In a world where art transcends boundaries and tells stories of distant lands, Tim, a talented handwoven tapestry artist based in Chichester, has carved a niche for himself by drawing inspiration from the rich visual arts of Morocco and Mali. Having visited these vibrant countries multiple times over the past two decades, Tim reflects on his artistic evolution, stating, “It is now exactly twenty years since I first went to Mali and visited the fabled city of Timbuktu.” His upcoming exhibition showcases a collection of tapestries that have primarily been created since his last retrospective in Cambridge back in 2014, alongside some exquisite small basketry pieces that resemble mini-sculptures.
The tapestries on display are a fascinating blend of cultural influences, with several pieces echoing the intricate designs of Moroccan Berber rugs, while others draw from the textile traditions of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Congo. Tim's most recent works focus on the natural beauty of pebbles, exploring their unique markings and shapes, reflecting his keen eye for detail and a deep connection to nature. The influence of Malian artistry is evident in the incorporation of bogolan (mudcloth) textile motifs and the conical forms of traditional mud-built architecture, illustrating how Tim has developed his own personal lexicon of signs and symbols over the years, including cairns, cones, eyes, and dancing figures.
Tim hopes that visitors to the exhibition will not only appreciate the visual impact of his work but also gain insight into the intricate art of hand-made tapestry weaving and the creative processes involved. Born in Llandudno, North Wales, in 1943, and raised in West Sussex, Tim's journey into the world of art began after a fulfilling career in teaching and NHS administration. Following his early retirement in 1998, he pursued art courses at the City Literary Institute in London and later obtained an MA in Visual Arts and Design from London Metropolitan University. It was during this period, spurred by his travels to Morocco, that he discovered his passion for tapestry weaving, ultimately leading him to create his own interpretations of vibrant Moroccan tribal rugs.
Although downsizing from London has limited his ability to produce large-scale pieces, it has also opened new avenues for exploration. Tim has found joy in experimenting with the patterns, shapes, and tones of seashore pebbles on his homemade table loom. His love for Mali was ignited by stunning photographs of mud-built mosques and the captivating black and white mud-cloth fabrics, further fueled by the exhilarating music celebrated at the open-air festival on the Niger River in Segou. Tim fondly recalls visiting Timbuktu two decades ago and even constructing a sculpture from cardboard and mud, which he installed amidst the Saharan dunes, marking a defining moment in his artistic journey.
As reported by sussexexpress.co.uk.
