PRESS RELEASE - JANUARY 2006 |
IT'S THE END OF THE DUD CHRISTMAS GIFT As the dud Christmas gifts fast-track their way to the back of the cupboard, now is the opportunity to give yourself something that you will cherish by commissioning an exciting and unique piece of art specifically to suit your interior design and collaborate direct with the artist to create art pieces that you love to live with. Launching this month is Commissionaire , a fine art consultancy that invites art lovers to commission works by some of the most exciting established and emerging Australian and international artists working in a broad range of media including painting, photography, installation art, sculpture and works on paper. Commissionaire Director Alison Holland believes that “as the artwork prices range from $200 to $7,000 it is affordable especially when you think that it's a work of art that is being created just for you. I want to encourage anyone who loves art to be an art patron in the same tradition as that of patrons throughout history who would champion their favorite artist.” Commissionaire presents exceptional and dynamic artwork for sale from a diverse stable, plus project manages exclusive art commissions to deliver works that will enliven, enlighten and educate. To illustrate the fun and ease found by working together with the artist, Holland has developed Five Steps to Commissioning Unique Art . Steps such as 1. Introduction and Inspiration , 2. Development Q&A , 3. Concept and Quote Presentation , 4. Updates , and 5. Unveiling and Installation ; make the creative process both effortless and enjoyable. “Commission ideas are boundless , sourced from many different stimuli including colour, design, location, a company credo or personalities,” says Holland . “Inspiration may spring from seeing artwork previously created by a Commissionaire artist, or grow from collaboration between the artist and client. An artist may be commissioned to pay tribute to a favorite view, celebrate an important time, or like a recent private commission by Stephanie Smiedt who was selected to paint a large nude using oil colours inspired by the room's Persian rug and cushions.” With over 13 years experience in consulting as a commercial gallery owner, art dealer, journalist and lecturer in Australia, Europe and USA, Holland has carefully selected a group of critically acclaimed, award winning artists whose professional development is an asset to any art collection. Three of Commissionaire 's artists who enjoyed enormous success at last year's Art Sydney 05 are: French/Australian abstract painter Christine Maudy, who last year had a near sell-out exhibition at Galería Catarsis in Madrid plus a major retrospective at the Caloundra Regional Gallery, Queensland. In 2006 she will show in Montreal and Hamburg plus is the subject of an article in NY Arts Magazine prior to showing in a group exhibition in New York organised by a French Canadian Association in March. Sydney-sider Stephanie Smiedt whose paintings may be familiar to viewers of Channel Seven's My Restaurant Rules where her ‘ Sexy But Vacant' series hung following two successful solo shows in Sydney and Melbourne galleries. She also has a group show opening February 1 st at First Draft Gallery in Surry Hills, Sydney ; Noosa/Sydney-based painter Yvette Swan had a hit solo exhibition at Metro 5 Gallery , Armadale in 2005, and is selected alongside distinguished artists John Olsen and Tim Storrier to feature in Ken McGregor's soon to be released book Unfinished Journeys , portraying artists' travels around the world. Just announced English born/Melbourne based Nicholas Hutcheson whose contemporary drawings won him a six week artist's residency at ‘Bundanon' starting in February 2006. The former property of Arthur and Lynn Boyd runs an all year round residency program for artists. To view artist's portfolios visit www.commissionaire.net , then book an appointment with Alison who will present the artists' collections including artworks currently available and those used for commission inspiration. Alison and the artists also encourage clients to personally visit artists' studios to discover their stimulus and methods, plus learn of current and future concepts. FOR MEDIA INFORMATION OR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ARTISTS AND THEIR ARTWORK contact Alison Holland : Mobile : 0414 289 778 ¬ info@commissionaire.net ¬ www.commissionaire.net |