What is the process?

First Conversation - This meeting gives us a chance to briefly chat so we can determine if we are a good fit to work together based on the type of artwork that you are looking for. My work lends on a more contemporary and expressionism style rather than realism. Our meeting will give me a sense of the scope of work and will help me determine the prices. Before I begin the work, I will send you a proposal / letter of understanding detailing what we’ve talked about and the price. If you approve of the proposal, we will set a time to work on the collaboration phase. 

Collaboration - Every commissioned piece is a collaborative process between you and me. It is a special partnership since your story becomes the driving force that inspires my work. 

Because your story is distinct, I would like to spend at least an hour delving into the details of your life which would give me an intimate glimpse of who you are, your values, your dreams, triumphs, and even your struggles. You are not obligated to share anything that makes you uncomfortable. However, I believe that the painful moments in your life are what makes you amazing and powerful. I have yet to talk to one person who has said that they never learned anything from despair. Instead, I’ve only heard stories of grit and determination despite going through tragic periods in their lives. I encourage you to share those stories as those are the things that made you the strong person you are today. Our conversation is confidential and I will ask your permission before I write about the back story of the artwork on my blog.

As my partner, you have the opportunity to share ideas, pictures, or an heirloom (something inexpensive but meaningful) that you would like to be integrated in the work. I will do my best to incorporate them while allowing me the freedom to compose the piece in my own creative style. 

You may also opt not to give me input on how I prepare the piece; but instead give me total freedom in the implementation of my ideas so that the final unveiling will be a wonderful surprise for you. This is the most popular choice of my clients as they have likened the unveiling phase as opening a present on Christmas morning.

Will creating a piece of art about my own life seem egocentric and boastful?

Not at all! Each element of your sculpture recognizes the ups and downs of your life. It honors your hardships and your growth. To be honest, the most fulfilling thing about being an artist is when my client relates to my work because he or she not only knows the story back story but understands the feelings and emotions that brought it to life. It is art with meaning in the truest sense.

Why choose me?

There are many artists who have perfected their unique styles and techniques over the years. What makes me different from them is that my work tells your story and it celebrates you. Your life is essentially a living history that needs to be shared and heard by your family and friends. There is wisdom in accepting your heritage, embracing your past, and seeing how your life has unfolded. Your story is a source of inspiration. Your sculpture becomes a legacy piece which can be passed on to your loved ones. Every piece of art includes a detailed narrative of my process on how this beautiful piece of art came to existence so even future generations would have an understanding of its significance. 

Can you give this as a gift?

Absolutely! Some of my clients have commissioned me to create unique pieces for friends and family who are hard to buy gifts for because they have everything they could ever need or want. The sculpture becomes a meaningful conversational piece, a highlight of their home.

It can also be given as a gift of encouragement. When we are living in a season of chaos, sadness, stress, and doubt, a beautiful piece of art can uplift our spirits and give us the motivation to move forward. It’s been my practice to pray before and during my creative process. It is my hope that each piece of art provides thoughts of love, joy and peace to its recipient.

What is the timeline? 

Before I begin any work, I use the notes that I’ve taken during our collaboration meeting to do more research as I prepare the composition of the art piece. This gives me the chance to do multiple studies to see how I can best incorporate my ideas.

Depending on the complexity of the work, each piece of art takes a minimum of 12 weeks from the date of our collaboration meeting. If I finish before the intended due date, I will get in touch with you to schedule an earlier delivery and unveiling.

The timeline for a ceramic piece is approximately 12-16 weeks. Clay can be fickle at times. A clay body may have shorter or longer drying times depending on the season of the year. Even with a very slow and careful drying process, clay may crack at any time during the drying phase, the bisque firing or even at the glaze firing phases. A 12-16 week working period gives me enough buffer to recreate the piece should the clay misbehave.

How much does it cost?

Because each story is complex, the details dictate the overall size of the art work. Before I begin any work, I will send you a proposal / letter of understanding that needs your signed approval and a 50% non-refundable deposit. Balance is due upon completion and delivery. All prices are subject to taxes and packaging and shipping (if applicable).

Cancellation Policy

Life happens. I have yet to encounter a situation where I’ve had to cancel the work for a commissioned piece. If for some unforeseeable reason I am unable to work on our project within a week after I get your signed approval and 50% deposit, I will send you a written notice cancelling our letter of understanding and I will be refunding your deposit within a reasonable time frame.

If you decide to cancel at any time during the working phase of the project, please send me a signed written notice cancelling our letter of understanding. The cancellation forfeits your deposit and waives your rights to own the commissioned piece. The cancellation re-establishes my rights to own said commissioned piece and rights to sell the same commissioned piece at my discretion.

Do you have non-commissioned artwork for sale? 

Yes! While I work mostly on commissioned pieces, from time to time, I create pieces inspired by my own journey and of people who have interesting stories to tell. These pieces are made to remind you that you are brave, you are valued, and immensely loved.

Exploratory work is also part of my growth as an artist. Experimenting pushes the boundaries of my abilities and may result in artwork that may be contrary to my current style. Thus, you may see a rare piece that would either shock you or entertain you. In either case, I hope that it brings a smile to your face every time you see it. 

Do you teach classes?

I use a lot of handbuilding and decorative techniques in my work. I teach at a community studio and I also teach private classes to individuals or a group. Contact me so we can discuss details!

Taxes, Shipping and Handling

Prices of the artwork are exclusive of taxes, packaging and shipping (if applicable) and will be added to your total invoice. 

Fine art is fragile, I do my best to securely wrap each item and double box if necessary to make sure that your item arrives safely to its destination. Shipping is calculated based on the best rates of UPS, Fedex and USPS. I will refund the overages of the shipping if the actual shipping cost you paid is over the quoted price.

If you live in Bexar County or the nearby surrounding counties and cities I will hand deliver your piece to your home free of charge. 

Currently, I do not ship outside the United States.

Return Policy

All commissioned pieces take time and are created based on the individual’s story. Therefore, the sale of a commissioned piece is final and non-refundable.

If you purchase from my inventory at hand, there is a 30 day return policy due to product defects. Please contact me within 7 days of receiving a piece that was broken during shipment. I want you to be happy and will do my best to rectify this situation either with a refund or a replacement. The return policy does not include breakage caused by the new owner’s error and negligence.

Copyright and Reproduction

I value the reputation and integrity of my work. As the artist, I am the legal owner of my work and reserve all the rights to ownership to such work. Purchasing my work does not transfer ownership of reproduction rights to the artwork. 

I reserve all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright of my work. Reproducing my work in any manner needs my express written consent. Should you wish to use the image of my work, please feel free to contact me so we can discuss licensing fees and guidelines.

When you become a client, I honor and respect you and your story. Thank you for giving me the same honor and for respecting my rights as an artist and as a business owner.