Tunji’s Brief.
The commission started with an old black and white photograph of Tunji's late mother captured in the 60's. It was a beautiful image and I enjoyed learning about Tunji's heritage and listening to his family memoirs. This collage would pay tribute to those memories.
I used similar black and white photo’s of my own family for inspiration on colour, texture and style. I also looked at James Barnor, a Ghanaian photographer well known for black and white portraits of West Africans in traditional dress, from the 50's - 70's. I was keen to reference this era of demeanour and style; but conscious not to change the figure too drastically as it was a homage and still had to be recognisable to the client and his family.
The budget.
The cost is calculated based on the number of hours it will take to create the artwork, plus the material costs. (Please be advised: material and size options, production method and development time will influence the price of the artwork). I split the quote into three sections and provided Tunji with an invoice once each stage was complete.
When we met!
Over the course of eight weeks 2-3 consults is necessary for a one-off piece. I use these sessions to present my research, ideas and developments. Tunji was able to see what the collage would look like as we considered fabric swatches and colour combinations.
Development.
Tunji's mother wears a traditional Nigerian outfit known as a wrapper (two yards of fabric tied around the waist) and blouse. To create the wrapper I made intricate folds and pleats with the material to make the artwork three-dimensional.
I offer a framing service.
The six to eight weeks lead time can also include a framing service, at an additional cost. I have worked with Stocks since 2016, a framing company in Central London that provides beautifully crafted box frames to encase my artwork. However Tunji collected the artwork unframed as he had opted for his own framers. (as shown below).
Collection and care.
Although Tunji came to the studio to collect his artwork in person, it can be delivered if preferred. The outstanding balance must be paid at collection and for deliveries, a full payment (including postage/packaging costs) is expected before the artwork is dispatched. Finally, I will explain all care instructions for your new artwork and provide a signed statement of authenticity and bio.