Vessel Sculpture Inspiration

Commissioned for the Marlet Property Group, Vessel rises from the earth, linking the past to the present and ancient Ireland to the modern-day Ireland of today. Installed at Grand Canal Quay in Dublin 8, Ireland, the cast aluminum Viking boat prow is surrounded by a reflecting pool in the plaza. Frothing waves of past journeys texture the broad surface of the hull.

Like a discovery of an underwater ship, the vessel remains half buried in the sea bottom.

Standing nearly 5 meters high and 2.5 meters in length, Vessel is a Viking ship which takes inspiration from the natural beauty of this area and its ancient past, rich in history and culture, its concepts of legacy, timelessness and reflection. Drawing on our ancient heritage and the influences that the Vikings had on who we are today. Vessel is a ship that symbolises the Viking raiding fleets that travelled from Scandinavia to Ireland to plunder the riches of the churches and monasteries in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Viking ships were so constructed that they could cross the North Sea and also sail up the shallow rivers and over time they settled and shared information and established a knowledge base that informs our creative process to this day. The sculpture is influenced by our ancient Celtic traditions and those of the Viking settlers, how both cultures interacted and influenced the course of our history.

I am inspired by reading the Dublin and the Viking World that the Irish Times reviewed on Tue, May 17, 2022: ‘A gorgeous new book, Dublin and the Viking World, introduces readers to the period when Dublin became Ireland’s first fully functioning town. Written by Prof Clarke, a director of the Medieval Trust (the parent body of Dublinia, the Viking and medieval museum near Christchurch, Dublin) and formerly a historian at UCD, Sheila Dooley who was curator and educational officer in Dublinia, and Dr Ruth Johnson, city archaeologist for Dublin City Council, it will be published just after Easter weekend’s first Viking festival, hosted by Dublinia.’

Celtic to Classical, Sandra Bell's meditations on the human form are unique interactive artworks of curvaceous abstractions. Sandra Bell has been awarded over 20 site specific commissions in Ireland and worldwide for cast bronze and fabricated metal sculpture.

Sandra Bell Can Recommend Sculpture Placement for Home or Business, Exterior Landscape or Garden

Choosing the Right Sculpture for you: From her a vast repertoire of figurative and abstract pieces, Sandra Bell can advise which artwork would perfectly compliment your modern or classical décor and garden landscaping.

Sandra Bell is a popular Irish contemporary artist with +30 years experience in cast bronze and fabricated metal sculpture. Highly creative and prolific, Sandra is always in the studio honing her craft. She has been awarded over 30 site specific commissions in Ireland and sold hundreds of sculptures for private collections worldwide.

Artwork Positioning and Rationale: Once matched with the right sculpture, Sandra will give suggestions for display, lighting, positioning and rationale for interior or exterior placement. Sandra’s visually exciting artwork is versatile, interactive, and wonderfully balanced from all angles.
Relationship to Architecture: Sandra Bell’s sculptures are iconic and symbolic of Ireland. Her pieces seek to meld the past with the present and future in a sustainable, contemporary, and inviting way. The simple lines are challenging and dynamic. Throughout the passing of the day, light plays on the  sweeping large spaces in lively dialogue with the surrounding architectural shapes. Her artwork embodies the tension between light and dark, the eternal world and natural world, and Christian and Celtic traditions.
Harmony with Landscaping: The thoughtful poses and expansive shapes of Sandra’s art is reminiscent of the natural divine connection in Celtic mythology. When purchasing an exterior artwork, Sandra will recommend the groundworks, foundations, paving, lighting and landscaping necessary for the sculpture’s stability and integration with the other natural features. When purchasing an exterior artwork, Sandra will recommend the groundworks, foundations, paving, lighting and landscaping necessary for the sculpture’s stability and integration with the other natural features.

“Drawing on my Irish heritage and the ecology of who we are today, my sculpture naturally compliments its surrounds.”

