Commissions
The Path to Taking the First Step
Have you ever considered commissioning an artist to create a specific work of art for you? You may have looked at artists’ work and tried to imagine their creations on your massive or irregularly-shaped wall, entryway or living room. Maybe you’d like the art to speak to your dreams and aspirations. Perhaps you’d like to convey a message to those you live with along with family and friends. You want the work to inspire you and catch your gaze. Thinking about the artist whose work you admire, you’re struck with an idea! Why not ask that artist to create a work specifically for you?
The Possibilities of a Commission
The next step is to contact an artist and find out whether they perform commission work. If so, inquire about the artist’s approach to learning about your ideas and dreams. It’s important to collaborate with someone who will pay attention and absorb the personal message you want the art to reflect. You’ll interact throughout the entire process, selecting the materials and textures that evoke the image you envision. Listening to the artist’s suggestions will open up new realms of possibilities of color and space.
“SARGAM IS EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED, WITH AN UNCHANGING EYE, THAT IDENTIFIES WHAT WILL WORK FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT”
Sargam Griffin, Artist
Sargam Griffin has been working with paint for over 30 years. Initially, she created magical walls of color and texture for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley and beyond. The walls speak of times past and new, of the shimmering colors within Venetian villas, as ancient as time itself, and of their applications to the faster pace of contemporary life. They are real masterpieces, always created with the client’s wishes in mind and with a true sense of new discovery. Throughout, she pays close attention to both the interior setting and innovates through color and texture. Sargam is confident, intuitive and engaging during this path of exploration.
The Process
Commissioning an artist to create a unique artwork for your home might feel a little intimidating. Many collectors have never commissioned a work of art before. They would like to be guaranteed that the artist will listen to their needs and that the new work will reach the goals they have set.
Sargam puts it this way:
Having created both large and small custom paintings, I have developed a creative process to ensure my clients are not only happy with the final result, but feel that I have exceeded their expectations. The general process I use when working with all clients is this:
- First, I meet with you at your home. I look at what art you currently have, the layout of your home, your interior design decisions and the way light would interact with the new work of art. I ask a lot of questions in order to determine what you are trying to accomplish, what you like and don’t like and what your preferred time frame is.
- Together we look at the space, take measurements, and experiment with different sizes of art to determine the perfect dimensions.
- Then I create color palettes, taking into consideration the existing colors in your space and its’ surroundings. I leave the palettes with you, so you can see the colors throughout the day and night to determine what your preferences are. You might like completely new ideas for color combinations.
- We look at my body of work to determine which style you like best. Do you want something with a lot of structure and texture? Would it contain a figurative image? Would the painting include images, words, and/or symbols that are meaningful to you?
- By this time, we’ll have a clear vision of the size, color ranges and types of work you like. We
establish a time frame. With all of this information, I am able to create and present you with a
realistic proposal for total investment. - With your acceptance, the fun starts: I get to work creating a very personal artwork for you!
- During the process of creating your painting, we schedule at least 2 to 3 appointments for you to view progress and comment on what you like, or don’t. This is the time for you to determine if you’d like to see anything added, taken away or emphasized.
- Upon completion of the work, I’ll deliver, when feasible, your custom work and install it.”
The Next Step
If you are intrigued by the idea of commissioning a work of art from Sargam Griffin, please take the next step in the commission process by contacting the artist for a free consultation, at a time convenient for you. Her email address is sargam@sargamgriffin.com and her direct line is 707-799-6743.