Commissioning Hard Edge glass art explained
A Best Practice Guide to buying Hard Edge Glass Art
If you're commissioning Hard Edge glass art, either as a home owner, private collector, gallery owner, interior designer, architect, or avid glass art fan, there are 4 stages to each project.
Expect to be involved at each stage.
"I'd love you to express yourself and share your ideas with me as your creative partner, as well as just commenting and approving as your piece progresses."
This is what makes for a rich creative experience as well as an extrordinary result:
“I think it looks absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to show it off” KS, London
With your creative briefing to define the style and tone of the work, we agree the details of size, price, delivery and payment.
Glass Art Production is in 4 stages:
1 - DESIGN What will it look like? To share your ideas and vision, we exchange photographs of your display area, colour palettes, ideas and preferences.
For example, you may want the piece to complement a pair of original paintings you have hanging in the same room.
Or more broadly, you may want to be sure the finished result matches your vibe and tone.
Also, you may have other people or family who need an input into the artwork. All are welcome.
You can even name your piece, or give it a personal title.
No matter whether your piece is a tiny Miniature or a large glass Masterpiece, you're encouraged to express yourself freely.
From all this I develop original sketches and ideas to show you.
2 - PRODUCTION How’s it made? From glass cutting to fusing in the kiln, you’ll be sent photographs so you can see exactly what's happening and what everything looks like.
For many, this is a fascinating and enjoyable experience, watching your original work come to life.
3 - DELIVERY How does it arrive? A specialist art courier will ensure you get it safe & sound to your doorstep.
4 - INSTALLATION How do I display it? You probably already know how you want to display the piece, but you're welcome to read my blog Where to display and how to do it most effectively.
Together we can take this to a new level of art retail experience where you can express yourself through working with me for a beautifully predictable outcome.
A recent customer twice said
Did you know?
Only a 10% deposit is required for custom commissions.
No further payment is needed until you’re absolutely delighted with your digital design.
You will then be asked to pay 40% before starting glasswork, with the final balance due on completion.
Why do I do this?
Customers tell me it’s sometimes difficult to buy a work of art online sight unseen.
A low 10% deposit builds trust by making startup easy.
Design
Under the Sea glass wall art
Glass Art by Linda
Hard Edge fused glass bowl
Glass Art by Linda
WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
Typically you contact Linda at the Studio, having already seen something you like on this site or Instagram or similar.
Maybe you want a similar geometric design, but in a particular distinct colour scheme?
Or maybe the same vivid colours, but with a different design?
You’re encouraged to share with Linda by sending photos, links and examples of what you like, or show examples of ornaments, paintings or contemporary art works you already own. Or perhaps the wall or area where you’d like to display your Hard Edge glass art piece?
“I’ve seen this. Can I have one similar but bigger?”
Maybe you prefer a different set of colours with style modifications, eg, larger size or new colour palette.
AN INITIAL DESIGN WILL BE SENT TO YOU which you can printout if you wish.
To further help you visualise, you’ll be sent photographs of real glass samples, like a colour swatch.
This is an opportunity for you to see the final colour scheme and design of your original work.
It's also an opportunity for you to adjust as you go. Many commissioners like to change their mind on small details as the project progresses
eg, more blue, less purple please.
eg more light, less dark please.
You’ll receive further images until you’re completely happy.
Once palette and design are approved, you’ll receive a final colour image, which you may print out to try on your own wall.
You can now confidently approve Design, Colours and Size of Work, knowing it’s going to be perfect.
This is all done through email, WhatsApp or Instagram messaging.
The project now moves to the Production stage - making your Hard Edge glass art piece.
Production
HOW'S IT MADE?
Bringing your design to life, from cutting to kiln, is both complex and fascinating.
While it’s being made you’ll be sent images showing progress, and to check you’re happy with the way things are developing.
Many customers find this a thrilling experience as they get to see their own original work of art being made.
“OMG I could watch this for hours! Absolutely love it!”
Here’s a selection of fused Hard Edge glass production videos so you get the idea.
Delivery
HOW DOES IT ARRIVE?
You'll receive your finished piece via a specialist art courier if the work is large, and by tracked courier if the work is small.
All delivery costs will be included in your quoted price.
Expect everything to take 2-12 weeks from start to finish depending on the complexity of the work.
Once the work is complete, it’ll be specialist packaged, ie double boxed, using double-walled boxes, one inside the other, with padding in between, strong and sturdy enough for glass to travel without fear of breakage.
Expect recycled packaging materials wherever possible.
Each finished Hard Edge glass art work comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity confirming it’s an original by Linda.
There’ll never be another piece the same as yours.
Installation
HOW DO I DISPLAY IT?
In 1508 when Michaelangelo started to paint the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in Rome, it took him 5 years, and he spent a lot of it nearly upside down, with no shred of sympathy from his paymaster, Pope Julius II.
Today art’s much easier, and installing a Hard Edge glass artwork often takes only five minutes.
How you display your piece will depend on its size, shape, palette
- and how it complements your existing home decor or interior design ideas.
If you send photographs of your display area, we’ll suggest display options to make your piece stand out as you intended and more.
For example, do you want a stand? Will you need lighting? Is it a side or main table display? Will I prefer a wall mount or stand up plinth, or even a baselight to make it even brighter and more dramatic?
You can learn more about displaying Hard Edge glass art here
The final result will be the perfect display for your original Hard Edge glass artwork, just as you imagined when you first bought.
Here are examples of Hard Edge glass display showing the three main methods for display - wrought iron stand, stand-off wall mounts, and clear acrylic stand.
Michaelangelo: Sistine Chapel Ceiling in Rome
Examples of Hard Edge glass display
1 - On a wrought iron stand
This contemporary custom stand gives prominence and character
2 - Wall mounted with stand-offs
Stand-off wall mounts give an added level of attractive wall light reflections
3 - Clear acrylic stand
Perfect for when you need the stand to be invisible
A finished mounted display example
This is a simple yet effective display that dominates space.
Use your imagination - what would be the best way to display in your chosen location?
Will you need to consider lighting? Or even moving things around to show your piece to best advantage?
Send me photographs of your display area and I’ll send you some useful display ideas, plus a professional opinion.
Next steps
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
You’ll probably have questions, even if you’ve already got a clear idea of what you want and where you want to display it.
- Can you make me one like I’ve seen here on your website?
- How much will it cost?
- Can you make me something in these colours? Like my favourite Kandinsky?
- Can you make me a picture of my house only in glass?
- How big should it be?
- Do you make complementary items or collections as well?
- Will my Hard Edge glass art investment increase in value?
- Are there any Do's & Don'ts for commissioning art?
Your questions will never be the same as anyone else's, so write in and tell me, Linda, what you’re imagining and I'll reply promptly.