About

Raymond Mather - Founder of ART1

Raymond Mather is an Australian photographic artist whose creative journey spans more than four decades across dance, theatre, visual arts, and curation. As the founder and principal artist behind ART1, he brings together a lifetime of movement, memory, and storytelling into vibrant, emotionally resonant photographic works designed to uplift, delight, and connect.


From Dance to Photography

Originally trained as a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer, Raymond’s early career moved through the spotlight of stage and screen, including choreography for Strictly Ballroom the movie, before evolving into event direction, exhibition curation, and arts advocacy.

His practice has included roles as gallery owner, educator, exhibition technician, and curator across major cultural institutions such as:

  • Tanks Arts Centre
  • Cairns Regional Gallery
  • Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns (CoCA)

Alongside this, Raymond established Cr8Studios, a community-focused space supporting exhibitions, digital media, and collaborative arts practice.


Commercial Galleries

Raymond’s career has also extended into the commercial gallery sector, where he worked with:

  • The Artery, Darlinghurst, Sydney - Contributed to the gallery’s inception and operational systems in 2005, supporting its establishment as a contemporary Aboriginal art gallery. Worked as a casual Art Consultant during two phases (2005-2011 and 2020-2024), advising clients, supporting sales, and engaging with national and international collectors.
  • Wentworth Galleries, Sydney - Served as an Art Consultant for one of Australia’s leading commercial galleries, with a national and international collector base.

These roles deepened his understanding of both the creative and market sides of the art world, shaping ART1 as a platform that balances artistic integrity with accessibility for collectors and designers.


Leadership & Community Engagement

Beyond his own practice, Raymond has played active roles in arts leadership and community development:

  • Served on the Advisory Board for Coffs Harbour City Council, Cultural and Civic Space, named Yarrila Place, contributing to regional cultural strategy and programming.
  • Co-founded Role Models fundraising events with the Northcott Society, using performance and creativity to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities.

These experiences reflect his lifelong commitment to inclusion, community wellbeing, and the role of the arts in social change.


The Work

Over time, photography became Raymond’s primary medium, a place where stillness meets motion, and presence finds form. His artworks explore abstraction, human traces, and poetic moments across landscape and object.

Drawing from decades living throughout Australia, from the dance halls of Sydney to the lush rainforests of Far North Queensland, his collections reflect a deep connection to place, pattern, and emotional resonance.

Signature collections such as Pop Art Flowers, Vivid Country, and Dancing into the Light highlight his distinctive approach to colour, memory, and presence.

To date, Raymond has participated in, and been selected for, over 30 group and solo exhibitions across Australia, reflecting both the breadth of his practice and his commitment to creative exploration in independent and institutional contexts.

He has also documented important public and private collections, including digitisation projects for Coffs Harbour City Council and Cairns City Council’s Public Art Collection.


Selected Exhibitions & Awards

  • Moran National Photography Prize - Semi-Finalist
  • STILL: The National Still Life Award (STILL Salon) - Selected
  • Northern Exposure, Glasshouse Regional Gallery - Selected
  • Percival Photographic Portrait Prize, Townsville - Finalist
  • SHIMMER Photographic Biennale, South Australia - Selected, Solo Exhibition
  • New Year: New Work, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery - Selected
  • Lethbridge 20,000, Brisbane - Finalist


The ART1 Philosophy

Each limited edition fine art print available through ART1 is professionally produced using museum-grade archival materials, ensuring depth, longevity, and timeless value. Every piece is signed, numbered, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity in editions of 50.

Created for collectors, designers, and art lovers seeking bold, uplifting works, ART1 bridges the worlds of fine art and interior design with accessible, limited edition collections.

At its heart, ART1 is guided by joy, presence, and connection, values that have shaped Raymond’s lifelong creative journey. Now entering a new chapter marked by travel and global sharing, he continues to explore the world with camera in hand and an open heart.


Enjoy the ride,
Raymond