FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsWelcome to our freqently asked questions page. Its the result of emails and questions clients and folks have asked over the years. If you'd like to know something about us or our art- ring on (07) 3892 6759 or email us a question.
1. How long have you been painting?
Robert: I started in my early teens. I painted a lot of landscapes particularly trees and did some portraiture. Actually I used to draw the other kids I hated at school - Ah...the power of creative licence.
I won an art competition when I was 16 and it quite literally switched me onto the idea that I could actually make a go of art...But then the helsian days of youth kicked in.I had a break in my early twenties to take time off to surjourn and see the world, to navel gaze, discover my inner yang or whatever. Got back on the saddle just over ten years ago. Have been painting professionally last 6 years.
Arkie: I started painting as a toddler with my nanna Pam and its dad's fault too! He was using me to hold his brushes while he painted. I just started and never stopped. I moved to painting on canvas when I was four years old and had enough works for my first solo show when I was ten. I've now had five solo shows.
2. What is your background?
My cultural background is that I am a member of the Kalkadungu people of north western Queensland. Our tribe lived and hunted in the hills surrounding Mount Isa. My dad was an Elder of the Kalkadungu.My mum comes from central Queensland with family lineage to the Bidjarra and Gulboori.
3. Do you provide any documentation or information on the artwork?
Each artwork comes complete with a synopsis of the work and its meaning, a biography of the artist, and a signed certificate of authenticity all presented in a bound presentation folio for your safe keeping and future reference. Also, each work is individually catalogued and documented to give you piece of mind that our works areoriginals. The mission Arkie and I have set is to "create understanding through art". That's why we give you as much information as we can about ourselves, our creative process, the artwork and the meaning it conveys.
4.How do I hang my work on the wall?
If you live in Brisbane, Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, I will also personally pay for professional installation by Queensland's leading art transport and hanging experts the 'Art of Hanging'. This service alone will save you at least $120.... While some of our clients prefer to install works themselves, most prefer to take me up on my offer of free transport and installation. Please note that this service is only available to Brisbane, and Gold and Sunshine Coast clients at this point but I'm looking to expand this offer to Sydney and Melbourne in the near future. Please contact me to confirm on (07) 3892 6759 or by email admin@robertbartonart.com
Where's no. 5?
6. What happens if I'm not happy with my artwork when it arrives?
If for whatever reason you or anyone you've given our artworkto is not absolutely crazy about our art - let me know and return the artwork undamaged. I'll gladly replace it with another artwork that you like or I'll give you all of your money back up to 90 days after you've purchased.That'sright - 90 days- no hassles and no questions asked. I call this my Aboriginal Warrior guarantee. The reason I call it that is because no one else has the brass to offer anything even remotely similar.
We understand that finding the right piece of art for the right space takes time and we want you to be completely happy with your decision. Moreover we want your experience of contemporary Aboriginal art to be so profoundly positive that you tell others about us and our art. To be frank, this kind of commitment is unheard of within the art gallery scene where most would be lucky to offer a one week guarantee.
7. I live in another city, interstate or overseas - How do I get my artwork?
Depending on where you live, your artwork will be either professionally couriered to you or delivered unframed through registered express post. Having had clients all over Australia and internationally as well, registered post is an efficient, quick and cost effective option. I insure the works in transit and offer my full money back - 90 day - no hassles no questions asked - Aboriginal Warrior guarantee should you (for any reason) are not completely satisfied.
8. How can I get in contact with the Artists?
You can email, snail mail, ring by land line or mobile or fax us on the following:
Telephone 61-7-3892 6759, mobile 0427 635 928 or by email at rsvpart@optusnet.com.au
Alternatively, you may wish to snail mail so our postal address in 80 Homestead St Moorooka Qld 4105.
9. One of the artworks I like is already sold - do you have reproductions or commissions available?
The short answer is yes but...Arkie and I do produce commissioned artworks on a limited basis each year. We do this upon request and it depends on the timing and size etc.
If you'd like information on our commission process, I encourage you to check our commissions page on this site and then request further information via phone (07) 3892 6759 or by email admin@robertbartonart.com
10. What's important about whether the artwork is on linen or not?
Quite simply, not all canvas materials are created equally. Canvas typically has a shelf life of 60-80 years before it will start to perish. Some cheap canvas imported from China (the kind you'll see in discount stores around town) is not really canvas (but a PVC thread) andwill only last about 10-15 years. Linens on the other handcan last several hundred years even up to 850 years in the case of Belgian linen. Whenever possible, you should look to get the best quality linen that you can afford. It means that your investment will be better spent.
11. I've recently moved, renovated, or built new, and I have a lonely wall that needs some lovin and, I'd like some art but I'm not sure where to start?
OK the best option for you would be to have a no obligation art consultation service. Please note that this option is not free as my time is limited and therefore at a premium. A two hour consultation is valued at $250. If you choose to proceed with the commission then I'll discount this amount from the overall cost of the artwork.
12. Would you like to ask us a question?
Please note that we reserve the right to shamelessly use your questions and my responses for the betterment of visitors to this site. Trespassers be prepared to be amazed.