Cloudy Rhodes, Paddington, NSW
Images by Saskia Wilson
When we think of Cloudy Rhodes, we are immediately drawn to the sea. Namely because the film-maker and photographer’s serene body of work often revolves around the natural world but also because of their relaxed, gentle nature that speaks to a childhood spent chasing waves on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We visited Cloudy at their Paddington terrace, shared with a group of creative friends and a beautiful pup named Wombat, to speak about making work, taking photos and looking ahead to the new year.
“I just moved in to this house with my mates who are filmmakers. It's a really fun vibe we all cook together and hang out. I love being able to sleep with my door open. “
Cloudy’s bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen fitted sheet, flat sheet, duvet cover, pillowslip and bed cover in lake. Cloudy also wears our 100% linen pant and short sleeve shirt in lake.
“My bedroom kind of looks like a teenage boys room. I should probably get some grown up furniture. My best friend Jedda’s paintings are the only art on my walls.”
“I grew up surfing and travelling so I started taking pictures to remember, I think I like pictures cause I’m so sentimental. People always said my photos feel like moments from a film, I think I always wanted to make films.”
Cloudy’s work explores overarching themes of queerness, nature and sensuality, and in doing so often gives voice and visibility to marginalised communities. When reflecting on this Cloudy says this is something that happens quite naturally.
“It’s happened quite organically. My work is so personal. I do think representation is so important. I like the idea of marginalised people finding refuge in my work, like a safe place.”
“My experience of gender has always been so fluid I think my work has the same feeling. Free flowing and undefined. I’ve come to understand myself and my longing to be seen through making films and I think my work reflects that.”
Looking ahead to the new year Cloudy is optimistic about getting back to all of the things they love and exploring other aspects of their creative practice.
“Outside of photography I've always wanted to make sculptures, I love using my hands. I also enjoy making good food and surfing and am looking forward to (hopefully) travelling and making new work”
Cloudy’s bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen fitted sheet, flat sheet, duvet cover, pillowslip and bed cover in lake. Cloudy also wears our 100% linen pant and short sleeve shirt in lake.