[Fey]

Okay, so I was torn if I should put this here or in the art sections, cause it's sorta art related, but also life-issue related...mods, feel free to move this if you want.

So, I'm a large collector of art. Many, many forms of art, and as I cannot draw I commission artists to fill my need for it. I've never, in six years, had a bad art commission moment. Until now.

Two months ago I commissioned someone to do a custom peice for me. It was to be pretty big, 11x17, and in full color so I was super excited. I pre-paid(as I've done quite often) and we agreed I'd pick it up while at a convention this last weekend. He asked me to call him on the 1st of May to remind him and I agreed. So, on the 1st I called, he informed me he was out of state at another convention and could I call him back later the week. I agreed. When I called the second time I got no answer so I left a message with all my contact info, what I was calling about, and all my particulars. I never heard back, so I thought all was well.

I got out to my convention and was super excited 'knowing' that I had art waiting for me. I went to his table and asked if I could pick it up. He gave me a blank look and asked what I was talking about. I figured he gets a lot of art requests so I explained furthur. Still no idea. He then asked when I last called/talked to him. I filled him in. He then proceeded to tell me that my art wasn't done, not even started in fact. Why? Because I didn't text/call him DAILY to get it done.

Wait, what??? I paid him in good faith that my art would be done. I was asked for ONE call to remind him a month before to have it done. I did BOTH these things, and here he is telling me I was supposed to ride HERD on him for thirty days? He said he would do it and ship it to me but I needed to text him a LOT to remind him. I then informed him I do NOT text, nor do I even enjoy being on the phone. He got snarky and said I [must really hate Alexander Grahm bell then]. I left after that.

This of course ruined my con-buzz for that night. And I'm now torn. Do I contact him and inform him that I want my art, or do I want my money back. I realize that there was no formal contract, my error, that said the piece had to be done by X date, but I've NEVER been informed that I'm supposed to badger someone to do what I've already PAID them for! In fact I've had artists/friends tell me to NOT contact an artist a lot while waiting on a commission as it makes them feel harried and upset!

So, I guess I want opinions on a couple things. Am I over-reacting? Should I just accept that I should have done more and contact him to get my art? To that extent do you think I should get my art or ask for a refund(it was a LOT of money)? I'm waiting a couple days to decide before I do anything....