Biography 

• Richard Kloester was born in Melbourne, Australia early 1970's. From an early age he was recognised for his artistic talents from drawing to carving. He received his first set of carving tools when he was just 12 years of age where he found a passion in wood carving. 

• Although, Richard had won many prizes when exhibiting his art work as a child. His most prized award was actually for a "Highly Commended" award at 13 years of age, where his art was accidentally judged in the Adult category and not the Children's category.

• In Richard's final year of Art at High School he completed his first bust in clay at the age of 17.

• Richard studied at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, where he received his degree in "Industrial Design" with distinction and was placed on the "Dean's list". Then studied computer animation and modeling at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Canberra.

• Moving to Sydney, Richard pursued his creative side doing computer animation and modelling on many projects such as Superman(webisode series) and flight simulation for the military. Although, he loved working within this industry there was always one thing missing; actually interacting with the models which he had enjoyed doing with wood and clay.

• Richard persuaded his wife to have their Honeymoon in Egypt, to see all the amazing stone sculptures. While over in Egypt he purchased a rather rustic sculpture in stone that planted a seed in Richard's soul to one day try stone sculpture himself.

• After moving his family back down to Victoria. Richard was influenced by an Art Exhibition that included stone sculptures. Richard then took workshops with other artists to learn the art of carving stone. He already had a good foundation of design and carvings skills, so he was able to transfer his skills into a new direction  to chip his mark into the art of stone sculpture.

• Since then Richard has exhibited in numerous Gallery exhibitions, won awards, completed commissions and conducts regular workshops teaching beginner and advanced workshops.