PUBLIC RESPONSE
Nov. 10, 2021
If there’s one thing that “everyone” in the South Dakota art market can agree on, it’s that sales are an artist’s biggest challenge.
Somehow Rodney Bode is changing everything. In just a few weeks, he’s not only introduced the idea of “outsider art” to the public, but also broken sales records.
He didn’t do it alone. By definition, outsider artists produce artwork in their own private worlds. For a particular artist to burst on the scene, he or she usually needs a formal introduction. In this case, that introduction was initiated by Jenny Schmidt of Black Hills Advocate, who realized in the process of assessing Bode’s home that she had stumbled onto something amazing. She reached out to Gallery Six13, and suddenly Bode was no longer “unknown.”
Art collectors across the state and beyond have responded since the show opened on October 15, and more than 50 pieces of art have already been sold—about 1/5 of the collection. Since Bode’s brain has permanently changed because of vascular dementia, he will never be able to make more.
Bode’s collection, all found stacked and tacked and arranged at his home in western South Dakota, includes about 250 paintings, 50 sculptures, and 40 handmade knives.
The art stands on its own, but yes, Rod Bode’s story is compelling. He’s “one of us,” a rancher who loved his wife and his livestock, and who suffered for decades with the torment of mental illness. Now 80, his art represents a primary asset, one that can fund his continued care.
Verschoor has never seen an outsider artist make such a splash—but she’s also never seen a show make so much money so quickly. “In South Dakota, this is huge,” she says. “It’s as surprising as the work is. The work is interesting, and so I’m thrilled to see that people understand how important and special it is.”
Bode’s show will continue through November 20th at Gallery Six13, and then it will move to New York City, to larger outsider art fairs and venues. The team is even in discussion with major art auction houses, in an effort to best benefit Bode and his future care.
Meanwhile, perhaps this one artist has made an indelible mark on South Dakota. “This could signal a whole new era,” Verschoor says. “Wouldn’t that be nice!”
Wouldn’t it, indeed. Thanks to Bode, maybe our state, and even our region, will never be the same again. Maybe people who thought they didn’t have a voice can find one.
“It’s exciting to me,” Verschoor says. “This event is a way for people to get excited about art. They might be open to look at more and different types of work. It’s so exciting for everyone.”
PRESS/NEWS
As of Nov. 10, 2021
SDPB TV
BODE
Documentary by Randal Iverson on South Dakota Public Television. BODE premieres Sunday, Dec. 19, 9:30pm (8:30 MT) on SDPB1.
FROM | OUTSIDER ART MAGAZINE
Art From The Outside: RODNEY BODE
July 30, 2021
KOTA TV ABC
Rodney Bode art
Updated: Oct. 16, 2021 at 2:42 AM MDT
Rapid City Journal
Top Story / Front Page
"Reclusive rancher's art on display in Rapid City"
Tanya Manus Journal staff / Oct 30, 2021 Updated Nov 8, 2021 Freelance writer Kristin Donnan contributed to this article.
KNBN TV NBC Newscenter1
"Connect With Us – Rodney Bode Art Collection"
The artwork of Rodney Bode is taking over Gallery Six 13, downtown Rapid City. Bode has what’s called outsider art because of his unique situation.
November 4, 2021 Anya Mueller
Tenet Podcast
Episode 104
Wes Brown & Todd Pierson
Greg Geiger & Jay Pond - Gallery Six13,
American Outsider Artist - Rodney Bode
Spotify - Apple Podcast - Google Podcast
Online BODE Shop: www.gallerysix13.com
To learn more, explore this website and take a few moments to view this documentary film by Randal Iverson:
https://vimeo.com/509121188/638bc6137a