"Lockdown has been really hard for us" says local artist Richard Rhodes, who recently sat down to speak with us about luxury Holiday gift ideas. The artist who recently sold a personal record painting at $18,000 of which came from a commission, says if it weren't for his art, and the opportunity given by his clients to keep busy, this year would have been much harder. Yet, the young artist says business has been booming.
Whilst Australia, especially Western Australia has been quite lucky in the sense that everything has remained mostly normal when compared to much of the rest of the world, Richard says the feeling of being trapped is a "total mind f***".
"I usually find my inspiration from travelling and friends, however I've been really grateful to use WA's amazing landscape and colour" of which he states has been the biggest influence of his recent works. At the same time the artist has taken the opportunity to establish himself in the local market, and according to Richard he's been greatly received.
The abstract artist who's work has been described by the National Tribune earlier this year as calming and modern has said 2020 has been extraordinary professionally. "I haven't sold more art before in Australia and overseas, ever. 2020 has been amazing in terms of business".
"I have definitely noticed a shift in buyers, clients have never been more forth coming and engaging. I can only speak from my own experience but I really think it's a positive out of this year. I was super touched that an owner in Beirut let me know a piece she commissioned had survived the explosion they had earlier this year in her home, staying in touch usually does not happen. I hope we can take that with us going forward".
"One of a kind and original anything is the epitome of luxury and obviously the most thoughtful of gifts and that includes art" says the painter. "A lot of the pieces I sell are for homes and commercial projects, and I definitely do make it easy for interior designers and people in the industry. But on the occasion, I get a super excited client looking to commission a piece as a gift and I have to say this is the most awesome process". You can find Richard Rhodes available works and information on commissioning a piece for the holiday season on his site www.richardrhodesart.com
As for the rest of the year, the young artist says he is completing a couple of commissions and looks forward to spending the holidays with family in Perth. "I haven't been home for Christmas in years, last year I spent the holidays in Thailand, so I really can't wait to spend as much time as I can with mates and family over the holidays".
