It gives the sculptor's work some standing (8)
I believe the answer is:
pedestal
This clue could be a double definition.
'it gives the sculptor's' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'work some standing' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pedestal that I've seen before include "Stand for statue or basin" , "Pet's lead (anag) - support" , "Architectural support or base" , "Support for a column or statue" , "Support for bust" .)