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You Have an Awesome Place

Now for that Awesome Finishing Touch

An example of wood and metal wall art made by heat coloring steel. The 12' wide metal mural depicts a native hunter watching at a seal's breathing hole in front of a rising seal moon. Created when Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corp. decided to commission art for the new health center in Bethel, AK.

‘Seal Moon Rising’ – 12′ W x 5.5′ H – Heat-colored steel engraving made for the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation Hospital in Bethel, AK

Commission Art for Your Home, Business, or a Public Place

Creating Custom Focal Point Art Since 1981

There can be genuine satisfaction in finding a piece of art you resonate with and adding it to your art collections.

With a commission for art, this can be enhanced even further, as the artist can personalize a custom-made work of art to integrate with your specific setting and intention for it.

Whether it’s for yourself or your business, as a work of public art, or as a gift, this page will give you a sense of what’s involved and the types of commissioned art I can make for you.

As an artist, I can work with you or your interior designer to design and create custom focal point art that is a joy to live with.

Coastal
Upland
Riparian
Fen
Meadow
Alpine
Bog
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Recent Work

New signs for the Pratt Museum Botanical Garden

  • Watch timelapse videos of the design process.

Custom Metal Wall Art Made to Order

Commission art for your business. Stainless steel and Corten layered exterior metal wall sculpture at Bear Trail Lodge in King Salmon, Alaska. An example of large metal wall art for outdoors.
Custom metal wall art for Bear Trail Lodge

Honoring Your Vision

Creative Synergy

Integrating your vision and dreams with my experience and artistic sensibility to realize something neither of us might have imagined on our own.

Cohesive Approach

Bespoke artwork that compliments the surrounding architecture and feels like it’s always belonged.

Heirloom Quality

Pieces of art you can treasure, not only for their beauty but for what they evolve to represent in your home or business.

Attention to Detail

Going the extra mile, from integrating the artwork into your setting, to the subtleties of every curve.

Brand Enrichment

Setting your brand apart from the competition with a piece of art that reflects the unique experience you offer your clients.

An Insider View

Offering an insider look into my creative process as you follow along with the creation of your artwork.

Free Consultation

Share your vision and ideas, and brainstorm with me about the possibilities for your space.

Why Commission Art?

Where to Commission Art

Whether you are considering commissioning an artist for the first time, or you are experienced with the commission process, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind.

When you commission art, not only is it important to be attracted to an artist’s style and the work in their artist portfolio, but you also want to be sure they have a good track record making custom artwork for clients.

I’ve been making both decorative and functional sculpture and custom metal wall art since the early ’80s. From my first copper repoussé heat shield to my latest Percent for Arts Commission, I’ve got more than one hundred commissions under my belt. 

This list of my past art commissions will give you a sampling of the art collections in which my work can be found.

Read about my public art commissions.

And as the testimonials on this page from people who have commissioned original art from me confirm, I’m confident you will feel gratified to add my works to your art collection and pass them along to future generations.

"The sculpture was better than we imagined it would be"


• At the Breathing Hole

"We commissioned Jeff Dean and Creative Fires studio to create a sculpture for our entryway. Jeff sat down and discussed the possibilities with us. We decided to have him create “At the breathing hole” to be done with a combination of wood and steel.

We can’t believe how wonderful it turned out. The sculpture was better than we imagined it would be. Jeff sent us pictures throughout the process so we could “watch” it being created and also invited us to his workshop to see the progress.

We highly recommend Jeff for any work you wish done. His talent and creativity are amazing and we are extremely pleased with the work he has done for us."

"You captured their likenesses and their spirits perfectly and forever."

• Sir Baily and Gator

"I receive more pleasure from your two magnificent bronze portraits of my beloved dogs than from all my other art combined. You captured their likenesses and their spirits perfectly and forever.

Thank you."

"When the time came for us to sell that home, the new owners told us it was the eagle that sealed the deal for them."

• Golden Eagle with Fish

"We were the very proud owners of the eagle carving that Jeff (we called him Hannum back then) did on the center support log of our hand-built log home in Knoxville, TN.

When the house was built the log was a lot taller than it finally ended up and looked totally out of balance with the rest of the log structure. In fact, it detracted from the open design and was kind of overpowering.

We knew it was meant to be a focal point but weren’t sure exactly what to do to make it what we wanted. I don’t remember just how we met Hannum, I think it was at a show of some kind. Whatever it was, we immediately knew that this guy could make something special out of our log.