Sculpture Tailored to Meet Your Needs

“The pleasure and enjoyment in connecting with people through the creation of my sculpture delights me. I lose myself in my artwork and explore my inner feelings in a quiet and meditative place. I love that others viewing my sculpture may share part of my experience and find meaning and relevance in the art that I do.”
The simple lines are challenging, creating large spaces which allow a play of light throughout the sculptures. The smooth surfaces and soft curves entice viewers to interact with these living shapes. Sandra Bell designs cast bronze sculpture for all manner of organizations, from An Post and Unilever to the Cork Film Festival and the G.A.A. The artist has been awarded over 30 commissions in cast bronze and fabricated steel in Ireland, Britain, and worldwide. Her sculptures compliment any décor and are lauded by interior designers for homes and corporate buildings. Sandra Bell’s figurative and abstract forms are sought after by landscape architects for exterior, contemporary public art venues, private gardens, and city plazas. See Teachers Inspire and Unity. 
Sandra Bell is one of the finest Irish living artists, producing some of the most beautiful and popular commissions globally. Sandra Bell Sculpture is unique and made with sustainability in mind. Carving figures out of wax, 3D printing in PLA, and molding them into cast bronze or fabricated metal, Sandra Bell uses sustainable processes and materials in creating her sculptures.

Whether your desire is contemporary, modern, and abstract or Classical, historical, and figurative Sandra Bell can skillfully render a sculpture that meets your needs. In any medium – from cast bronze to metal, painted or patinated – her sculpture is iconic, interactive, and memorable.

Best known for her Irish Cast Bronze Sculpture featuring heroic figures and Celtic legends

Sandra Bell’s fine art is a modern interpretation of the natural beauty of Ireland and its ancient past, rich in history and culture, its concepts of legacy, timelessness and reflection.

From animals and music, to Irish culture and Viking boats, Sandra Bell’s artwork will connect you to mythological Ireland. Iconic Irish symbols with powerful gestures are immortalized in the metal medium. Stylized with beautiful mastery, the figurative and abstract works represent change and transformation rooted in the connection between Sandra Bell and her community. Her visually striking sculpture reflects her passion and the impacts she has made on the Irish community and the relationship with her city, place, and people. Sandra Bell Sculpture has been honored for her charity work, endeavors to commemorate teachers, and sustainably integrate art into all aspects of Irish culture. See Rose Bowl, Torc, and Granuaile.
“Flux” is Sandra Bell’s most recent solo exhibition of sculpture reflects on the past ten years of global unsettlement and the effect it has had on her artwork. The curving shapes and sweeping forms celebrate the Future, the sculpture’s contemporary feel reflects the present, and the meaning behind each honours the Past of Ireland.

Sandra Bell Sculpture is a Sustainable Investment

Her cast bronze and fabricated metal artworks are not only popular fine works, but one of the best, most sustainable investments you can make.
Artwork Reflects Cultural and Environmental Values: Sandra Bell seeks to raise awareness in conservation and promote environmental values through her art. Each sculpture is rooted in the beauty and harmony of the natural environment. Her work speaks to the public and sends the message of protection and conservation, celebrating the biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Sandra Bell Sculpture Considers Environmental Impacts in the Fabrication Processes and Materials: To promote conservation, sustainable and innovative sculpture design and construction, including the recycling of natural and economic resources, Sandra develops a unique lifetime plan for every art project.
Sandra Bell Sculpture’s Approach to Sustainable Business

• Holistic Cooperation: Protecting our shared environment is of fundamental importance to us, as it is to our team members, customers and suppliers. We are focused on promoting holistic sustainability in our operations, for our team, our clients and their community.

• Recycling, Energy Conservation, and Carbon Footprint: Our commitment to improve the process of creating sculpture with the latest technological advancements in our field also support our dedication to sustainability. Our standard procedure involves recycling all scrap metal and other unused materials as appropriate and using biodegradable materials where available.

Please see our Sustainability Document Page to learn more about our operational improvements to decrease our environmental impact and future endeavors to support sustainability.

Sandra Bell Sculpture inspires Interaction and is Accessible to all

Sandra Bell’s artwork links the past to the present, from ancient Ireland to the modern Ireland of today. Her work speaks of the Irish myths that bring together family, community, and nature’s connection to the divine. Irish legends are the stories of all. They captivate the soul and foster relationships. Sandra Bell’s sculpture gives the viewer an emotional connection to the place which she calls home. The lessons of old, inspire us to include, to respect, and to respond in the present. Her art is a vibrant portrait of the community and accessible to all.

Unique Artwork vs. Sculpture Editions

“It gives me so much pleasure to work with others and to enable them to personalise their commissioned sculpture. Making a maquette is the first stage in a commission and these are available for sale as a limited edition of eight or as a unique original piece.”

As you decide which sculpture is right for you, it is important to take into account whether the artwork is an edition or unique in factoring its purchase value and the potential future value as an investment. Before purchasing from Sandra Bell, we will clearly communicate if the art is an edition and what number of the run is currently available. We will guarantee this in a purchase contract and certificate of authenticity.

