Turning green...naturally.

We have always loved green at Utopia and this month we seem to be bathed in it! Our passion for verdigris also shows no abating with the creation of both new lights and lamps. So, if you love it too, then do keep a watch out on the website and in the gallery for more to come.

What is verdigris? Here’s some basic chemistry. Natural verdigris is the term used for a bluish green patina that appears as a crustation on copper, brass and bronze that has been weathered over time from the exposure to air or seawater (atmospheric oxidisation). A hastened finish can be achieved through the application of acetic acid to the metal, although this never looks the same as it lacks the natural depth and range of greens and blues that natural oxidisation achieves.

The call of the wild - experimenting, designing, casting, moulding, carving, sculpting: multi-award winning sculptor, Jac Scott MRBS, an associate member of Royal Society of Sculptors, starts creating bird patterns for sculptures. This exciting new work is on its way for a an avian inspired collection of three-dimensional art - expect something different!

A 40 second glimpse into some of the creative design processes we use.

Getting Plastered at Utopia from Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery on Vimeo.

Drawing to commission has a different dynamic, one where the poetry of creativity has a tension. The management of that is where Utopia excels, as exemplified in the last twelve months when Jac has been commissioned by both corporate companies and private clients to draw a range of subject matter.

We thought you might be interested in both the process and the results.

What happens when I commission a drawing at Utopia?

• CONSULTATION

The first step is to have an in-depth consultation with Jac on what your ideas are and how Utopia might fulfil them. We also discuss options for developing the idea and find out your budget and deadline – key parts of working productively together.

• SITE VISIT                  

Secondly, a site visit is booked. From this, basic research material is gleaned and then a quote is provided. Utopia does not charge for these initial meetings.

• CONTRACT                  

A simple contract is drawn stating: the brief, financial terms and schedule. On signed agreement and exchange of the contract, plus receipt of the non-returnable deposit, the work begins.

• RESEARCH                  

Jac will need to make some site visits to collect research material (sketches, photographs etc) but exactly how many are arranged, depends on the brief. The visits are always arranged with the client in advance and at times of mutual convenience. Many of the site visits are outside and therefore dependant on suitable weather conditions.

• SKETCH

It is usual for a preliminary sketch illustrating the composition to be forwarded to the client prior to a full drawing being created. This ensures that both parties are clear about the brief and that both are heading in the same direction. Any amendments are then made.

• DRAWING                  

At this stage the exciting part commences as the full drawing is developed. On completion a low-resolution version is emailed to client for feedback.

• CHANGES                  

Any little changes to the drawing are executed, the final version is agreed, then this stage is signed-off by the client.

• OTHER MATERIALS

If developments like framing and printing have been asked for, then it is at this stage in the process that they are managed.

• COMPLETION

On receipt of the drawing (and other materials) the client pays the balance and does a final sign-off to show the commission has finished.

This process enables both parties to clearly understand what is happening and when, so there is little chance for misunderstandings. Jac has spent twenty-five years as a professional artist working to commission, so she understands the process well and finds it rewarding developing new works from clients ideas.

Please get in touch if you have a concept you’d like to explore further.

Here are some commissions from clients in the last twelve months.