Transform a person, animal or important story into a lasting work of art
A commissioned sculpture begins with something meaningful: a person to honor, an animal whose character deserves to be remembered, a public story that should not be forgotten, or an idea that belongs in a particular place.
For more than fifty years, American sculptor Mike Leckie has created expressive work in bronze, marble, stone and bas-relief. His commissioned sculptures range from intimate portraits and equine studies to architectural and monumental works for public settings.
Every commission is developed around its subject, intended location and the story it must communicate. Mike works closely with private collectors, families, organizations and public-art clients to create sculpture with presence, emotional depth and permanence.
BEGIN A COMMISSION INQUIRY
What kind of sculpture would you like to create?
Pet and Equine Portrait Sculpture
Some animals become inseparable from the stories of our lives. Mike creates commissioned pet and horse sculptures from photographs, preserving more than physical appearance. His goal is to capture the expression, personality and relationship that made the animal unforgettable.
Some animals become inseparable from the stories of our lives. Mike creates commissioned pet and horse sculptures from photographs, preserving more than physical appearance. His goal is to capture the expression, personality and relationship that made the animal unforgettable.
Having grown up with horses, Mike is particularly interested in the recognition, intuition and quiet trust between horses and their humans. A commissioned equine sculpture can celebrate a horse sharing your life today, preserve the memory of a trusted companion, or become a meaningful gift for someone who loves them.
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Portrait and Memorial Sculpture
A sculptural portrait can honor an individual, preserve a family legacy or commemorate a life of public importance.
Mike creates portrait busts, relief portraits and figurative commissions using photographs, available reference material and the client’s knowledge of the subject. Attention is given not only to recognizable features, but also to posture, expression and the qualities that define the individual.
Portrait commissions may be created for private homes, family memorials, institutions, civic settings and public installations.
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Public and Monumental Sculpture
Public sculpture must communicate clearly, respond to its surroundings and continue to hold meaning for future generations.
Mike’s experience includes monumental figures, architectural bas-relief and commissioned artwork for prominent public and institutional settings. Each project is considered in relation to its scale, viewing distance, environment and the community or history it represents.
Mike can work with municipalities, institutions, architects, project committees and private organizations during the development of a public-art commission.
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The commission process
1. Share the story
Begin by describing the subject and why the sculpture matters. Include the intended location, approximate size, desired completion date and any initial thoughts about materials.
For portrait, pet and equine commissions, provide several photographs whenever possible. Images from different angles and periods can help Mike understand the subject more completely.
2. Develop the artistic direction
Mike reviews the available references and discusses the sculpture’s composition, scale, material, setting and emotional character with you.
The artistic direction is shaped around the subject and the experience the finished sculpture should create.
3. Establish the project scope
Before work begins, the commission’s dimensions, material, schedule, budget and delivery or installation requirements are defined.
Large public projects may require additional planning for engineering, fabrication, site preparation and installation.
4. Create the sculpture
Once the direction is approved, Mike begins the sculptural process. Depending on the project, the work may involve modeling, carving, mold making, casting, finishing and coordination with specialized craftspeople.
5. Delivery or installation
The completed sculpture is prepared for delivery or installation in its intended setting. Requirements vary according to the work’s size, material and location.
What to include with your inquiry
You do not need to have every decision made before contacting Mike. To begin the conversation, share whatever information is currently available:
- The person, animal, event or idea the sculpture will represent
- The story behind the commission
- Reference photographs or other visual material
- Approximate size
- Intended indoor or outdoor location
- Preferred material, if known
- Desired completion date
- Approximate project budget
- Delivery or installation location
Mike can use this information to determine whether the project is a good fit and identify the next steps.
Experience shaped by more than five decades in sculpture
Mike Leckie brings a lifetime of observation and making to every commission. His work encompasses the human figure, portraiture, horses, stone carving, bronze and architectural bas-relief.
Whether the finished sculpture is intended for a private collection, a family, an institution or a public space, Mike approaches it as a lasting expression of its subject—not simply an object to fill a location.
Begin a conversation with Mike
The first step is a conversation about the subject, the story and what you hope the sculpture will preserve.
Send your project information and available photographs. Mike will review them and respond regarding the artistic possibilities and appropriate next steps.
Attention to Details
Mike sculpting Prefontaine
Fully Invested
Glass Sculpture Process
Finding Balance in Miniature
Mike creates a small-scale study to refine the sculpture’s form, proportion, movement, and balance.