffwhaff on frothers does a load of stuff and has done an gnome army

not sure where he is based though
gnome1007.jpg

more here:
http://www.frothersunite.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=29034&highlight=gnomes
 
xscd

xscd

New member
Thank you freakinacage for mentioning whiffwaff at FrothersUnite and posting a photo example. The style of his work and character of his figures are wonderful, and I am grateful that he has decided to accept this commision. I'll be posting a few photos of the work in progress as they are available. Thanks again for the reference and suggestion.
 
S

supervike

Super Moderator
Wow... I didn't know Tim could actually be...helpful!

Mr. xscd, any chances of casting your commissions, or are you using them for a personal project?
 
xscd

xscd

New member
Finished Green of Gnome Mini Commission

For anyone who may be interested, the commission for this mini gnome figure was accepted by Adam Gayford of the UK (username "whiffwaff" at various forums/locations). My original source image for the sculptor has been the well-known depiction of a gnome by artist Rien Poortvliet, below--

View attachment 5369

Adam's interpretation and the finished green original appear below--

View attachment 5370

I love this figurine and will enjoy having it cast. If anyone can recommend a particular custom casting company or service located in the United States, that information would be gratefully received.

Thank you very much to the sculptor Adam Gayford, to "freakinacage" for recommending Adam, and best wishes to anyone who has helped or read this discussion thread. --Steve D, New Mexico US
 
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C

CavCom

New member
Wow, someone else taking the plunge ( or slow descent into madness... ^_^;; ) in the world of miniatures sculpting and production! Looks interesting, and something different and whimsical from the norm. I remember seeing that book around when I was a kid! Was a very nice book, along with Goblins of the Labyrinth and other fantastical creatures books at the time.

As one looking to do the same, hiring a sculptor, casting miniatures, and so forth, I wish you all the best in your endeavors!
 
xscd

xscd

New member
CavCom said:
As one looking to do the same, hiring a sculptor, casting miniatures, and so forth, I wish you all the best in your endeavors!
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Thank you, and very interesting! :) What subjects or types of subjects are you thinking of commissioning? I'm finding this whole process fascinating, and I have an almost reverential respect for the creative talents and skill of many of the sculptors involved with or represented by online forums such as CMON, various miniature foundries and miniature gaming in general.
 
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C

CavCom

New member
xscd said:
Thank you, and very interesting! :) What subjects or types of subjects are you thinking of commissioning? I'm finding this whole process fascinating, and I have an almost reverential respect for the creative talents and skill of many of the sculptors involved with or represented by online forums such as CMON, various miniature foundries and miniature gaming in general.
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Same here, I find the whole process quite interesting, particularly asking and receiving some good advice from various artists, scultpors, and a other people to get an idea of how to go about it. I don't possess any creative talent myself (or have the time and luxury to spend developing such talent!) so I have to rely on the talents of others. Many are at the top of their game, and it's actually quite amazing to see how much skill and work goes about in making these tiny little figures!

I'm going a bit mainstream, so I'm doing a simple science-fiction line. Unfortunately, I probably won't have anything to show for a while, as I'm keeping things under wraps until I have something to deliver. That way I would avoid any potential disappointment or waiting, and would hopefully be able to build up a fair few minis first before releasing.

I've considered many scultpors, but the one I'm looking at is extremely busy, and possibly won't be able to start on my work until July! Well, the advantage at least would be it would give me enough time to save up the required amount to pay him, and I don't have to rush things!

Anyway, keep posting updates on your gnome. It would be interesting to see the final results of what you've accomplished!
 
xscd

xscd

New member
CavCom said:
... Many are at the top of their game, and it's actually quite amazing to see how much skill and work goes about in making these tiny little figures!
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I agree. I am in awe of artists and the talent they develop, and wish that our society rewarded excellent artists better than it does mediocre businessmen. The artists deserve support; life would be deadly dull and insufferable if it were not for the creative people who inject life into all of our lives, in my opinion.

CavCom said:
... I probably won't have anything to show for a while, as I'm keeping things under wraps until I have something to deliver.
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Wise and practical. :)

CavCom said:
I've considered many scultpors, but the one I'm looking at is extremely busy, and possibly won't be able to start on my work until July! Well, the advantage at least would be it would give me enough time to save up the required amount to pay him, and I don't have to rush things!
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Right.

CavCom said:
Anyway, keep posting updates on your gnome. It would be interesting to see the final results of what you've accomplished!
Click to expand...


I do plan to post some photos of the final casting. This is the first time I've done this so I have no idea how long the process usually takes. I am very grateful to Adam Gayford for accepting this commission and for putting so much skill and charm into such a small figure. Thanks to you too for answering my question and participating in this discussion. :)
 
xscd

xscd

New member
The finished commissioned gnome mini sculpture was shipped from the United Kingdom on March 8, 2011 by DHL delivery services and arrived at my home in New Mexico, United States on March 11, 2011. Here are some photos I took of it upon arrival (below). The next step is to find and choose a foundry with a custom casting service to have the figure cast. So far I have received recommendations for Jeff Valent Studios in New York, US, and ReaperMini in Texas, US. Does anyone else have any recommendations or comments about foundries and custom casting services?

Thank you very much to sculptor Adam Gayford of the UK for accepting this commission. The interpretation of the subject and style of sculpture are both very nice.

View attachment 5452
 
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CavCom

New member
Congratulations on your vision been realized and sculpted so quickly! This Adam Gayford definitely deserves recognition for doing a good job. Any luck on finding yourself a caster to make the mini?
 
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