PRIVATE PAPER ART COMMISSIONS
A favourite species. A memorable landscape. A place you return to in your mind.
I create bespoke paper sculptures inspired by the personal stories and connections people hold with the natural world. Each commission is researched, designed and made by hand to become a lasting part of a home or collection.
Opposite: Details of Endemic Discoveries | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 2020.
Some connections with the natural world stay with us. They might begin with a flower growing in a much-loved garden, a bird encountered on a memorable journey, or a landscape that continues to hold meaning long after we have left it. These moments often become part of our personal stories.
A private commission offers a way to return to them, transforming a remembered species, place or experience into an artwork that can be lived with and enjoyed for years to come. You may have a clear idea in mind, or simply a photograph, memory or connection that you would like to explore. Through research, observation and careful making, I develop these starting points into detailed paper sculptures and collections that are unique to you and the story behind them.
POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR COMMISSION:
A species with a story...
A plant, insect or natural form that holds a personal connection or brings a particular memory to mind.
Collections inspired by a place...
Groups of plants, insects, shells or other natural forms brought together through a shared landscape, journey or experience.
Artwork for a particular setting...
A bespoke composition developed to complement a room, collection or interior.
A meaningful occasion...
A unique artwork created to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding or another important moment.
CASE STUDY: Shells of the Bahamas
For this private commission, I created a collection of paper sculptures inspired by a client's life in the Bahamas. Shells collected from local beaches, together with birds and flowers she had photographed around her home, became the starting point for a collection that reflects her connection to the landscape. Working from her photographs and observations, I researched different local species and developed the designs specifically for her space. The finished works became a personal record of a place she loves, bringing together her own experiences with my interpretation of the natural world.
“I am beyond thrilled with these. They make me so happy every time I look at them.”
- Alice
CASE STUDY: Endemic Discoveries
This long-term commission brought together a series of handmade paper sculptures inspired by plants and insects encountered during travels around the world. Working from photographs, written descriptions and research, I recreated a selection of rare and endemic species, developing individual specimens and collections connected to particular places and memories. The project grew over several years, with new pieces added to the collection as it evolved.
"They look amazing and we’re more than pleased. You really did a fantastic job and captured the subjects beautifully, which is no mean feat considering you’ve never seen most of the subjects in real life."
- Chris
CREATING YOUR ARTWORK TOGETHER
1.
Share your idea.
Every commission begins with a conversation. I will ask a few questions to understand the artwork or display you have in mind, including any species, places, themes or personal stories you would like to explore. You may already have a clear vision, or simply a starting point like a photograph, place or memory.
2.
Research and develop the design.
I research your chosen subjects and begin developing ideas for the artwork. I consider the species, composition, scale and overall display, creating initial drawings and design options for you to choose from. This is an exciting and collaborative stage, where we begin to bring your ideas to life and develop an artwork that reflects your own connection with the natural world.
3.
Agree the proposal.
Once we have established the overall direction, I will provide a final proposal, quotation and estimated timescale. When you are happy with the design, a non-refundable deposit secures the commission and allows the making process to begin.
4.
Make the artwork.
I source and prepare the materials before developing templates and mock-ups for the final sculptures. Each piece is then carefully made by hand using reclaimed paper and a combination of cutting, carving, layering, painting and hand-stitching. I share progress photographs as the work takes shape, giving you an insight into the making process.
5.
Frame, finish and deliver.
Once the sculptures are complete, they are carefully mounted in a bespoke, hand-built frame designed to complement the artwork. If you would prefer to arrange your own framing, this can also be discussed during the initial planning stages. When the final payment has been received, the finished artwork is carefully packed and prepared for delivery.
COSTS & TIMESCALES:
Every commission is individually priced according to the scale and complexity of the artwork, the number and detail of the sculptures, and the framing or display requirements. Smaller framed commissions currently begin at approximately £800 for a 30 × 30 cm frame. If you already have a budget in mind we can work with this when planning the initial designs.
Commissions can take anywhere from six weeks to several months to complete, depending on the size and level of detail involved. If you have a particular date or occasion in mind, please mention this when you get in touch so that it can be considered during the planning process. Some times of the year are busier than others, so contacting me in advance allows plenty of time for research, development and careful making.
Kate produced a unique one off item for my wife's 40th. It is quite simply stunning! Throughout Kate was very thorough and approachable...I cannot recommend her and her work enough"
- Nick Gerrard
