Commissions

These are some of the projects I’ve been commissioned to create recently. I am currently open for commissions, contact me to learn more. All of these projects begin with an initial phone consultation that outlines the general parameters of the project or concept, materials, timeline, budget, etc. Based on that conversation I will make up an initial sketch and price quote to submit to the potential client. There are almost always revisions and I wait to begin work on the project until I have written approval and agreement on the proposed sketch. The testimonials from all of my clients have been very positive and glowing, I must say that these are particularly rewarding sculptures to create!

Balanced sculpture commission rock cairn yin yang symbol with dove and metal steel spring and chains — Balance

This commission was a particularly special project. I was approached about this sculpture a full 5 months before it was actually completed and formally presented. The symbolism pertains to the career of a public official in my local community. Go to my Blog for the full artist statement and a video of the creation process here. This sculpture now lives at the private residence of the individual for which it was dedicated.

sculpture commission of Alaskan bear fishing for salmon wood carving with sculptor Paul Hanis — Salmon and Bear Restaurant

The local fine dining restaurant in my community of McCarthy, Alaska, approached me about making a sculptural representation of their logo that would be on permanent display in front of their building. The owner was able to source this incredible red cedar log from Prince of Wales island in Southeast Alaska, which made this project the greatest wood carving of my sculpture career so far. It’s in downtown McCarthy for the visiting public to enjoy.

rooted tree wood carving commission water spirit smiling woman with waterfalls and clouds — Water Tree Spirit

This tree was carved as a companion to the Wood Spirit I carved the previous year in the backyard of a private residence in Anchorage, Alaska. This piece was intended to further the theme of the other sculpture, extending the commemoration of the tree spirits to water and the hydrological cycle.

sculpture commission wood carving rooted tree smiling old man face — Wood Spirit

This wood carving was commissioned to honor the spirits of 3 beloved trees that were lost to a spruce beetle infestation in the backyard of a private residence in Anchorage, Alaska. The consultation phase of this piece settled on an old man with a benevolent grin and the 3 trees above his head. The extra long, flowing beard was added on as the form was being sketched onto the tree. I always try to be as accommodating as possible to requests like this as I fully understand that the artwork will become a permanent part of the client’s every day life.

sculpture commission wood carving eagle and salmon totem with sculptor Paul Hanis — Eagle Totem

This wood carving was commissioned for a private residence in Big Lake, Alaska. I was contacted about this project after the client saw a photo of the totem on display at the Eagle River Nature Center.

close up detail smiling woman wood carving tree spirit sculpture commission — Water Tree Spirit

This tree was carved as a companion to the Wood Spirit I carved the previous year in the backyard of a private residence in Anchorage, Alaska. This piece was intended to further the theme of the other sculpture, extending the commemoration of the tree spirits to water and the hydrological cycle.

wood spirit tree carving commission smiling old man with long beard and sculptor Paul Hanis — Wood Spirit

This wood carving was commissioned to honor the spirits of 3 beloved trees that were lost to a spruce beetle infestation in the backyard of a private residence in Anchorage, Alaska. The consultation phase of this piece settled on an old man with a benevolent grin and the 3 trees above his head. The extra long, flowing beard was added on as the form was being sketched onto the tree. I always try to be as accommodating as possible to requests like this as I fully understand that the artwork will become a permanent part of the client’s every day life.

sculpture commission wood totem carved animals bear birds eagle butterfly fox natural forest — In Memory

Eagle River Nature Center, Eagle River, Alaska. This totem stands as a monument to long-standing contributors to the non-profit organization Friends of the Eagle River Nature Center that have passed away.

pet portrait sculpture commission wood carving poodle dog — Jack, A fine ole dawg

A pet portrait wood carving meant to memorialize a beloved Labradoodle. He’ll keep watch over this deck in McCarthy, Alaska, for many more years to come.

sculpture commission pet portrait wood carving Alaskan malemute with sculptor Paul Hanis — Kiska

A pet portrait wood carving for a family Malamute in Chugiak, Alaska.

sculpture commission pet portrait wood carving poodle dog with sculptor Paul Hanis — Jack, A fine ole dawg

A pet portrait wood carving meant to memorialize a beloved Labradoodle. He’ll keep watch over this deck in McCarthy, Alaska, for many more years to come.

sculpture commission pet portrait wood carving terrier dog with carver Paul Hanis — Hobo Joe

As of this posting Hobo Joe is still alive but the client wanted a carving anyway! :)