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(sculpture in clay) at the age of 17. After graduating, a representative from an Art Gallery had approached Richard to do more busts, but he declined, so he could attend University.

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, Lily, 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, which included well known Sculptor, Kevin Free. Since then Kevin has been a Mentor in Richard's smooth transition into stone. Where Richard has been able to draw upon his own training, experience and passion to chip his mark into the stone sculpture industry.

(left) Richard Kloester and Kevin Free having a break from demonstrating stone carving in Mount Gambier Limestone at the 2010 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.