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Artist ProfileTim MainTim Main graduated with a BA majoring in sculpture and textile printing from the School of Art and Design, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) in 2001. From there he has created several patterns for print of native flora in an English arts and crafts style. Working also as a restorer of antique picture frames at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery and as a printing tutor at CPIT. Collaboration with fashion designer Sharon Ng and Dilana Rugs has continued to expand Main’s textile print repertoire. In 2004 Main began to exhibit sculpture that reflected the native flora of his prints. Main's work is based around the theme of observing the sense of order and purpose in nature, and finding ways to visually express that. With an interest in how observation and subsequent interpretation of nature’s patterns in art can convey culture.
Tim Main describes his creative process and fascination with nature:
“In my current work I start with pattern to provide an underlying structure and lay the narrative over that. What I’m looking for in sculptural form is a harmony of order and movement that guides the eye while providing complexity that is not so easily perceived and remembered. I believe the pleasure of the aesthetic experience lies in sensing purpose while seeing configurations which aren’t obvious, but which we can still understand as the application of underlying laws.
I like the idea that we can observe the medley of forms in a plant and select from that a few characteristics or expressive elements that will function as a stylistic motif. When this is taken into pattern, the result can function as a generalized symbol of nature. Traditionally in the decorative arts, laying plant motifs in a repeating pattern symbolizes the regenerative quality of nature and embodies the sense of order that comes from the perception of pattern in our environment. There is a yearning for perpetuity embodied in pattern, and a desire to understand nature’s secret of creation.”
Tim Main has exhibited throughout New Zealand since graduating. His works features in private and public collections such as The Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu, James Wallace Trust, Canterbury District Health Board and Wellington City Council.
View Tim Main's 2011 exhibition - click here
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