Do you have a warranty or guarantee on your works of art? Yes. In regards to our welded-steel sculptures, we warrant and guarantee that each of them is an original, one-of-a-kind, sculpture free of defects in both materials and workmanship. In regards to our bronze sculptures created in their respective Limited Edition series, we warrant and guarantee that each sculpture is unique in its presentment and free of defects in both materials and workmanship. You may view further details on our Warranty page.
How do you assure quality throughout the series of your bronze sculptures? We are actively involved in the foundry casting process. It is customary for us to have one sculpture cast and completely finished prior to proceeding to production of the Limited Edition series. This first sculpture bears the non-series numbering “AP 1” which signifies “Artist’s Proof 1.” For us, the “AP 1” provides a means to assess logistical applications, quality assurance, and detail of workmanship, while it serves as an available visual aide reference for chasing work and patina application at the foundry. Through this process we can guarantee that each sculpture is structurally sound, presented in the medium stated, and created true to the spirit and intent of the original work of art.
How are your sculptures delivered to the purchaser? Our sculptures are packed by experienced employees in our shipping department utilizing bubble wrap and foam packing inside either a double-walled cardboard box or a wooden crate. Shipping and delivery to the purchaser is procured and insured through reputable couriers, primarily United Parcel Service. The purchaser is free to make alternative shipping and delivery arrangements to suit their individual needs, in accordance with their own financial means.
What is a Limited Edition bronze? A Limited Edition bronze sculpture is one sculpture created within a small and predetermined number of bronze sculptures in a series or edition. In application, at the time an original clay, wax, or welded steel model is set for casting in bronze the Artist declares a limit for the edition; a fixed number of bronze sculptures which will be permitted to be cast from a mold based upon the original sculpture model. Limiting the number of bronze sculptures to be produced to a small fixed number, rather than producing a limitless number, encourages collectability as a rare work of art and tends to lend to an increase in the value of the sculpture over time. Each Limited Edition sculpture of the artist’s original model is unique in and of itself, and not a mere duplicate reproduction. “Whether it is casting 1/200 or 200/200, art specialists believe that two bronze casts that are finished by hand cannot be exact duplicates of each other.”[1]
Will you explain the numbering in a Limited Edition? Yes. The original clay, wax, or welded steel model sculpted by the Artist is taken to the foundry for production of a reusable mold to be utilized in casting the respective Limited Edition series. The Artist declares, for example, that the Limited Edition size shall be twelve (12) sculptures and then initially orders a certain number of those to be cast in bronze, say four of them. These four bronze sculptures, along with the remaining eight when cast, will have a set of numbers visibly engraved on them or their mounting base, usually on the base next to the artist’s signature and copyright notice. The numbering usually corresponds with the sculpture’s casting order, as in 1/12, 2/12, through 12/12. However, occasionally a buyer will request that their sculpture bear their preferred number, say 8, which would render the sequence of the first four sculptures to be 1/12 through 3/12 and the fourth sculpture to be cast would bear the numbers 8/12 (with 4/12 through 7/12 and 9/12 through 12/12 to be cast later).
How do you ensure your Limited Edition remains limited to the declared number in the series? Exacting records are kept by the Artist and/or Artist’s Agent and by the foundry to ensure that only one of each number in a series is cast, and that the series of bronze sculptures for sale is limited to the total number initially declared. Upon finalizing the last casting in a series of 1/12 through 12/12, the original mold, which is the one and only mold, is retired from bronze foundry service to be put on display in the Nature Sculpted™ Historical Museum. In the rarest editions the mold is rendered unusable or thoroughly destroyed in a manner witnessed by the Artist or Artist’s Agent and an executive officer of the foundry. This process ensures that the original financial investment by the buyer is protected and helps encourage that over time the limited number of sculptures will increase in value. Codes of ethics, to which the Artist, Artist's Agent, and foundry personnel subscribe, forbid production of bronze sculptures beyond what has been declared by the Artist, so as not to comprise the series or edition. Furthermore, the State of Arizona, USA, domicile of the Artist, enforces a deceptive trade practices law which prohibits practices considered deceptive or misleading to consumers, such as false advertising or making more sculptures of a Limited Edition series than has been declared and recorded for the series. That state law empowers the state Attorney General to file suit against the offending party and provides for criminal penalties, general civil remedies, and fines up to $25,000.[2]
How would I prove that the sculpture I purchased is unique as part of a series? Along with a Bill of Sale, each sculpture has its own Certificate of Authenticity which is provided by Nature Sculpted™ to the purchaser. This Certificate bears record of certain identifying characteristics unique to each sculpture, which for reasons of security and asset protection we decline to provide further detail. The Certificate of Authenticity is issued one time only for each sculpture created, and serves as provenance and an indisputable guarantee by the Artist and Nature Sculpted™ as to the originality of one-of-a-kind welded-steel sculpture or the uniqueness of bronze sculpture within a Limited Edition series.
What is lost wax casting? Casting a bronze in the Lost Wax process is an ancient tradition with the earliest known and recorded examples of this technique being objects discovered in the Cave of the Treasure (Nahal Mishmar) hoard in southern Israel, and which belong to the Chalcolithic period (4500-3500 BC). Conservative Carbon 14 estimates date the items to c. 3700 BC. The process cannot fairly be described in a short response. A full description of Lost Wax casting as utilized by Nature Sculpted™ is provided at our Sculpting Processes page.
How do I maintain the finish of my bronze? Maintaining the finish, which is a patina as explained below, of sculpture on indoor display is easily carried out by routine dusting with a soft dry cloth or by gently wiping with a damp cloth. As the surfaces continue to oxidize over time and gradually lose a bit of their lustre, rubbing the surfaces with a soft cloth sprayed with a little furniture polish in aerosol or paste form will provide an appropriate sheen. Our bronze sculptures present with traditional patinas which are the result of induced oxidation of the bronze surface utilizing the application of heat, acids, and occasionally other chemicals. The patina is further enhanced by applying a coating of semi-hard wax while the sculpture is still hot. Once cooled, the surfaces are buffed with a soft bristle brush and cotton towel.
How do I commission an original work of art? Our Master Sculptor is available by commission to fulfil custom orders. If you desire a certain form of nature’s wildlife to be created either in welded steel or bronze, we are capable of satisfying that desire. To begin a dialogue concerning a commissioned work of art, simply relay your request to us by way of the Feedback Form on our Contact Us page, which you can reach by clicking the link. Upon perusal and consideration of your request, we will respond back to you with a quote and our terms for the commissioned engagement.
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1. The College Art Association, STATEMENT ON STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION OF SCULPTURE, Adopted by the Board of Directors on February 17, 2013.
2. Title 44 of Arizona Revised Statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Answers