• Original Art: This type of sculpture will be the most valuable and potentially longest timeline for delivery. It will be more expensive to purchase, but it will give your highest return on investment. Unique artwork, usually starts as a design collaboration between the client and Sandra Bell. Depending whether the piece is interior or exterior, monumental or small in size, figurative or abstract, bronze or metal will be decided from the outset. Sandra will often give preliminary sketches or carve a maquette in wax for larger pieces. The artist herself will then enlarge and skillfully render your artwork in wax, plaster, or 3D print in PLA, then mould and cast into bronze or other metal. When designing an original, if not already in stock, the timeline will be longer to allow for the above process. Overall, an original commissioned artwork will involve design collaboration between the Buyer and the Artist, an exchange of sketches, maquette previews, and periodic status reports. This type of commission will involve a deposit, casting/fabricating fees, and final payment. Each percentage demarcation will be decided by Sandra Bell and her subcontractors. See Fyning Hill Estate series and Spirit of Rialto.

• Limited Editions: Sandra’s artwork in limited edition is also prized. The number of the edition will never change and is set from the start at the creation of the original model. These sculptures are exact copies of the original and made directly from the same mould. Both original artworks and editions will be made by the artist’s own hand. Released in a limited small number – eight to ten – the restricted quantity of pieces will be much rarer and retain its high value. Each piece will have a clear etching into the metal’s surface indicating the number of the copy and total number in the edition. See Orb III, Arch, Lady Sun.

Which numbers in an edition are the most valuable? The price of each number in the edition might change based on the availability of materials at the time of casting or fabricating and/or the demand for the sculptures and how many are left.
Investing in Sandra Bell art is an investment in passion for the craft of creating fine art metal sculpture Sandra Bell’s art is renown in Ireland and popular throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Buying an edition would make sense if you have a bounded budget and timeline, but it’s always best to choose the pieces that you love. Sandra is always will to negotiate and create something that is perfect for your home décor, garden, or public space.

Why do I need to inquire with Sandra Bell regarding Sculpture availability instead of purchasing outright?

While Killin Studios has many Sandra Bell sculptures on hand, your specific choice may have to be cast anew. In that case, Sandra has a well connected knowledgeable team and network of craftsman that will get to work immediately on fabricating or pouring a new bronze from the mould.

“Throughout the course of my career, I have built excellent working relationships with many companies, my team and clientele. The team, assembled over many years, has been chosen for their expertise and experience in their fields.”

Sandra will discuss availability, price, timeline, and delivery options with you via email or phone.  If not already indicated in the email, please let us know which sculpture(s) you are interested in. Sandra Bell is an expert artisan that can guide you toward the piece that best reflects you, your client, the intended environment, budget, and length of time to receive.

Sandra Bell Is Experienced

Sandra Bell has extensive experience in contemporary art practice and is highly skilled in the process of making small and large scale sculptures. She has a proven ability to work in site specific ways for both the public and private domain.

• Professional member of Visual Artists Ireland

• Completed more than 30 sculpture commissions to date

• Proven experience in making art for the public and private domain

• Tax-free exemption and tax compliance certificate

• Completed every art commission within the timeframe agreed

• Never exceeded the agreed artwork budget

• Good Communications skills

• Experience of working as part of a team

• The initiative and motivation to work to a given time schedule

Sculptural Integrity and Well Honed Design

The artwork is created in materials and processes that are a result of thorough research, well informed choices, and in partnership with a skilled and knowledgeable team.

The artist has weighed the advantages and disadvantages of multiple materials and construction options. The final design is the most durable, cost advantageous, and easiest to maintain. This sculpture poses no hazard or danger to the public. It has been designed with health and safety attributes for all manner of display. The artwork has structural integrity with applicable substructure detail where necessary and made with strong, climate resistant materials. The artwork was created with technical expertise. If the maintenance program is adhered to, the Buyer will enjoy a long-life of the artwork where the value will only grow.

How your Sculpture is Made

Cast Bronze:

The “lost wax” method is a complicated process involving much interaction between the sculptor and the foundry.

