The creation of an original piece of liturgical art or liturgical furniture requires a community effort. It is just as important for the faith community to get familiar with the artist and their creative process as it is for the artist to get to know the people who will be using and enjoying the work. We may feel shy about expressing our ideas about what is beautiful and good, or we may be vocal and impassioned. The important thing is to begin the conversation within the congregation, either with the artist or a liturgical art consultant in consultation (preferable), or before making contact. The evolution of a commission is often a process of growth for a worshipping community, as we discover important facets of deeply held beliefs among our members and even within ourselves.

Initial Contact
This website is a good first step. Share it with other members who will be involved in the decision-making process. Take some time to look at my portfolio and get an idea of the stylistic and technical range of the work. Although more work can be seen than is represented on the website, the portfolios here show a broad sampling.

Consultation
How we conduct the consultation will depend on where you are. If possible, I like to visit your congregation to see where the work will be and to get an idea of the range of sensibilities expressed among you. We can also do this from a distance via phone, fax, photographs and e-mail. The point here is for us to develop the rapport needed for us to collaborate well.

Design
Our ideas now begin to take shape on paper and in small scale maquettes. There is bit of mystery involved in the creative process and it does not always lend itself to hard schedules. There are times when the ideas come together fast and easy, and there are times when a longer period of quiet gestation is needed. As my process is fairly experimental, several very different ideas may present themselves as options. I rely on you, the client, to provide feedback to these possibilities as we navigate these unknown waters. I usually make heavy use of sketches and samples to provide you with as close a sense as possible of what will ultimately be made. Generally, after the design phase, I like for there to be as few surprises as possible. However, it is often in the studio, in the making of the piece, that the most important ideas take shape. I rely heavily on digital photos and e-mail to keep the client abreast and participating through the process.

Design Fee
I usually request a nonrefundable design fee of 10-15 percent of the estimated cost, depending on the nature of the project, before moving into the design stage. When the project is completed this is deducted from the total cost.

Budgets
This also can be an evolving aspect of the commission. If you have clearly defined parameters, please let me know. The evolution of the piece such as liturgical furniture will affect the costs not always upward. Simpler is sometimes better. I will be able to give you an idea of costs early on but this cannot be finalized until the design is complete.


Erling Hope
1455 Sag / Bridge tpke
Sag Harbor, NY  11963
hopelitwrk@aol.com
631.725.4294