Active Commissions | Dark Cornwall

Sculpture Commissions

We are thrilled to announce four unique artistic commissions in collaboration with an internationally recognised non-profit organisation, bringing an immersive cultural experience to the Falmouth and Truro area. Although we can't yet disclose the full details, stay connected for an exciting announcement in the coming weeks.

Commission 1: The Good folk

We invite talented artists to create 30 individual sculptures portraying the Cornish Good Folk (the fae). These sculptures should depict the fae with a primeval or Neolithic aesthetic, featuring Celtic tattoos, bones, and animal elements in their costumes. Artists may blend ancient style with subtle touches of early 20th-century attire if desired.

Specifications:
- Quantity: 30 sculptures
- Size: 20–30 cm in height
- Colour palette: Primarily dark and earthy tones, complemented by magical accents (tin, gold, bioluminescence)
- Characteristics: Varied emotions, neither overly playful nor excessively frightening; some may include wings
- Style: Realistic, inspired by Guillermo del Toro's fairies (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy 2)
- Materials: Sustainable materials with minimal non-sustainable elements for weather-proofing; LED-lit eyes
- Completion Deadline: 10th October

Visual References

Commission 2: The Woodwose

Height: At least 5 feet
Quantity: 1
Features: The Woodwose, a Celtic folkloric being comparable to Sasquatch, embodies the raw and untamed spirit of the Cornish wilderness. This figure must blend seamlessly within our dark fae forest setting, yet stand distinctly apart. It should possess robust, muscular features covered in earthy, matted fur or hair, accented by prominent, imposing deer antlers. Its stance and expression should evoke a sense of quiet power and guardianship over the woodland domain, reflecting ancient wisdom and magic.
Completion Deadline: 10th October

Visual References

Commission 3: Owlman of Mawnan Smith

Height: Approximately 4 feet, capable of securely sitting in a tree
Quantity: 1
Features: A compelling blend of human and owl characteristics, featuring a humanoid form with pronounced avian elements such as feathers, talons, and wings. The Owlman should be dressed in dark, worn clothing—trousers and possibly a cloak—to reflect its cryptic and elusive nature. The sculpture must include illuminated red eyes, adding to its eerie and enigmatic presence, particularly striking during evening and nighttime hours.
Completion Deadline: 10th October

Visual References

Commission 4: The Lady of the Lake

Detail: Life-size arm and forearm rising from the water, holding Excalibur (sword provided). The Lady’s arm must capture the essence of aquatic magic and mystique, featuring shiny scales, vibrant aquatic colours, and delicate fairy-like detailing. Importantly, artists should symbolically emphasise the legendary scabbard, subtly incorporating its significance, as it is historically recognised as more powerful than the sword itself, providing protection and invulnerability to its bearer.
Quantity: 1
Scabbard and sword to be included in the commission
Completion Deadline: 10th October

Visual References

Production and Studio Space

Selected artists will have exclusive, secure, full-time access to a dedicated production studio located on-site from the beginning of September. Artists can leave tools and materials securely stored on location.

We aim to document the artistic process from start to finish, creating mutually beneficial content.

Budget

We have a relatively tight yet flexible budget. Artists will need to provide cost estimates for their proposed projects. We are specifically looking for:

One artist to create the 30 fae sculptures and the Woodwose (they need to look somewhat connected)
One artist for the Owlman.
One artist for the Lady of the Lake.

Application Process

To apply, please email us directly by the 18th of August with the following:

Two or three rough sketches demonstrating your vision for the characters
A detailed breakdown of the materials you plan to use, emphasising sustainability
An indicative cost estimate
Confirmation that you can meet the specified timeline

Our decision will not be based solely on cost, but rather on the boldness of your vision and your demonstrated ability to execute the project within the given timeframe.

We believe this streamlined process will provide us with sufficient insight to make an informed selection without placing undue demands on artists.

We look forward to receiving your visionary proposals and bringing Cornwall's legendary figures to life.

Ownership

Upon completion and acceptance of the commissioned artwork, Dark Cornwall will assume full ownership rights of the pieces, as outlined in our standard artist agreement. For clarity on the terms regarding ownership, usage rights, and artist recognition, please review our draft agreement here: Your Art, Your Rules.

We highly value transparency and mutual benefit, ensuring artists retain appropriate credit and recognition for their work, even as ownership transfers to Dark Cornwall for ongoing exhibition and promotional purposes.

FAQs

Thank you for all of your questions and interest in this project. I have compiled and answered as many of them as possible below:

Is there any option to complete this work and not use the studio space that is on offer?
- Potentially, yes. However, part of the opportunity we want to pass on to artists is the exposure and awareness that will be generated by working in the same space and sharing content with our respective audiences. When we can announce the details of the space, then you might realise the additional value in this opportunity. However, to be clear, we understand the challenges this may present and why it might be difficult.

Where is the studio space?
- Is it situated just outside of Truro, on the site where the experience will take place.

Could the Woodwose and the Fae sculptures be split amongst two artists?
- Yes, potentially. What is key is consistency over these two commissions as they will be sharing a space together. If there are more than two artists who want to do that, then we just need to plan it out and ensure that we have the necessary structure in place so that they all look cohesive.

As there are so many fae sculptures needed, would it be possible for there to be duplicates for some of the pieces?
- Yes. If the models were poseable, then it would be easy to accomplish variety and manage the scale of the project. Great idea!

Budget?
- I know this is annoying, but we have an overall budget for the project, which includes many components. We would prefer for you to let us know what is a fair cost for your time and input for a project like this.

Flexibility with materials?
- We have some flexibility on materials, but we need at least 80% of the sculptures to be made from sustainable resources.

Will the sculptures be displayed outside?
- The Lady of the Lake will be displayed outside and in a small body of water (a pond), which is easily accessible and quite shallow.
- The Woodwose and Fae will be inside for this experience, but we might like to reuse these pieces in the future for outdoor experiences. Therefore, they should be made as if they were used outside.
- Owlman will be displayed and, potentially, on the branch of a large tree for maximum effect. Again, this will need to be made from materials that are suitable for the elements.
- None of these sculptures will be stored outside long-term, just for 11 days, at this point.