Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
It’s a specially-formulated cold cast medium using mostly water based resins, and is infused with powdered metals. Every stage of the process – sculpting, mold, casting, finishing – is done by Tyler, in his studio. The original sculpture is created in clay; each piece is hand-cast from a mold, then hand-finished using specialty coatings and reactive and non-reactive patinas to create the finished artwork. While it’s not cast bronze, metal infused offers a more affordable, yet equally beautiful option. Properly cared-for, the artwork can last for many years.
Both the interior and exterior metal infused media are made from a specially-formulated cold cast medium; both are infused with powdered metals and available in different finishes. However, the exterior metal infused artwork is more durable and weather resistant. This method of casting is based in part on the glass reinforced concrete system. It includes aggregates and metal powders, as well as specialty coatings and sealers to better withstand the elements.
A limited edition means that only a certain number of pieces may be cast from a mold the artist makes of the original sculpture. The number of pieces in the edition is determined by the artist – for example, an edition of 60 means that no more than 60 sculptures of that particular artwork may be cast. A closed limited edition means that the edition is exclusive to the client; the number of sculptures cast is determined in collaboration with the client. Limited edition sculptures are numbered and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity. The artist always keeps a few artist proofs to be used at the artist’s discretion. Because each sculpture is hand-cast and hand-finished, no two sculptures are exactly the same.
Most of the existing metal infused artwork is available for sale through our Online Store. However, you do not need to use our online store to shop with us. You can also place orders by phone, or contact us via e-mail. You are also welcome to make an appointment to view the work in person at our studio in Lively (City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario). For work not featured in the online store, please contact us for availability.
Some of the artwork is also exhibited at the Eclipse Gallery in Huntsville, Ontario, as well as at the Perivale Gallery on Manitoulin Island, Ontario.
As with all artwork, care and general maintenance will keep it looking its best:
Caring for Metal Infused Interior
Metal infused sculpture requires minimal maintenance. A soft clean cloth is perfect for dusting and buffing. Light cleaning can be done with a damp cloth using distilled water. Do not use cleaning chemicals on the artwork, as it could damage or change the patina. If the artwork chips, or becomes damaged, please contact us for instruction.
Caring for Metal Infused Exterior
Metal infused exterior artwork, if displayed outside, requires additional maintenance. Annual cleaning with clean water and a soft cloth is recommended. Never use pressure washers or harsh cleaning chemicals, as they can damage the artwork. After the first year or two, sealing the artwork yearly with an acrylic satin or low sheen sealer is recommended. As different climates and locations can weather the piece differently, more care and maintenance may be required. If the artwork becomes damaged, or you require more information on how to care for your exterior metal infused artwork, please contact the artist for instructions.
Caring for Public Art (Cast Bronze) and Fine Art Bronze
Because of the investment put into monuments and fine art, we recommend that cleaning and maintenance be done every few years by a professional. Light dusting and buffing should be done with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Minor cleaning can be done with clean water (preferably distilled), and a clean, soft cloth. Bronze mellows and ages as the years go by -in order to ensure that a public art monument look its best, and continues to weather the elements, additional cleaning /hot waxing should be done every few years by a professional. This is a service that we provide; please contact us about putting a cleaning and maintenance program together.
The artwork is usually shipped by Canada Post Expedited. You can see our Shop Policy.
For International Orders, please contact us – we’d love to hear from you!
The work is sculpted at the artist’s studio. All mold making, as well as metal infused interior/exterior casting, is done at the studio. Tyler also maintains studio space in Toronto, Canada, where all the bronze work is cast and finished.
Yes, we offer installation, as well as cleaning and maintenance services.
Commissioning FAQ
The first step in commissioning a sculpture is to ask yourself the following questions:
What am I trying to achieve?
What’s my budget?
What’s my timeline?
Where is the artwork going?
If you’d like more information on casting materials, please see our About page
Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to get in touch! Once we know what you’re looking for, we can provide more details and a quote to help get the ball rolling. You can contact us by e-mail or by phone. We’d love to work with you.
Sure do! Over the years,Tyler has created limited edition and original sculptures for both small and large businesses. The artwork is a great way to mark a milestone, show appreciation, etc.
Yes! Tyler sculpts all sorts of themes featuring people, wildlife, landscape and pets. We’d love to hear what you have in mind, and will do our best to propose an artwork that will work with your budget.
Creating a metal infused sculpture can take anywhere between 1 to 6 months, depending on the artist’s availability and the following factors:
1. Is it an original or a limited edition? (limited edition means more than once cast of that artwork)
2. Is it interior or exterior? Exterior work takes a little while longer to produce
3. The size and complexity of artwork. A smaller work of art takes less time to produce than a larger piece of work. A sculptural relief can usually be completed in less time than a three dimensional work
A bronze sculpture can take anywhere between 6 months to a year to complete (complex, multi-figure artwork can take longer), depending on the artist’s availability and factors such as:
1. The nature of the artwork – e.g. sculptural relief, bust, monumental statue, etc.
2. The size and complexity of the artwork (larger-than-life, multi-figure, etc.)
We plan our work and give realistic timelines, so that our clients can count on having the artwork on time. Where there’s a hard deadline (for example, an unveiling ceremony), the earlier you call about your project, the better.
We do our best to propose an artwork (size, concept, material) that will work with your budget. If casting the work in bronze is outside what you or your group can afford, then using the metal infused medium can be a great option. Different artwork can suit a smaller budget – for example, a bust or smaller work, with interesting and unique artistic features, or a medallion with sculptural relief, affixed to stone, can add beauty and impact to any project or space. So, don’t assume only a life-sized bronze monument is all that can be done with sculpture to commemorate a remarkable person or event, or think that your budget is too small to create an impactful, attractive commemorative piece. Please see our About page for more information on casting materials, and feel free to get in touch with us to find out what options best suit your budget.