Tim Main 'The Spring Vine' (2009)

Combining technical mastery and aesthetic balance, Tim Main’s ‘The Spring Vine’ accentuates the beauty and delicacy of New Zealand native flora. Intricately modelled objects appear as if sprouting from interior walls. Main focuses on the clematis flower, the first sign of spring, fabricating compositions from wood, ceramics, gesso and oils. Each piece is unique, every stem distinctly different, showing the nature of his subject matter.

Tim Main’s Clematis art works merge elements from two significant bodies of work; rosettes and grasses, revealing the strengths of the two themes. As with the rosette works, subtle architectural elements can be found in the underlying structures of the vines, creating a sense of order and pattern. There is a lightness and expressive quality to the compositions, there is a force of nature at play, and Tim Main explores the ideas of movement, momentum and visual expression.

Clusters of vines are grouped together in the works ‘Composition with Clematis II, III and IV’ and single vines play off each other to reveal complex patterns and relationships. The works are arranged like Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), showing the balance between nature and humanity. The influence of 18th Century screen painting is also revealed in the works, “plant varieties grouped in thematic landscape arrangements float in a flattened or shallow perspective. They are depicted in a lightly stylized realism that best shows their individual character. A balance is sensed between culture (observation, arrangement, simplification) and nature (expression).” (Main 08)

Tim Main’s rosette works reveal the visual language of Gothic architecture, and reference the imposition of culture on visual forms (explored through the stylisation of botanical elements). The rosettes appear to be ordered yet plant forms bloom from exquisitely carved wooden structures in an organic yet balanced composition.

Critics and collectors are acknowledging Tim Main’s absolutely unique approach to sculptural artworks. With a command of sculptural language, knowledge of structural traditions, combination of architecture and environment and mastery of balanced arrangements, Tim Main’s exceptionally well-crafted objects are intriguing, elegant and distinctive.

Tim Main graduated with a Bachelor of Craft Arts majoring in Sculpture and Textile printing from C.P.I.T. School of art and design where he later taught textile printing. Awarded the Dowse Student Study Award 1999 for excellence in craft and design. In 2003 he collaborated with fashion designer Sharon Ng and in 2005 he was the artist in residence at The Arts Centre, Christchurch. Tim Main has works in collections throughout New Zealand including the Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch Art Gallery and the James Wallace Trust.

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