To commission a marble sculpture from Zak Stevens, write to him directly at hello@zakstevens.art; he undertakes a small number of commissions alongside his own work. Before commissioning, it is worth knowing that a finished piece, Are You Looking Up, in white marble with gold kintsugi, is available now at £8,000.
A finished piece, available now
Are You Looking Up sets a tall female form above a small companion figure at the back of the plinth, who looks up at her. Where the stone opened along its natural veins, Stevens finished it in gold kintsugi, leaving the line visible as part of the piece.
Figure, companion and carved marble plinth are offered together as a single work for £8,000. Buying finished work has one clear advantage: you can see exactly what you are getting before you commit. The piece is in Bruton, Somerset, and a viewing can be arranged.
What to expect when you commission a marble sculpture
Commissions in stone generally begin with a conversation about where the work will stand, how large it should be and what it is for. From there, a sculptor may make drawings or a small model to agree the form before any stone is cut. A block is then chosen, and the carving begins.
Timing and terms vary from sculptor to sculptor and from one project to the next, and it is sensible to agree them in writing at the start, including what happens at each stage and how the finished work will be delivered. The particulars of any commission with Zak are settled with him directly.
The nature of carved stone
Carving is subtractive. Nothing is cast or moulded, and no cut can be taken back. Zak carves the human figure by hand from a single block: drilling first, then pencil lines, then the grinder, then abrasives of increasing fineness until the surface is smooth to the touch.
No two blocks are alike, and the stone has a say in the result. Veins and natural openings may appear as the form is cut. In Zak's work, the natural openings in the marble are finished in gold and left visible. Anyone who decides to commission a marble sculpture should expect the material to bring something of its own.
Questions worth settling at the start
It is helpful to know where the piece will be placed, its approximate scale and the stone you have in mind. Beyond that, the following points shape most commissions.
- Indoors or outdoors, and the conditions of the site
- The size, and therefore the weight, and how it will reach its position
- The degree of abstraction you are drawn to
- The finish of the surface, polished or matt
- Your budget, so the scale and stone can be matched to it
- Delivery, installation and any base or plinth
Starting a conversation
Write to Zak at hello@zakstevens.art or call +44 7498 566111. A short note covering the setting, the scale and what you have in mind is enough to begin. If Are You Looking Up is closer to what you want than a new piece would be, he can arrange for you to see it.
Questions
How much does it cost to commission a marble sculpture?
It depends on the size, the stone, the complexity of the form and the time the carving takes. Zak discusses each commission individually. As a point of reference, the finished work Are You Looking Up is £8,000.
How long does a marble sculpture take to make?
Carving by hand is slow work, and the time depends on scale, detail and the stone itself. Ask Zak for an estimate once the size and setting are clear.
What should I include in a commission enquiry?
Where the piece will stand, its approximate scale, the stone you have in mind and your budget. Photographs of the setting are also helpful.
Does Zak Stevens take commissions?
Yes, a small number alongside his own work. Write to hello@zakstevens.art to discuss an idea.