Commissions
Val May Studio is available to undertake commission work - whether this be a large or small project, from trophies and statues to memorials and commemorative works - for public and private collections.
We would love to discuss with you your vision and ideas. Every piece begins with an idea, a story, a memory, or a conversation. Inspired by people, places, history, and the unexpected, each work is created to capture something meaningful and tell a story.
Listen
Every commission begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand the story, significance, and feeling behind the piece, creating artwork that is deeply personal and lasting.
Shape
Each sculpture is crafted by hand using traditional techniques. Whether working in bronze, stone, or restoration, every piece is shaped with care, skill, and attention to detail.
Make
Every bronze sculpture begins in clay. Once hand sculpted, a mould is made, a wax cast is created, and the work is cast in bronze using the traditional lost-wax process.
Finish
The final piece is carefully refined, patinated, and prepared for installation. Every work is created to endure for generations and become part of its own story.
Val May Studio also undertakes public art commissions and restoration work.
A Love Story
Sometimes, when we cannot be where we want to be, we find another way to show how much we care.
Carl’s wife was very sick in hospital, and when he could not be at her bedside, he was in the studio carving this little angel. With every stroke of the chisel, he poured his love, worry and hope into the marble.
He wanted her to watch over his wife, to be there when he could not, and to bring her safely through.
Every part of the sculpture was carved by hand, with the finest details requiring a 3 mm chisel. But beyond the skill and patience, there is something much more personal in this piece. You can see Carl’s heart in her.
His wife did come safely through, and today the angel holds pride of place in their garden.
A sculpture born from a difficult time, but ultimately a story of love, hope and a husband’s quiet prayer for the woman he loves.
At Val May Studio, we believe the most meaningful sculptures are often the ones that carry a story capturing the people, memories and moments that matter most.
The Place He Left Them
Some of the simplest things can hold the deepest memories.
These bronze boots were commissioned by a mother in memory of her son, who sadly passed away in his early twenties. He had a habit of leaving his work boots scattered by the back door, a small, familiar part of everyday life that became a treasured memory.
The boots were recreated in bronze and placed in the same familiar way, just as he had left them. A lasting reminder that love remains in the places, objects and memories we hold closest. Now, as his mother passes the boots each day, they bring a moment of recognition, perhaps a smile and the comforting feeling of her son still being part of her home. A small reminder of a lifetime of love that continues long after someone is gone.
At Val May Studio, we create personal sculptures that preserve stories, memories and people that hold a special place in our hearts.
The George Bennett Perpetual Trophy
Just 27 cm Tall, Full of Character, Movement and Detail
The George Bennett Perpetual Trophy was created by Carl Valerius and Kim May for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, celebrating the spirit of the Young Judges competitions and the young people who take part in them.
The design brought together two very different inspirations: the distinctive look of a 1953 Australian postage stamp and the likenesses of two Young Judges competitors. The boy, standing just 27 centimetres tall, is captured working to hold a steer that resists and rests its weight against him, while the girl, at 25 centimetres, stands alongside him, wearing her glasses and holding a finely detailed rooster. Every effort was made to capture their individual character and appearance, right down to these small details, which have been faithfully reproduced in the bronze.
Their coloured sashes reflect the colours worn by competitors in the Young Judges competitions, connecting the trophy directly to the people and traditions of the event.
Despite its small scale, the trophy captures remarkable realism, fine detail and movement. You can feel the effort and determination in the boy as he works with the steer, while the interaction between the two competitors brings energy, character and a sense of purpose to the composition. The intricate detail of the rooster adds another playful touch and a nod to the wider world of agricultural shows and competition.
The George Bennett Perpetual Trophy honours George Bennett OAM, a respected agricultural educator, mentor and long-time supporter of young people. The trophy recognises a Young Judges competitor whose character, sportsmanship, leadership and support of fellow competitors reflect the qualities George valued throughout his life.
Val May Studio was honoured to be commissioned as the first Australian artists to create a trophy for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. The George Bennett Perpetual Trophy also marked the first collaboration between Carl Valerius and Kim May. Their challenge was to take the character and visual language of the 1953 stamp and combine it with the likenesses of the two competitors, creating a bespoke bronze trophy with realism, movement, fine detail and a strong sense of pride — a fitting tribute for a trophy contested by more than 350 young people.
The Smile of a Child
A lost shoe, a cheeky smile and a little face peeking around the garden. The Smile of a Child captures the wonderful mischief and freedom of childhood.
Inspired by the joyful memories of a grandchild playing in her grandmother’s garden, this private commission celebrates those fleeting moments that become treasured family stories.
At Val May Studio, Carl and Kim create bespoke sculptures that capture not only a child’s likeness, but their personality, spirit and the joy of simply being young.
We can create a sculpture of your child or grandchild, preserving a special moment and
turning a cherished memory into a lasting family heirloom.