• Traditional Method – After the original sculpture is carved out of wax or plaster and smoothed, the model is moulded, and the mould is lined with wax. This hollow wax version is dipped in a cement slurry, dried, and coated again many times until a hard shell is formed around the outside and the inside of the piece. The interior wax is heated and melted out. The molten bronze is poured into the recess within the shell and allowed to cool. The shell is broken off and the bronze pieces are reassembled by welding and the surface is finished. See Alya I, Lilly, Quasar II.

• Sustainable 3D Printed PLA Method – After the original is sculpted, the model is Laser Scanned and enlarged in a CAD program if necessary. The piece is then 3D printed in PLA (Polyactic Acid), a biodegradable corn based sustainable material. The 3D printed pieces are sand casted at the foundry, reassembled and finished. See Anam Cara.

Bronze is the most lasting of all mediums through which artistic creation is expressed. Its beauty is enhanced with age.

Fabricated Metal: A sculpture made in this medium could be stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or combination. The original sculpture is either modeled in a CAD program or sculpted with wax/plaster. The metal is then enlarged, fabricated with large rollers, welded, and finished. See Torque III.
Visit our Methods and Processes or Sustainability pages for more details.

General Care For your Sandra Bell Sculpture

Sandra Bell and her team creates high quality work that will stand the test of time. A detailed maintenance plan will be given to the Buyer for each sculpture based on the material specifications and methods by which the artwork was created. The sculpture was made to withstand the majority of a site’s environmental demands and the occasional extreme weather conditions, including proximity to the sea, air pollution and high winds. In the case of original commissioned work, Sandra Bell has made specificaccommodations for site requirements when designing the sculpture that considers a particular climate or conditions that the Buyer intends to display in.
Preservation and Cleaning – All Sculpture: Your Sandra Bell sculpture should be displayed in a well ventilated area away from high heat, humidity greater than 70%,  polluted environments or areas that are subject to evaporating salt water. That said, your sculpture can be displayed in exterior environments that may experience the former, but be advised that more frequent regular cleaning will be necessary to preserve the original condition. Keep your sculpture clean by dusting it with a soft cloth, soft shoe brush, toothbrush or the nozzle brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. If de-greasing or heavier cleaning is required, test a small area first, cleaning it with a mild soap and distilled water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry thoroughly.
Special Coatings, Lacquers, and Waxes: Sandra Bell will notify you if special coatings, lacquers or waxes have been applied, especially in cases of exterior art. In this instance, the Buyer must take care when cleaning the surface so that the coatings are not removed or the coloring/paint is not altered in such a way that damages the surface and decreases the future value of the sculpture. In other words, when in doubt, ask Sandra before you use a chemical cleaner on your artwork, which includes but is not limited to abrasive polishes, brushes or chemicals which could scratch the metal surface, powder coat, or painted areas.
Preventing Scratches and Abrasions on your Sculpture: All metal surfaces are susceptible to scratches. They are most notably seen on high polish bronze and stainless steel sculpture.  Any abrasions can disrupt the uniform finish and remove the protective coatings, so it is crucial to prevent scratching the sculptures. You can do this by avoiding harsh cleaners, dusting and cleaning the surface of your sculpture with water and liquid dish soap prior to waxing (when applicable) and using only soft brushes and cloths to buff. When cleaning your sculptures, do so at least weekly to prevent hard to remove buildup and ensure to scrub in alignment with the grain of the finish.
Improper Handling, Dust, and Oils Can Damage your Sculpture: Handling your metal sculpture with nitrile gloves prevents salts and oils from your bare hands to etch into the metal surface. Salts, oils, and moisture can cause corrosion to develop, "staining" your metal sculpture. Fingerprints may appear as darkened disfiguring marks on highly polished areas and may even cause permanent damage. Note that soft cotton gloves can still carry residual oils and salts.
Take Care in Lifting your Sculpture: Metal sculptures are often of significant weight no matter the medium and although your bronze sculptures are hollow, they are the heaviest of all. In the case of smaller sculptures, lift at their center of gravity. Avoid lifting objects by the head, limbs, thin cantilevered projections, or other extended areas; the metal may have developed unseen weaknesses over time and may bend or break unexpectedly. Large and oversize objects may require additional planning and consultation with a professional handler or rigging company.
Storing your Sculpture: Dust can damage your sculpture and the coatings applied to the surface. You can safely store your sculpture and keep it dust free by wrapping with a soft sheet or plastic, but avoid a sealed plastic bag due to the possibility of condensation. Find alternative storage spaces with moderate temperatures rather than attics and basements which may experience extreme heat or cold. You can also protect your collection by storing it on shelves padded with inert foam (i.e. "Ethafoam").

