Capturing Worlds Through Art With Richard “Dick” Termes
Richard “Dick” Termes was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2014 for his groundbreaking contributions to the art world. Best known for his invention of the “Termesphere,” Termes developed a new way of seeing and representing reality by painting entire environments on a sphere. His art captures the world in a way no one else has, combining geometry, perspective, and creativity into mesmerizing works that have been celebrated in South Dakota and across the globe.
A Journey of Art
Growing up with a deep interest in perspective and visual space, Termes pursued his education in the arts and eventually earned his MFA. His career path was not easy, as he described in his interview, but it was fueled by both determination and a willingness to adapt. Establishing a gallery at his home was a turning point, allowing him to share his unique vision directly with audiences while building a sustainable career.
A New Way to View the World
Termes’s greatest artistic innovation was the six-point perspective system that allows him to paint complete worlds on spheres. Each Termesphere presents a seamless 360-degree view—above, below, and all around. His art has been displayed internationally, including in Italy alongside M.C. Escher, one of his greatest inspirations. Closer to home, his work commemorates South Dakota’s 100th legislative session with a sphere featuring both the House and Senate chambers.
Through his teaching, both in South Dakota and abroad, Termes has inspired students to see geometry, perspective, and the visual world in entirely new ways. He has proven that art can bridge disciplines, inspiring science, mathematics, and storytelling alike.
Inspiration Through Education
In his interview, Termes reflected on the persistence it takes to be an artist. He noted that success requires both creative vision and practical business sense, reminding young artists that education and resilience are essential. He often described himself and fellow creators as “oddballs”—people who challenge convention and stir things up, making the world turn in new directions. As he shared, “The oddballs make things work.”
A Lasting Impact
Today, the Termesphere Gallery continues to thrive, operated with the help of his family and dedicated staff, ensuring that Termes can focus on creating. His spheres remain a testament to his philosophy that we do not live in flat or rectangular spaces, but in complete, spherical environments. His legacy invites us to expand how we see the world, one perspective at a time.
From 2014 to today, Richard Termes’s story is a testament to creativity, vision, and innovation. Learn more about Richard Termes on his legacy page here.
Watch the full interview below, hosted by Board Director Marci Christensen Burdick, to hear these stories in Dick’s own words.