ART | For every budget - local artists under $150
In my experience people are looking to connect with art that tells a story or reminds them of someone or somewhere but they often struggle finding this type of art for every budget. While I am not promoting that art should be cheap I do think there are some great examples of works that have depth and character but don’t cost an arm and a leg. Here is a round up of 6 works from local Australian artists that range from $59.95-$150 that are worth every cent and then some.
Alice Oehr
Valencia Oranges
2020
597 x 420mm (A2)
Three colour Risograph print
Edition of 50
$150
The artist - originally trained as a designer Alice found her way into illustration and has a passion for all things cuisine related.
The medium - Three colour Risograph print
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - it’s a limited edition of 50 prints and is printed locally in Melbourne and signed by the artist herself.
Why I love it - the first thing I am struck by is the colours of the oranges against the blue (complementary colours for you colour enthusiasts). So simple, but so striking.
Where to buy it - direct from Alice’s online store.
Full disclosure - While writing this article I may or may not have convinced myself I needed this work and bought it.
Framing - I will wait until this gets here but I am thinking a lighter timber frame or maybe a floating frame if I can find the right size to let it breathe a bit.
Lisa Sorgini
Anywhere but here.
2020
254x203mm
Archival giclée print
Edition of 25 + 1AP (artist proof)
$110
The artist - I originally started following Lisa for her floral and water works via Forman Art and Framing but I am now watching as Lisa documents much moodier style reflective of current affairs.
The medium - Photography
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - with only 25 in the edition you know you will be getting something that won’t appear as a generic print in KMart.
Why I love it - I think some of these photographs in this series will be a reminder of what has happened this year. I love Anywhere but here. for the texture and feel of it, I also have a thing for pink and doors.
Where to buy it - Lisa’s online store
Framing - The small size of photograph listed here is a very common photograph size which means you will find a readily available frame. I would probably select three images to sit next to one another in a frame that was as unobtrusive as possible. Alternatively I would find a smaller wall that would do this work justice like next to my bed.
Eamon Donnelly
East Geelong
2018
420x297mm
Giclée fine art print on Canson rag acid free glossy archival paper
$100
The artist - Eamon set out to photograph Australian Milk Bars that he felt were reflective of growing up in the 1980s in long hot Australian summers with a milk bar on every corner.
The medium - Photography
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - while these works aren’t limited edition they do come with a certificate of authenticity and are signed and dated by the artist. Being A3 size I think this artwork is great value and would make great impact in your home.
Why I love it - being born at the tail end of the 1980s and in the country I can’t say I have the same memories of milk bars on every corner but I do get that summer feeling from the colours and shapes in this work and remind me of leftover milk bars still out there. A nostalgic piece.
Where to buy it - directly from Eamon’s online store
Framing - a white frame would emphasise the crisp colours of this work. You could even go a little bolder and choose a coloured frame if that is your style. This size of work is A3 in paper sizes and therefore will be easy to frame yourself.
Lamai Anne
Flowering gum on navy background
2018
297x420mm
Limited edition print on archival cotton rag
Edition of 50
$59.95
The artist - New Zealand born artist living in Australia, Lamai takes her inspiration from what is around her and also works on her own textile ranges.
The medium - Digital print
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - at the price point and being a limited edition (although a larger run) I really think this work is great value. The work is digitally signed and numbered.
Why I love it - while this work is actually sold out I thought it was definitely worth including for the great value it offers. The artist takes inspiration from her surrounding National Park and is clearly someone who takes great pleasure in the little things in life and what is around her. It can be tricky to find paintings at this price point so I think this is an interesting digital alternative.
Where to buy it - find similar works on the artist’s website
Framing - another A3 print that will be easy for you to frame yourself. Having said that, make sure your framing choice reflects the investment you’ve made and don’t just go for the cheapest frame.
Lauren Bamford
Locals series - VB
2013
356x279mm
Photograph - Edition of 10
$150
The artist - Lauren Bamford is a well known Melbourne photographer who works on some high profile photography campaigns as well as undertaking her own projects including Locals which was started in 2013 and is ongoing.
The medium - Photography
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - with an edition of only 10 of each work you would be getting something quite unique.
Why I love it - While it reminds me a little of “the one that got away artwork” (more on that another time) and I like how dainty the posie of flowers is against the very Australiana VB can. I think from 2012/13 both Julian Meagher and Lauren Bamford were the beginning of a number of artists using this flower contrasted with the beer cans.
Where to buy it - get in touch directly with Lauren from her website
Framing - with a more obscure size I would be taking this print to a professional like Kara at Forman Art and Framing to sort you out.
Nicole Wong
Play Gold
2020
297X420mm
Archival pigment print
$100
The artist - Nicole Wong is a Sydney based photographer selling her work as part Cream Town which is an artist collective supporting artists financially affected by the pandemic.
The medium - Photography
Why it’s worth every cent (and then some) - to be able to support creatives who have not been able to work as usual is very appealing and for a relatively small price you get an artwork you will have for a long time.
Why I love it - It reminds me of playing tennis at my grandparents farm using wooden tennis racquets exactly like this. As a little kid I was definitely also put into gingham prints not dissimilar to this. Another nostalgic piece.
Where to buy it - Cream Town
Framing - Cream Town will have it framed at Icon Frames in Malvern East for you for an addition cost. Alternatively this work is also A3 in size so you will be able to frame it easily yourself.
I would love to hear what you’ve found for under $150. Tag me in a post by your favourite artist or message me an image of your wall on instagram for some assistance with your art selections.