Commission Statement
 
Every commission opens a new door.
I enjoy the challenges of finding my way into other people's histories and
interpreting their stories and spaces. My studio is full of props,
most of which are anonymous. Bought at auctions, and offerings from
friends, the shelves are crowded with these rescued treasures
whose history I will never know.
Who worked that bare spot into the handle of the iron?
Who wore that nurses's uniform in the 1930's and neatly patched
all the holes ? What might that teacup have overheard
during the century of its use?
In the beauty of their aging and well worn patinas there are layers
of stories. But when a patron invites me to paint an object or space
that has personal meaning, there is a direct line to their story and,
reading between its lines, I look for the common ground which
becomes a fundatmental part of creating each painting.
When I accept a commission there are no strings.
If it is a subject which I am drawn to naturally then I am willing to invest
the time and work. As a full time artist I have an ongoing list of paintings
in the works for upcoming shows and commissioned pieces are included.
I do not take a deposit, which removes the awkward obligation to buy,
but the patron gets the first opportunity to see and purchase the painting.
Honest relationships are far more important to me than contracts and money.
 
Built by Ross Ritchey