Continuing to expand his creative practice, Fremantle artist Tim Maley explores the natural world in his latest exhibition, Specimens.
“I like drawing animals, and insects like caterpillars, moths, butterflies and beetles. There are so many animals I can draw. I like to learn about what animals do, and about the different part of animals.” - Tim Maley 2018
With an acute focus on the intricate physical details and behaviours of natural phenomena, Maley showcases his love and appreciation for animals and insects in the wild.
Maley informally worked with the Western Australian Museum in 2013 to draw and paint a selection of specimens from their natural history collection. Fascinated by the variety of animals and insects displayed, Maley continued his visual studies, visiting the Western Australian Museum in 2014 and 2015. His thoughtful insights into taxadermic subjects has expanded his drawing repertoire and has since then he has experimented with a variety of art forms and mediums including drawing, painting and projection.
As a series of works on paper, Specimens meticulously illustrates the detailed form, colour and texture of his subject matter. To inform his depiction of the shape and size of insects, Maley has carefully focused his observations to caterpillars, moths, butterflies and beetles.
Capturing the unique attributes of single insects, Maley has incorporated the use of digital technologies, such as an iPad and photography, for documenting his subject matter. This marks a new technique that Maley is fostering in his painting and drawing works. By experimenting with digital formats at DADAA’s new digital studio in Fremantle, Maley continues to draw inspiration from his site visits and a variety of mediums to further develop his creative expression.
Maley is an established artist who has been encouraged and supported by DADAA as an active member of their arts program for many years. Maley is well known for his work on DADAA’s The Lost Generation Film Project in 2007 and portfolio contributions for the exhibition HERE&NOW13. He has worked alongside artists Si Hummerston and Kate Campbell Pope in a mentorship program and his work has been showcased across Australia and the United Kingdom.
Specimens explores an admiration for nature in all its diversity and an ongoing relationship exhibiting with the Mundaring Arts Centre.