1.     Care for your CAST BRONZE Sculpture: Bronze is combination of  90% copper, 6% tin and 4% zinc. The alloyed metal has been widely used since antiquity for its beauty, durability, versatility, and strength in weapons, sculpture, and decorative objects. Bronze is valuable and can last for centuries.

a.     ‘Patinated Cast Bronze’ Sculpture: Patina is the color applied to a bronze after finishing. Patination refers to the alteration of bronze by chemical reaction. It is a modification to the actual material and is a permanent change to the subsurface layer of bronze. The artist/Buyer chooses colors and textures by applying various chemicals on the sculpture and secured with heat. Bronzes are traditionally patinated in colors from light green to dark brown. A natural patina can also be obtained by exposure to atmospheric conditions, such as chemicals in the air like oxygen and humidity, otherwise known as oxidation. To protect the patina from changing in response to the environment, the artist or foundry will apply coats of wax or lacquer. Once the bronze arrives at your location, certain steps should be taken to preserve the original patina as the need to preserve the patinated appearance may affect the future value of the sculpture. See Ballerina, Blythe Spirit, and Sabrina.

• Waxing your Patinated Sculpture: Although the patina is inherent in the metal after application, being only millimeters deep, it is the most delicate part of your bronze. It is best to avoid most cleaning agents and to use inert waxes that prevent yellowing. Wax provides a flexible coating that is easily applied and can be used frequently. Clean the sculpture first by dusting with a microfiber cloth, paying attention to other environmental build up and removing as necessary. Rub the wax on top of the original patinas and lacquers. You will not harm the surface layers with wax, on the contrary, it will protect them layer after layer for many years.

• Recommended products: The fine art industry recommends Johnson’s Traffic Wax, Mohawk Blue Label Paste Wax or Renaissance wax. Apply wax in thin, even coats and allow the wax to sit and dry from six to twelve hours before buffing and polishing with a soft brush, microfiber rag, or soft bristle brush. Highly humid areas may call for more frequent applications.

• Natural patina evolution: Some bronze owners choose to let the wax coating wear thin and prefer the natural reaction and aging process of the patina. A famous instance of this is the Statue of Liberty in New York, US.

• Problem Corrosion: Natural patina should be seen as a continuous greening. This is distinguished from corrosion which occurs from poor handling and improper storage in areas of high humidity or rapidly fluctuating temperatures. Corrosion causes a loss of metal and leads to denting, breaking, bending, cracking, and joint failure. Active problem corrosion is indicated by small spots of light green powder found in cavities and pitting. It flakes off easily and will continue to degrade and break down the metal. Prevention is the best way to protect against this kind of damage.

b.      Care for your ‘High Polish Cast Bronze’ Sculpture: Nothing is more lovely than seeing the true nature of bronze in a highly polished sculpture. See Sandra Bell’s Centaur, Polished Harp, Lyric Wall Sculpture, Divergence I. Display your sculpture in a location that will best preserve it. A highly polished surface, as opposed to patinated, is even more susceptible to fingerprint “staining”, environmental oxidation, and tarnishing.

• Buff and Polish with Brasso: If you wish to return your high polish bronze sculpture to its original highly reflective appearance, Sandra Bell recommends the Brasso product with wadding. Wear disposable gloves, rip a section of wadding off, and rub with a fair amount of elbow grease the high polished areas (head, accents, etc.). Let dry for a few minutes then buff with a soft rag or microfiber cloth. If the surface is heavily tarnished, you may need to repeat steps a few times until the surface is bright and gleaming.

• Exterior sculptures may have “Incralac” coating: Exterior high polished cast bronze may be protected with extra coating to prevent the need for frequent cleanings. Sandra Bell will give you personalized instruction indicating if a coating or lacquer known as "Incralac" lacquer, which is formulated for use on copper and copper alloys, has been applied to the sculpture. In which case, Brasso is not to be used, but rather soap and water is sufficient followed by buffing with a soft cloth.