He came to see what we had to work with and completely charmed us with his vision. Jeff wasn’t very well known at that time and all our friends thought we were out of our minds to let this unknown person take a chainsaw into the middle of our wonderful new house and just let him “go at it”.

We never had a doubt. I forget how long it took, but it was a terrific experience to watch him bring that log to life and not a day went by that we didn’t admire our eagle. It was perfect. It still is.

When the time came for us to sell that home the new owners told us it was the eagle that sealed the deal for them. It gives us great pleasure to know that eagle will be admired there for many generations."

Integrating Decorative Art into Your Space

When you commission art, it’s good to know there are many ways to incorporate decorative artwork .

Custom Metal Wall Art

What can you imagine for your own setting?

The Inspiration and Challenges provided by each Unique Art Commission are a Catalyst for my Creativity

As an artist who makes custom art commissions, I can’t help but get excited when presented with a new setting and opportunity to incorporate my art style into what you envision for it. Combinations of materials, techniques and subject matter all begin to take form in my mind.

This begins with a general feeling of what would go well in the space and continues to develop through interaction with my client, contemplation, design work,  and the odd flash of inspiration.

Blending with the Surroundings

Like It’s Always Belonged There

When people commission art from me, I often design my pieces for their specific setting. The shapes in the beautiful masonry fireplace inspired this pierced cherry mantle and open relief.

When I received this commission, I created a design which complements, rather than hides the the beautiful masonry fireplace.

A Commission for Art Provides Innovative Opportunities

Commissioning an Artist Provides Innovative Opportunities

As I’ve written in my article on metal wall art, there are many places in your home or business that may call out for a unique work of art.

Each location offers unique opportunities for commissioned art.

I made the first version of this large, layered wall piece for a recessed shelf in the foyer of a country club home.

I formed the stream into an S-curve to flow out and over the edge of the shelf. I also had a specific maple slab in mind when I designed this multi-layered metal and wood relief sculpture.

A Unique Artistic Process

Many of my pieces are made with layers of heat-colored steel and wood.

I made this 9′ wide version of ‘The One That Got Away’ when the public art committee for the new library in Willow Alaska chose to commission art from me.

You can read about how I make this style of multi-layered metal and wood wall art in this article.

A Few of the Benefits of Commissioning a Work of Art from Me

Collaboration


I'm honored to have been chosen in 2016 for the first public art commission in an Alaska State Park. I made a large engraved steel and wood wall piece for the new Kesugi Ken Interpretive Center in Denali State Park.

Eric, the project manager, later commented that he was most impressed with my ability to collaborate with the art committee and design artwork that synergized with the vision and purpose of the project.

I've used what could have worked as metal wall art as a decorative coffee tabletop. Denali National Park; the mountains, rivers, animals and animal tracks. Engraved steel saw blade with heat tints.
Creative Synergy

When you decide to commission art from me, we’ll get together to discuss what you have in mind, what inspires you, and what you resonate with from my artistic portfolio. You might have specific ideas or a general overall feeling for the space you are decorating.
Either way, this information will get my creative energies flowing and make it possible to blend your vision and dreams with my artistic sensibility and 40 years of experience, to realize something neither of us might have imagined on our own.

There’s generally a fair bit of compromise when you try to find off the shelf art that fits your needs. It’s pretty easy to end up settling for just another picture on the wall.

I like to include you in the design process from the beginning and hone in on precisely what matters to you.

I may already have a piece of art that’s perfect for your situation; if not, you can commission art that’s inspired by the feelings, ideas, and input you’ve shared.

"He exceeded the expectations of all involved in the project."

• Through Your Spotting Scope

"Jeff Dean was a pleasure to work with and provided an exceptional piece of artwork months ahead of schedule.

His website was used to provide real-time updates, detailing every step of the process. 

I was most impressed with his ability to collaborate with the client and design artwork which synergized with the vision and purpose of the Interpretive Center facility. 

He exceeded the expectations of all involved in the project."

Jeff Dean stands beside Through Your Spotting Scope, recently installed at teh new Kesugi Ken Interpretive Center.
Eric Hershey, P.E.
Project Manager
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Final installation steps for 'Through Your Spotting Scope' at Kesugi Ken Interpretive Center in Denali National Park. Large outdoor metal wall mural with curved wood frame

A Cohesive Approach

I like to take a Cohesive Approach when it comes to designing work for art commissions. My ability to work equally well in a wide range of materials and styles allows me to create artwork that fits in and compliments its surroundings.

