PLEASURE AND PERFECTION THROUGH ACRYLIC

Conventional wisdom says that most start-ups usually fail. It is relatively valid to some extent. However, this is a notion that Bodhi Frederick Matthew Brandes, founder of Exclusive Acrylic, proven wrong. Starting 30 years ago in Perth, Australia, he thrived in an industry where people did not want anything done before. Dominating such a robust manufacturing industry is not an easy feat as he now has conquered the Middle East and other international countries. It has required his intense passion and unparalleled artistry to do so.

Bodhi studied Arts and Design, and he has also specialized in ceramics. He has a studio in the Northern UK where he finished his studies. He put himself through college doing carpentry and building renovation work. The spark and crystal clarity of acrylics gave him an intense interest in it.

Before starting up his own business, he worked with an acrylic company for months after several application attempts, where he gained a higher position due to his dedication and strong passion for work. It is a “love at first sight affair,” as he fell for it right away after walking into a showroom. Brandes envisioned himself to create incredible pieces that the world will aspire to own. He recalled telling himself that this was what he desired. His diligence and commitment to what he wanted to do propelled him when he and his colleague bought the company he used to work at and named it The Exclusive Acrylic. That was the starting point for what we can call the would-be state‐of‐the‐arts works in the acrylic Industry.

Exclusive Acrylic specializes in the design and manufacture of architectural features. They create pool walls and sculptural features, to name a few. Authorized to make the world’s largest replica diamond in Brunei, Bodhi started to gain attention. It was an 8 1/2-ton imperial cut of acrylic sitting in a roundabout arch in the Sultan of Brunei’s second palace. His career skyrocketed from then on and was able to expand his business offering more services, and he became one of the most sought-after acrylic designers in the world. He has even done some projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s International Airports.

Bodhi’s guiding principle is his unquestioned work ethic and commitment to learning. “It has been something like 35 years now, and I am still learning every day and will continue to express my art and design through architectural pieces of furniture and dis plays”, Bodhi shared. When making something extraordinary, endless problems are always present. However, to be able to problem-solve is essential. Keeping an open mind has helped him identify the problem and has helped him to surpass them with flying colors. As per him, the key is his openness and commitment to his clients and success.

Bodhi wants to be remembered through his artwork and envisions that through his fantastic work of art, he can evoke some emotions and spark joy in people who can see it. He is indeed a man of purpose who aims to touch lives and make a difference with his architectural designs.