The Evolution of Rise Up
 
What began as a hobby for Apostolis Fotiadis, giving new life to unwanted and rundown instruments, set off a creative force to share his art with the world! Empowering individuals, enlightening the soul, giving life and light to abandoned musical instruments through the art series project "The Light of Music".
 
Apostolis began his creative journey upcycling old instruments into pieces of art for his own home, as well as gifts for his family and friends. Due to overwhelming positive feedback Rise Up was born to empower, create, and give new life and meaning to the instruments he saw a light in. Thus “The Light of Music” project was developed.
 
For Apostolis, music has always been a key focus. From writing and performing music to expressing his love of music through art, it occupies every facet of his life. “The Light of Music” project is his latest offering for music lovers and those seeking a unique piece of art.
 
Apostolis transforms musical instruments into unique lamps using many techniques from painting, pouring, sculptures and pyrography. He trusts that each instrument will light the way and guide him as he creates.

“Each project is a unique piece of art and there is no specific way of creating it. I feel the vibe of how to go about combining these instruments with light and how to enhance the result with various techniques.”
 

Challenges Faced
 
As a small business owner, Apostolis can relate to the common bugbear of many – the dreaded paperwork! In addition, funding is an ongoing issue. Apostolis has self-funded this project with the goal of making his dreams come true and turning it into a thriving business. Currently operating as a side project, he hopes that as his work is recognised, accepted, and appreciated that the demand increases – allowing him to spend more time focusing on his art.

A unique challenge for Apostolis’ niche art is sourcing rare instruments other than the usual guitar and violin, to really elevate his art to the next level. He has used drums, brass instruments and more to create stunningly unique lamps and lights.

The Future is Bright!
 
Apostolis has a clear goal for the future – to allow his art to speak for itself and inspire all who come into contact with it. To give people the ability to realise how important it is to not take anything for granted, to upcycle and see the beauty in giving new life to old items.

He would love to have his pieces in many people’s homes and to share his vision of “The Light of Music”. But as he sensibly states: “Always slow and steady with baby steps, and who knows how bright the future may be”.

Rise Up at Perth Makers Market
 
Apostolis is debuting his “The Light of Music” art series project at Perth Makers Market on Sunday 25^th September at Goolugatup Heathcote. He is aware that his art is rare and unique, and knew he needed a platform to share his artwork with likeminded individuals – true believers in creativity and art.
 
“I love how I have been accepted and part of this amazing team of creators and I am just going to embrace the journey”.
 
The team at Perth Makers Market welcome Apostolis and are looking forward to seeing his art on display. Make sure you stop by his stall to pick up your own unique piece and meet the creative force that is Apostolis Fotiadis.
 
You can also follow Apostolis’ journey on his Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/fotiadisapostolis