I also pay close attention when choosing the best size for the piece. This way, the artwork becomes an integral part of the setting and feels like it’s always belonged.

Decorative Coffee Table tray from a coffee table I made for Bear Trail Lodge in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska.
A Broad Pallete

Being able to make both decorative and functional works means I can make multiple pieces for your project while keeping a unified feeling throughout.

It also gives me a broad palette to choose from to work within most budgets.

"He came by the house, and after discussing themes and commenting on the beautiful masonry job, he came up with a design that complimented the stone work rather than hiding it."

• Mountain Man w/ Raven

"I met Jeff at Art in the Park in Blowing Rock. He had an impressive portfolio, and as I'd recently built a new home in Linville, I asked him to design a wall sculpture for the tall stone fireplace. He came by the house, and after discussing themes and commenting on the beautiful masonry job, he came up with a design that complimented the stone work rather than hiding it. It is a beautiful piece and was a special part of the house. I enjoyed it for many years, and now, 20 plus years later, the family that currently owns the house comments on it often."

Heirloom Quality

When you have a connection with a piece of art, whether it spoke to you the moment you set eyes on it, or you played an integral part in its design, it becomes more than mere decoration.

I've used what could have worked as metal wall art as a decorative coffee tabletop. Denali National Park; the mountains, rivers, animals and animal tracks. Engraved steel saw blade with heat tints.
Defining Your Legacy

Artwork needn't be an anonymous decoration, glimpsed in passing, but with no genuine depth of meaning for you.

The right piece of artwork will complement and enhance your space and bring daily pleasure and satisfaction to you and your family or coworkers.

'You Can't take it with you.', but you can rest assured you are leaving quality in your wake. : )

"My family and I have come to treasure this work not only for its beauty but for what it has evolved over time to represent in our Alaskan home. "

• Denali Table

"My family and I have enjoyed the beautiful creativity of Jeff Dean's artistic production in our home for nearly 20 years. This has been in the form of the "Denali Table" which depicts various Alaskan wildlife pictured on iron set over a gorgeous wood table with metal coasters set around the table's periphery depicting the "foot prints" of all the pictured wildlife. This piece has been the topic of so many joyful conversations and memories and truly has forged lifetime memories for so many. I value this piece more than any other work of art in our home. My family and I have come to treasure this work not only for its beauty but for what it has evolved over time to represent in our Alaskan home. Thank you so much Jeff for sharing your gift with all of us!"

I've used what could have worked as metal wall art as a decorative coffee tabletop. Denali National Park; the mountains, rivers, animals and animal tracks. Engraved steel saw blade with heat tints.

Attention to Detail

When the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation decided to commission art for the new Dr. Paul John Calricaraq Project in Bethel, Alaska, they liked my 'Seal Moon Rising' design. 

They had one request, that I alter the kayak to reflect the regional style.

After consulting one of the few remaining kayak builders in the area, I was able to make an accurate rendering of the kayak and associated implements.

The Subtle Difference

Though the overall first impression of a piece captures our attention, it's the details that keep us looking.

 

Whether it's the subtlety of an abstract curve or the distinctive intrinsic qualities of the specific subject matter, attention to detail can make all the difference in our short-term enjoyment and our long-term love for a piece.

'Seal Moon Rising,' a 12' wide heat-colored steel engraving commissioned by the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation Health Center in Bethel Alaska.

Original Drawing

Revised Drawing

Brand Enrichment

One of the reasons to commission art from me is, I can help set your brand and business apart from the competition by designing and creating focal point artwork that reflects the experience you offer your clients.

An exceptional piece of art will reinforce the perception of quality around your brand. It will enrich your client’s first impressions, and help create lasting memories while expressing those ineffable qualities so difficult to convey with words alone.

And, you’ll have the pleasure of living with art that synergizes with the vision and purpose of your business/project.

Decorative Coffee Table made for Bear Trail Lodge in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska.
Set Yourself Apart

The owner of Bear Trail Lodge wasn't sure what kind of art she could use. She had a beautiful Bristol Bay Area lodge and a comfortable Greatroom that was an excellent place to gather and unwind after a day on the water.

She was looking for something to reinforce her brand experience and set it apart from other lodges. She loved my work, though, and knew it could help make her lodge stand out.

I worked with her to create a focal point for the room that resonated with her whole lodge experience.

In this case, it was a long, oval coffee table. The picture on the engraved steel top shows a satisfied brown bear rambling dreamily along the banks of a salmon stream. Even the ribs of the Alaskan birch magazine rack are like salmon bones drying in the sun.