2.      How to Maintain your FABRICATED METAL Sculpture: Sandra Bell uses high quality metals in her fabricated sculpture. See Sandra Bell’s Unity and Torque II. Stainless Steel is made by adding chromium to molten steel. Stainless Steel is unusually strong and resistant to rusting caused by water. Well cared for, the lifespan of 316 Stainless Steel will exceed 100 years. Sandra uses 6mm Stainless Steel Grade 316 for exterior surfaces and in large pieces, a Stainless Steel Grade 304 internal armature will be incorporated to ensure stability. This internal structure will extend down into a base plate anchored to the reinforced foundation. The use of Stainless Steel ensures that rust and corrosion, especially on exterior sculpture, is reduced to a minimum. Notwithstanding, there are several cleaning routines that should be followed to protect and preserve the metal. For public pieces, Sandra Bell will coat the entire surface of the sculpture with an anti-graffiti agent.

a. ‘Satin Polish and High Polish Fabricated Metal’ Care: Sandra Bell’s fabricated metal sculptures defy the material from which they’re made. Her team of metal workers spend hours polishing the surfaces and corners until they of are soft and lustrous and melt under your touch. To keep the sheen and allure, Sandra advises cleaning the sculpture on a regular basis. With this simple regimen, little dirt and grime will accumulate and cleaning will take minimal time.

• Surface Grit: The surface skin of a Stainless-Steel satin finish sculpture is polished to Grit 320 which is contemporary and dramatic in its smooth reflective nature. A mirror polish, Grit 400, is stunning and highly reflective.  When polished to such standards, the metal surface will keep its sheen throughout its lifespan.

• Avoid abrasive chemicals: Do not clean your stainless steel sculpture with oven cleaners, paint strippers, and drain cleaners. They are not required for sheen and such substances may even harm the surface. Dust with a gentle cloth. When needed, rinse with warm water and a small amount of dish soap to remove dirt, oil, or grease. Apply it to the sculpture for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

• Scrub/wipe with the polished metal grain: Your sculpture will retain its radiance by rinsing regularly in addition to a weekly gentle scrub to eliminate residues. When cleaning stainless steel sculptures, do so at least weekly and ensure to scrub in alignment with the grain of the satin finish. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the sculpture's reflective quality.

3.      ‘Painted and Powder Coat Finish’ Sculpture Care: Sandra Bell’s painted and powder coated sculptures such as Selene, AGo-Go, Torque III, and Emergence Maya utilize paint to protect the underlying metal surface. Whether it is painted bronze or painted fabricated metal, the care is the same. The main maintenance focus is to protect against scratches and abrasions that will undermine the painted sculpture’s vibrant beauty.

a.     High Quality Paint Products: Sandra Bell uses paint products similar to automotive paint for its UV resistance qualities, durability, and longevity. While powder coating is her go-to option for exterior art, Sandra chooses either acrylic or urethane paint for her interior sculpture. Follow the below cleaning schedule for your sculpture, maintaining it just as you would your new car.

• Wash your sculpture regularly. Dirt and grime left on the surface can degrade the paint finish.

• Use the right wax for your paint. Sandra will notify you what type of paint your sculpture has and what wax is appropriate for it. There are different waxes for different kinds of paint. Use the right one recommended.

• Paint conditioners are your friend. Paint conditioners are made specifically to preserve the paint on your sculpture. Sandra will advise if this is appropriate, make sure to follow the directions on the label.

• Use a good clay bar. Clay bars can return your sculpture to its lustrous gloss state. Be sure to use a proper applicator.

• Note rust spots. Although your sculpture’s underlying metal is pure grade of 316 Stainless Steel, some impurities may taint areas. Rust is the enemy of paint preservation. If you notice a rust spot, let Sandra know immediately before it spreads.

• Fix scratches as soon as possible. Scratches and dents should be addressed right away. Sandra will advise you

b. Powder Coated Sculpture: This is the strongest method to adhere paint to a metal surface and the most resilient against environmental damage. Pigmented powder is adhered to the metal’s surface outer layer with an electric charge. The color is then permanently fused to the metal once baked in a curing oven. This dry finishing process creates a hard strong protective barrier. Powder coating is tougher than conventional paint since it can produce much thicker coatings without running or sagging. Powder coating is particularly sought after for metal because it repels corrosive materials such as chemicals and water. The thicker layer also provides better protection against corrosion, scratches/chipping and fading. Powder coating produces a consistent, colour durable, and long lasting finish.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Unlike spray paint, powder coating is much more resistant to things like rust, corrosion, peeling and fading. However, Sandra recommends that you do not use chemical cleaners and solvents to clean your powder coated sculpture. Harsh cleaners and solvents like acetone can actually damage powder coating.

