‘It was a huge relief that she liked it’: a first-time art buyer’s maiden painting

Brad Gordon-Smith poses in front of Jade Crusade by KimmiLee – the first painting he ever bought. Photograph: Jacinta Moore/The Guardian

Brad Gordon-Smith had never heard of Melbourne artist KimmiLee before Instagram’s algorithm shuffled her into his life. Looking at pictures of her work inspired him to buy his first piece of original art – a metre square abstract that now holds pride of place in his living room.

“It was the beginning of lockdowns. I guess my focus shifted and I was getting a bit more homely. I was also spending a lot more time online.”