A : Home base is Coeur d’ Alene Idaho. However, Jeff has work placed across the nation, and most can be easily shipped just about anywhere. If your interested in commissioning a sculpture and live in the northwest we take regular trips to the coast… It’s quite possible to pre-arrange a free or low cost delivery while in route near the Interstate 90 from Coeur d Alene to the greater Seattle area. For more information about this contact Jeff via e-mail and see what can be worked out…

Yes, Jeff works from his home-based studio on ten beautiful acres in Northern Idaho. If you’d like to stop by, please call ahead and schedule a visit in advance.

 The best way to start a commission is to reach out and schedule some time to chat with Jeff directly over the phone. Below are some of the questions that will be discussed:

Location:

• Where is the project based ?
• Will the Artwork require installation, and if so what are the site locations details: – Access ( Terrain, gates / gate codes) – Permits ( CC&R & or County code compliance)

Budget:

Its often a good idea to come up with a rough budget ahead of time, as the budget guides the more creative aspects of the sculpture itself, letting jeff know how best to proceed. Once the budget is established Jeff will work on some design concepts that fit into the budget and submit them for your approval . If you approve the design, a 10% deposit (based on total project estimate) will secure your spot in his workload. Once the project is started an additional 40% is required and the remaining 50% balance is due upon completion. Payment method preferred is Personal Check, however you may also pay by credit card.

Timeline:

Jeff does mostly commission work, and with that said, each project is approached on a first come, first serve basis based on the date project deposits are received. Jeff will be able to give you a rough idea of a projected completion date based on his current workload and the projects scope.

There is often a handful of available pieces for purchasing directly, You can also view available art by visiting the “Available Art” section of the Gallery. The Studio is open by appointment only, so we suggest calling ahead to schedule a visit.

 Here are a list of possibilities:

• Architectural Carving (beams, mantels, doors, benches)
• Indoor (relief panels, fine art bronze, detailed chainsaw art)
• Outdoor (fine art bronze, detailed chainsaw art)
• Abstract Mountain Contemporary
• Figurative (human focused art)
• Wildlife

Above are very general categories but will help you to identify the main type of art you might be looking for. Many people approach Jeff not knowing exactly what they’re looking for and request an onsite visit, which can also be arranged. You can always browse the online gallery for a glimpse at previous work…

Jeff is in the process of developing some online content in 2020 that will help those interested in giving sculpting a try a very solid foundation. In person instruction is assessed on a case by case scenario, based on availability and circumstance. If you’d like to stay informed as to educational opportunities click here

Trees are removed for lots of reasons, the tree may be dead or dying, or even pose a danger to structures. Regardless of the reason, one really neat way to give new life to it, is to have it carved into a beautiful Sculpture. You can explore some ideas for carvings by checking out the “Gallery” to see Jeff May’s past work.

There is a lot that goes into pricing a sculpture, but this will give you an idea of a place to start.  Here are a few of the factors that go into determining a sculptures cost: Type of wood used, Complexity of the design, and Projected size.  Prices for Jeff May’s work start at  $250.00 per  carved foot and go up from there. Jeff is passionate about making sure that you are as proud to own a sculpture as he is of sculpting it. So don’t be afraid to reach out and have a chat about commissioning something special..

Check out the gallery of past work here

The short answer is Yes… here is my process: If you tree is accessible to a truck, I generally come in with my truck  and use my crane to remove the tree from its base. This method has many benefits.

 1.The Sculpture can be made year around and finished to completion in a controlled environment.

2. The tree stump can be treated with a rot preservative right at the ground level, preventing moisture and rot from the ground reaching your sculpture.

3.  Small spacers are placed between the Ground stump and the Sculpture to prevent wood to wood contact and provide airflow. The sculpture is fastened with a number of timber screws to the treated base.

This has been a part of my workflow for the past 10 years, however I do make occasional exceptions to jobs requiring onsite sculpting.

Wood sculptures can last a very long time, here  are the factors and or elements that affect outdoor wood sculptures:

• Bugs / Insects,
• Direct contact with the ground
•  Failure to maintain the wood protective finish
• Exposure to the elements.. rain, snow, sun, wind etc..

   

Absolutely not, I have developed relationships with a number of sources over the years and have a large collection of raw wood / Logs and other materials that are just waiting for the opportunity to become something special.