• Clean gently: You can still clean powder coated surfaces. Just wipe off dust with a soft cloth. If more cleaning is necessary, use a highly diluted, mild soap in water and a soft towel or soft sponge to very gently clean. Rinse with a little water, then dry with another soft towel.

• Wax: If your powder coated metal has lost its gloss and shine, first remove dirt with mild soap then apply a thin layer of wax just as you would do with a patinated bronze. After the wax dries, simply wipe off and the powder coated metal will look like new.

• Don’t paint: Sandra does not recommend that you touch up imperfections and rust with paint. The powder coating process will prevent regular paint from adhering to surfaces. If your powder coating is starting to show signs of wear and tear, contact Sandra Bell or Killin Studios and they will recommend a professional to either repair or redo the powder coating.

• Maintenance schedules: Regularly inspect and clean your powder coated sculpture. Your cleaning schedule will depend on whether your artwork is interior or exterior, subject to heat, humidity, or other environmental factors.

Timeline for Sculpture Delivery

Timelines will be discussed with you prior to purchase. Sandra Bell will confirm dates with the casting foundry (and/or related supplier vendors for fabricating materials and metal finishing), the packing team, transport and delivery subcontractors and create a master schedule for each client. The timeline will be noted in the final quote.  Material availability is subject to change and must be reconfirmed upon ordering. Due to high construction demand and supplier shortages in the current economic climate, prices and timelines may fluctuate.

Costs, Fees, and VAT of your Sculpture

Our experience in Public Art Commissions gives us the expertise in coordinating with many entities and getting the job done within a reasonable and expected cost and timeframe.

Upon inquiring the availability of a sculpture with Sandra Bell, she will discuss and outline the price.  Quotes will be obtained from supplier vendors and will be outlined in a purchase contract. Quotes will be entertained for 60 days, whereupon they are again subject to availability and must be reconfirmed upon ordering. Due to high material demand and supplier shortages in the current economic climate, prices and timelines may fluctuate. Once a negotiated price is put in writing it will held firm. Any other changes in price will be approved with the client prior to charging. Costs will be delineated according to item, packing, shipping, and VAT. Sandra Bell is not responsible for third party delays in shipping and transport of your sculpture, but the artwork will be fully insured.

Sculpture Purchase Agreement

A purchase contract will be drawn up for each client with specific unique requirements. Generally speaking, for the purposes of this website, Sandra Bell of Killin Studios, Killin, Dundalk, County Ireland summarizes the following conditions:

• The Work is authentic, meaning the Work was created by Sandra Bell. As of the date, she is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Work and the Work is not subject to or the subject of any rights or interests of others. The Collector (Buyer) is willing to purchase the Work, subject to mutual obligations, covenants, and conditions herein. The Collector and Artist recognize that the value of the Work, unlike that of any ordinary tangible movable property, is and will be affected by each and every other work of art the Artist has created and will hereafter create. The parties expect the value of the Work to increase hereafter. Therefore, the Collector agrees to ensure an appropriate storage environment consistent with professional fine art museum and conservation standards. To safeguard the quality and condition of the Work requires the Collector to protect the Work from water, fire, loss, damage, deterioration, theft, mishandling, dirt, vermin, insects, and from extremes of light, temperature, and humidity.

• The Buyer will agree to purchase Sandra Bell’s Work by a mutually agreed format (i.e. Personal Draft, Cash, Wire Transfer, etc.). Both Sandra Bell and the Seller will confirm that the Work is in good condition prior to the Closing Date. The obligation to pay the Purchase Price is expressly conditioned on Buyer’s ability to inspect the Work prior to sale or for a period of 30 days after arrival. If the Work is not in the same condition as reflected in the Condition Report at the time of its delivery at the Delivery Location or as of the Closing Date, Buyer shall have the right to terminate the Agreement and be entitled to a full refund of the Purchase Price less packing/crating and shipping/transport.

• The “Closing Date” shall mean the date upon which Buyer has paid the full Purchase Price to Sandra Bell. On the Closing Date, subject only to Buyer’s payment of the full Purchase Price in accordance with this Agreement, Sandra Bell, hereby transfers to Buyer good and marketable title and exclusive and unrestricted right to possession of the Work free and clear of any and all Claims. On the Closing Date, Sandra Bell shall deliver to Buyer a signed copy of the Bill of Sale and a certificate of authenticity of the Work. 

• The Work has been lawfully exported and imported as required by the laws of any country in which it was located or to which it was transported, and any duties and taxes on the export and import of the Work have been paid and any required declarations upon the export and import have been made.

