“I absolutely love this piece…but I just have no where to put any more art.” How many times have we all heard this at shows and conventions? To be fair, our own personal art collection is absolutely bursting at the seams, but somehow, we always seem to find a bit more room for one more creation we adore. Space is often a challenge when it comes to the art of collecting art, especially when working with large scale sculpture. We are continually looking for new ways to display big pieces that allow the works to be viewed from all sides and also make it easier for collectors. Placing these works can seem daunting at first, but anywhere a person can sit or stand is enough space to create an effective installation. Often, we are surprised and delighted with the solutions art lovers come up with themselves to integrate sculpture successfully into surroundings, creating an overall aesthetic and complementary environment.

The traditional wooden box pedestal can be used effectively in particular spaces as we’ll see later. However, they can have a larger visual presence. As shown here, the stand blocks the view of the space and can overwhelm the piece itself. To handle this concern, we make custom steel pedestals for our larger works. These create a sensation of the sculptures “floating” in an environment, resulting in a less obtrusive presence. As added benefits, the footprint is exact for each sculpture and we can customize the height at which we prefer our work be viewed. Our steel stands are structurally reinforced – you could park one of our trucks on it or have a dance party without collapsing it…but we mostly use them for sculpture. We attach hidden wheels so the stand, and sculpture, can easily be moved from one location to another or turned to allow for different viewpoints. We find that easily being able to rearrange where our art is lets us consistently view it with fresh eyes. The stands can also be painted to coordinate with the work and the environment.

The significance of a stand not creating a visual blockade is beautifully illustrated in this home on Lake Tahoe. The pedestal blends in with the architectural verticals, contemporary styling and openness of the space and allows the sculpture to become the focal point. And, of course, it can easily be moved about the room to create different arrangements.

For my fired clay sculptures, we often build a small lip into the top of the stand. I put a layer of sand here which helps cushion the ceramic and creates a visual transition from the hard material feel of the steel and the more organic nature of clay and the human form. It also often works into the concept of the piece. Few can resist drawing pictures in sand. Artwork and play, what could be better?

We also create smaller versions of the steel stands for Colin’s bronzes. They allow his work to be displayed at his preferred viewing height. Unlike the large stands, these do not roll, but are easily transported. We usually put a black marble tile on top of a turn table so again, the sculptures can be turned to various viewing angles.

Here is another version of a simple steel stand that allows the sculpture to be supported but doesn’t visually obscure the artwork in the rest of the room.

Here is a box pedestal working well in an environment. The collector had the stand custom built at a lower height so you can view the sculpture’s face. It has less visual weight and she painted it a color that complements the ombré finish of the sculpture. The second styling works particularly well with the cube harmonizing with the contemporary shapes and character of the rug and mirror, and simultaneously providing some contrast with the organic forms of the figure and plant.

Three more examples of pedestals being used effectively in spaces. The first two are custom made for the artworks and the environment. Notice in “Boogie” on the left, the subtle detail at the base of the stand that picks up on the wood trim shapes and clean lines of the room as well as the consistency of color. In the center, “Born of Root and Stone” becomes the focal point of this little alcove in a garden, with marble echoing the natural environment as well as the stone the figure is sitting on. On the right is a gallery installation we saw a few years ago in Santa Fe. It’s a fine example of contemporary sculpture and display working well together.

Another interesting solution to blending the functionality of a box pedestal while keeping an open visual with windows and light is seen here with a custom acrylic stand.

All that said, if budget and space were no issue, if you’re going with a box pedestal, you might go all in like this display at a museum. Pretty impressive…

People often think that sculptures need to be displayed on a stand. But some of the more intriguing display solutions we’ve seen integrate sculpture into the existing architecture, space or furniture. I often show these examples to help collectors think about where a piece they love might work within their own environment.

For this installation, the designer enjoyed how the clay embellishments of the sculpture on the right enhanced the ornate custom wood carving and the hand made glass windows of this doorway. She asked me to create a matching piece for the left side so they could flank the door, contributing a figurative element to a grand entryway.

Colin’s “Wind in the Waves” is a perfect enhancement for this existing garden water feature. The designer selected a custom rock slab to integrate into the decor of the space. The water elements play into the story behind the sculpture. As an amusing side note, one of the collector’s concerns on this installation was that the sculpture had to be “mountain lion proof.” These critters frequently visit her water feature to slake their thirst and she thought they might topple the sculpture into the water, so our girl is permanently bolted to the stone. Just try and move this one, kitty cat. Living on the wild side…

Next are some examples of sculptures effectively placed within existing environments and spaces. They all work with elements of color, texture or ambience, often corresponding the organic forms of the figure with more contemporary patterns, lines and shapes. Most importantly, the integration of sculpture in these environments reflect the personal style and taste of the collectors.

If you’re unable to walk around or turn the sculpture, placing it in front of a mirror is an effective way to be able to see the back views as well and creates and intriguing “both views” at once experience.The placement of “Psithyros: Whisper of the Muse” within a dressing room is a touch of loveliness. The mirror allows the designs on her back to be seen and the ornate patterns complement the decor of the space. They play well together.

“Ki An: Muse of Curiosity” found her way into this extraordinary private (complete with chandeliers!) library first. She apparently needed a partner, so “Tiger Man” soon joined her – an esteemed scholar of books, to be sure.

And, there is always room for one more sculpture as is so perfectly demonstrated here with “Akouo: Satyr’s Tale” finding her own little corner amongst giants.

Seeing our sculptures through someone else’s eyes in their environment lets us experience our own work anew. After a week at our home, a friend once said, “I’m going to buy a house and fill it with art, just like yours. I want to wake up every day and be surrounded by beauty.” Coming up with solutions to help people submerge themselves in art and creativity brings us great delight. A gallery director once told me, “The thing is, there’s a piece and there’s a collector that will love it. Our joy is to bringing those two together.”