FAQ

Do outdoor sculptures require maintenance?

One of the wonderful aspects of bronze is that it changes with time. The ancient statues of the bronze age are weathered and many of them blue-green in color. Bronze is 90 to 95% copper and is directly affected by all of its environment including water and air and all of the chemicals that are included in each of these. Bronze will age and change colors no matter what the original patina is on the piece. There are certain measures you may take to retard these actions but time will eventually make its own choice in how a bronze will look. Brownish colored bronzes: If a bronze is in an area that has a sprinkler system or is a fountain then it is inevitable that water spots will appear and discoloration will occur. In some areas where the water is high with minerals, these will manifest themselves quickly on the statues. Many statues will turn almost white with mineral deposits or even blue if there is chlorine in the water. Wiping these statues with a cloth after they are wet will slow down this process. Vinegar is sometimes used to help take spots off but may not be to effective and should not be used in excess. We have had clients that have indicated to us that they actually rub linseed oil on their bronzes monthly to put a coat between the metal and the elements. We recommend the bronzes be waxed once or twice a year with a paste wax similar to a Johnson's Paste wax. Apply the wax with a brush - let dry and buff with a cloth. We also use a spray wax, Original Johnson Shine-Up Furniture Wax to bring a shine to the piece. Greenish colored bronzes: They will not show the water spots and color changing as much as the brown. We recommend paste wax applied as indicated above. If you are not satisfied with your bronze aging the last resort would be to have the piece re-painted.

This expensive process would likely involve removing the bronze from its permanent location and having a fine art foundry complete the process. We recommend you take the measures you deem appropriate and enjoy the aging of your bronze.

Can my sculpture be placed outside?

Absolutely. Nearly all of Gary's larger pieces are made for outdoor display.

Why is my fountain changing colors?

Water and bronze aren't the best of friends. Especially city water and bronze. As water comes into contact with the bronze different chemical reactions take place that cause variations in the color of your sculpture over time. The change is permanent. Some people like the way the bronze turns out, while others do not. Usually a brown sculpture that is used as a fountain will start to whiten and may even get a rainbow kind of effect where the bronze comes into contact with the water. You can slow this process by cleaning your sculpture often and applying a layer of Johnson's Paste Wax, or a Trewax brand wax.

How do I permanently install a sculpture?

When installing a sculpture, we feel it is important to have the piece on hand so you can better see how to install it. Each sculpture has nuts welded on the bottom, to which you can attach threaded rods. To get the exact placement of the holes, put chalk or pencil lead around the inside of the nuts under the piece and place the bronze exactly where you want it to be on the rock or cement base. Tap the sculpture and the chalk will fall and mark the drill holes. Drill the holes about ½ inch deeper than the longest rod. Give the holes plenty of width as some of the nuts will not likely be at a perfect right angle. Pour epoxy or quick set cement into each hole and place the sculpture. Another way to install the piece is to use a template such as a piece of paper to create an outline of the underside of the sculpture and mark where each nut is located. Place the template on the base and mark where each hole needs to be drilled for the rods.

How do I install a fountain?

f you are installing a fountain piece, we recommend that you don't permanently affix the piece because there is always the possibility of having to work on the plumbing connections for these sculptures. It would be best to attach these bronzes to some base such as the one illustrated below. It could be another type of base but it needs to be able to be installed and later removed if necessary. Each fountain piece has copper tubing to which you attach the water supply. You may use a re-circulating pump or have water plumbed into the tubing. It is best to use as pure water as possible - the fewer minerals and chemicals the better. Distilled water is ideal. All designs of fountains are different and you will design your own fountain and decide how it will be installed. Good luck with this project. Once the sculptures are on hand you will have many of your questions answered.

What are your sculptures made of?

Nearly all of the pieces shown on the site are bronze cast sculptures. However, there are a few that are porcelain, and a few that are stainless steel.

How long will it take for me to get my sculpture after I order it?

Many of our bronzes are in inventory and can be shipped out immediately. However, casting a piece is a very labor intensive process, so if your order isn't readily available it could take 8-12 weeks depending on the size of the piece. Larger ones obviously take longer.

How much is shipping?

Shipping on sculptures is approximately 5% of the retail price. This covers the cost of boxing or crating bronzes if necessary and covers insurance costs and the carrier shipping costs. Shipments outside of the United States may be higher.

Miscellaneous

Why are bronze sculptures so expensive?

Please take a look at our foundry tour. This explains the casting process and once you see how much labor and time is involved in creating a sculpture, you'll see why they cost so much.

Where can I see some of Gary's work on display?

To see a list of galleries and public displays of Gary's work, click on the Galleries link in the top menu.

Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, let us know and we will replace the piece or refund your money. Your only expense will be the cost of return shipping.

Does Gary do commissioned work?

On occasion Gary does do commission work. He has so many projects that he is working on however, that he doesn't have time for commissioned works. If you want, though, you may submit a proposal and he'll consider it.