Now, when you relax in the great room, gazing through the tall picture windows at the winding river where you spent your day, there in front of you is my table bringing the whole day's adventure back bigger than life.

People often see the role of art as a solution for filling empty spaces on a wall.

It's easy to end up with pieces that are nice to look at in passing, yet have a minimal lasting impact. 

I prefer to select or design artwork around precisely what means the most to you.

This way, you’ll get something you and your clients resonate with, and you won’t have to compromise on the overall feel of a piece, or how well it fits your space and branding.

A thoughtfully designed work will become an integral part of the experience you offer.

I made this decorative coffee table for Bear Trail Lodge in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. The clients chose the design for the top from four different sketches.

The original title, 'Daydreams along the Naknek' was changed to 'Bear Trails and Tall Tales' as it particularly fitted the lodge.

I'm looking forward to hearing some of those tall tales…

Commission an Artist and Enjoy the Journey

When you commission art, after you've approved the initial design, you'll have the opportunity to follow along with the creation of your artwork.

I like to document my work from the time I begin, through the entire process of creation, giving you a window into the creative process.

Following along with the creation of your art commission can be fun for your friends and family as well.

This can be done on Instagram  or Facebook, by email, or in-person with a studio visit. 

Whichever way you choose, it will be a fascinating journey from the initial design to the final piece.

"We highly recommend Jeff for any work you wish done. "


• At the Breathing Hole

"We commissioned Jeff Dean and Creative Fires studio to create a sculpture for our entryway. Jeff sat down and discussed the possibilities with us. We decided to have him create “At the breathing hole” to be done with a combination of wood and steel.

We can’t believe how wonderful it turned out. The sculpture was better than we imagined it would be. Jeff sent us pictures throughout the process so we could “watch” it being created and also invited us to his workshop to see the progress.

We highly recommend Jeff for any work you wish done. His talent and creativity are amazing and we are extremely pleased with the work he has done for us."

Schedule a Free Phone Consultation Today

Brainstorm with me about possibilities for your space

Learn more about the art commission process

Share your vision and ideas

Find out what commissioning custom art could mean for you. Or, give me a call to arrange an in-person visit.

Working with a Commission Artist

Thanks so much for your interest in the art commission process.

If you resonate with my artistic style, it’s time to think about your Next Steps. 

You may have a few flashes of inspiration, or you’ve decided to leave that to me.

You may feel you need to look around your place to get a sense of whether there’s a possible fit for my work or run it by your partner. 

And you may still have a few unanswered questions about commissioning art.

Either way, give me a call at 907-299-4124, or send me an email and let me know what you’re thinking. 

If something’s piqued your interest, let me know what that may be, whether you have a specific spot in mind and what you imagine for it.

After the initial contact, if you are local, we can arrange a studio visit, and I can look at your setting in person. 

If you’re considering how you can commission art online, modern technology has made it easy for us to communicate about what you’re looking for in a work of art, and the requirements of your specific setting and overall design plans. 

With a sense of what you like about my art, any particular subject matter you might prefer, timeframe or budget considerations, and an understanding of the setting, my creative energy can begin to flow, and that’s where the magic begins.

We can discuss the ideas I come up with, and I’ll make a sketch or model for your review. Once it’s refined and approved, I’ll use it as a reference for creating your artwork.

You may wonder, ‘how much do you charge for art commissions?’ 

Many factors weigh in on how much any artwork may cost. These include the size and complexity of the design, material and style choices, and delivery or installation considerations.

The current values of the examples presented on this page range from $1600 – $42,000. With this in mind, I am good at finding elegant solutions to meet the requirements of most budgets.

At any given time, I may have several projects in the works, or the wings, though now and then I’m between commissions, creating art for our gallery.

You can view the full breadth of my work here in my online art portfolio, or download my presentation portfolio, ‘Art and Innovation from the Creative Fires’ in pdf format.

You may also find ready-made artwork you love in our online gallery.

If you’re local to the Homer, Alaska area, visit The Dean Gallery to see my work in person and discuss your plans.

Or in the summer season, book a Dean Family Farm and Art Studios Tour to see our whole place.

In any event, I’d love to get your feedback and hear what you have in mind.

Click the button below to schedule a brief call with me. If your project sounds intriguing, I’d love to go into more detail with you and add you to my commission waiting list.

Thanks for taking a look. With no obligation on your part, I welcome the opportunity to explore the possibilities with you.

As you read in the testimonials above, when you commission art, it can be a rewarding and gratifying venture.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

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