Commissioning an Artist to create a piece of art can be an exciting, collaborative experience. Since 1980, Michael Binkley has worked directly with patrons with a gentle and inclusive approach to a project’s particular needs. Binkley guides his patrons through the commission process and his ability to identify abstract mental ideas and bring them to concrete fruition results in a true collaboration and a spectacular sculpture. Whether it be a major sculpture for an interior or exterior space, or a smaller presentation gift, Binkley is flexible to accommodate a variety of timelines and budgets.

The four-step process for commissioning a sculpture is as follows:

1. An initial consultation between you and Binkley ascertains the scope of the project. Subject, scale, stone type, timeline and budget are discussed. Binkley is available via video conference call, phone or e-mail to accommodate for various time zones and schedules.

2. A non-refundable 10% design fee is charged to retain Binkley to create drawings to determine a design that is acceptable to you. These can be in the form of traditional sketchbook drawings, or 3D renderings. The 10% design fee is deducted from the final payment for the project.

3. Once a final design has been established, a production and payment schedule is determined. At this point a 50% installment is required in order for Binkley to begin carving. (For larger scale projects, an additional installment of 20% – 30% may be required during the production phase). During production you are quite welcome to book a time to see the carving in progress, or Binkley can send you regular updates via e-mailed photos.

4. Once the sculpture is finished and the work is acceptable to you, final payment is due before the sculpture can be released for delivery.
If you’d like to start a dialogue with Michael Binkley about carving an original sculpture or if you have questions, please Contact us!