Artist Rights

• Sandra Bell retains sole copyright to the associated artworks. Any unauthorized reproduction or commercial use is in violation of E.U. and International copyright law. Purchase of an original or limited edition sculpture does not transfer the copyrights.

• Sandra Bell reserves the right to create reproductions of the limited edition number for sale. The right to produce limited edition works, to produce derivative work based on the copyrighted sculpture, and distribute copies is retained by the Artist, Sandra Bell. She will not reproduce any original artwork if deemed unique and sold as such.

• Any transfer of this copyright will be made in writing and in communication with the Buyer to expressly identify what rights are being sold and for what purpose.

• The Buyer will not modify a work of art without the permission of Sandra Bell. Works cannot be distributed, mutilated or modified in any way that would prejudice the reputation of the Artist.

• The artist Sandra Bell reserves the right to create printed and digital reproductions of her original works for marketing purposes.  This includes but is not limited to works posted social media accounts e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all other forms of media under the Sandra Bell and Killin Studios brand.

Artist’s Warranties and Indemnities

• Sandra Bell represents and warrants that she is the sole creator of the Artwork, and that no one has previously reserved the rights granted in this agreement. Sandra Bell also represents that, to the best of her knowledge, the Artwork is not in violation of any rights of privacy or any other rights of third persons, does not violate any existing common law or statutory copyrights, was not generated in part or in full by an art-generation model (so-called “AI”) nor replicated, except for the number in limited edition if applicable.

Confidentiality

• The Buyer shall not disclose the purchase price or other terms of this Agreement to any third party without Sandra Bell’s written consent, except as necessary or as may be required by law. The terms of this paragraph shall survive the transfer of title and/or termination of this Agreement.

Artwork Shipping and Insurance

Sandra Bell and Killin Studios will arrange for packing and shipping the Work from its current location to the Delivery Location and insuring the Work until the Closing Date. The price of the third party crating and transport will be identified on the purchase agreement and its payment is the Buyer’s responsibility. Sandra Bell fabricates and casts throughout the E.U. This will generally be your sculpture’s point of origin. For domestic E.U. and International shipping, Sandra will negotiate with her transport subcontractors for reasonable prices and minimal timelines to guarantee the utmost care of the Work and professionalism.

Sandra Bell’s packing and transport subcontractors shall provide insurance cover for the Work. The insurance coverage will  be an amount equal to the Purchase Price commencing on the Effective Date and continuing until risk of loss or damage transfers to Buyer. Risk of loss or damage to the Work shall transfer from Sandra Bell to Buyer following both (i) Buyer’s acceptance of the Work at the Delivery Location and (ii) payment by Buyer of the full Purchase Price (Closing Date). The Buyer will assume insurance and protection of the work during the 30 grace period when evaluating the condition of the piece with the Condition Report.

Direct Sale of Sculpture vs. Gallery Artwork Purchase

Inquiries through this website and negotiations for purchase directly with Sandra Bell will include the sculpture’s casting/fabricating costs, artist’s fee, VAT, and transport/shipping. If purchasing a Sandra Bell work of art through a gallery, the purchase price will be relatively the same though the gallery will receive a commission. On your gallery invoice the following may be delineated but is not limited to, commission fees covering the business end of the purchase: the marketing, invoicing, communications, logistics, shipping, etc. If buying directly from Sandra, she handles the latter herself. Sandra maintains solid professional relationships with many galleries and venues selling a range of work both publicly and privately. If a piece is not in stock at Sandra Bell’s studio, she will notify the Buyer if there is an alternate venue in which to purchase it.

Cancellation Policy

Sandra Bell wants her work to be right for you.

Limited Edition Sculpture Return: If for whatever reason, if you are not 100% satisfied when you receive your limited edition sculpture, you can return it to Sandra. You have 30 days from the day you received your item to return it. We will refund the purchase price minus a small fee for processing. The Buyer will be responsible for return transport costs.

Sculpture Exchange: Sandra Bell would love to exchange your sculpture for another piece that suits your taste or placement, please contact us to see what we can do for you. 

Original Unique Sculpture Cannot be Returned: If your chosen work of art is uniquely commissioned, you can cancel your request up until you accept Sandra Bell's proposal. You cannot cancel or return a commissioned art once Sandra Bell begins work on the piece.

Whatever the language, Sandra Bell creates some of the most popular contemporary Irish sculpture

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