Tribute to Tim Wilson ( 2 Sept 1954 – 22 July 2020 )
I did not become an artist on my own. I have been shaped and influenced and encouraged by many kind and generous souls over the past twenty-six years.
However none more profoundly so than Tim Wilson.
Many of the objet that appear in my paintings were from Tim’s private collection.
From our initial connection in 1997, Tim issued me with a challenge that was the catalyst for me to begin oil painting. Working with him daily in his studio from 2005 – 2011, then working with and exhibiting alongside him in Wilson Gallery in Queenstown, he has been the single biggest influence on my painting and career as an artist.
It does not seem possible to put into words the impact made by the extraordinary man that was Tim. Indeed I will always be in awe at the depth of his genius, the impact of his generous mentorship not only on myself but with so many others and the remarkable gift that was his extraordinary friendship.
My techniques in oil are still based on those that he taught me, my attention to detail honed by his exuberant and generous encouragement, and my passion for the magic that is oil paint, inspired by his passionately innovative and intuitive genius and innate understanding of this medium.
So many of the objet I have painted were collected by Tim over the years. We marvelled over these together as Tim would share his innate knowledge about the expertise with which the artisans had made them. His ongoing and passionate enthusiasm for my work encouraged me enormously especially through the self-doubt that challenges many an artist. There is no greater gift to give another than to wholeheartedly support their dream.
I will be forever grateful to the powers that be that I shared twenty-six precious years on one epic journey with my dear friend and extraordinary mentor Tim Wilson.
"Master of Light and Love – nothing compares to you and the enormity of the legacy you have left behind for us all in your trailblazing wake. You were, and always will be a guiding light of inspiration to so many and will continue to be so for generations to come – a true legend."