Local artist profile: Richard Stork

THIS week we speak to photo realistic artist and picture framer Richard Stork

What motivated you to become an artist?

Before the internet became commonplace, as a 12-year-old I entertained myself by drawing cars of my own design. Another student at school was in demand for his realistic drawings of Star Wars spaceships and I was always at the back of the queue, so I decided to draw my own.

I was encouraged by art teachers early in high school but was steered towards engineering. I was in awe of artists who were able to create photo-real artworks and wanted to do the same. I guess my motivation comes from the love of the process and resulting artwork.

Can you describe your artistic style?

I strive for photo realism. Whilst completing my degree in fine art I was introduced to black and white photography and life drawing.

This led to exploration with charcoal and drawing the female form, attempting to capture the light and shade of the human body.

Living in Melbourne for 15 years, I was drawn to the cityscape and wanted to capture moments in time of city life, with people going about their routines.

You also run a framing business.  How did you get into that?

Stork and Bee Framing Gallery in Bendigo at 6 Queen Street began as Stork Picture Framing in Wodonga. I had been working as a picture framer for other businesses for over 20 years. I started the business from necessity whilst living in Wodonga for over two years as a means of employment.

The success of the business allowed me to open the Bendigo shop and be closer to my parents. Apart from custom framing and framed prints, the shop provides an outlet for my partner and I to display and sell our original art.

Which artists inspire you?

Australian artist Jeffrey Smart for his urban and industrial landscapes. His work is slightly surreal and ‘dreamlike’ yet realistic in style. Also, American artist Richard Estes, whose cityscapes are hyper realistic.

What have you been working on lately?

Whilst I am grateful that Stork and Bee is keeping me very busy at present, this means that time for artwork has been minimal lately.

I was able to complete a pastel streetscape of the Shamrock Hotel and GPO in Bendigo, which sold at the Bendigo Rotary Art Show. My next series of work will be of Bendigo street scenes.

What are some fond memories you have from your career so far?

A fond memory was meeting the purchaser of a pastel streetscape depicting a 24-hours convenience store in Vegas, with all my favourite sci-fi movie characters hanging out after a sci-fi convention.  The purchaser shared their love of sci-fi movies and reasons for buying the artwork. It brings me great joy knowing that purchasers of my artwork feel as passionately about it as I did whilst creating it. The work also won Best Pastel at the Bendigo Rotary Art Show which was a highlight.

How has your practice been affected by COVID? 

COVID restrictions meant limited opportunity to enter art shows however we are fortunate to have our shop where we display our artwork for sale. Lockdowns have impacted on the number of people able to visit our shop. The upside to lockdowns meant we had time to catch up on framing orders, so the glass is always half-full.