Suffolk artist shows his animal magic

A SUFFOLK artist is to show his animal magic at the world's biggest safari exhibition in America.James Maberly, 47, of Dennington, near Woodbridge has been painting wildlife since he was a child.

A SUFFOLK artist is to show his animal magic at the world's biggest safari exhibition in America.

James Maberly, 47, of Dennington, near Woodbridge has been painting wildlife since he was a child.

This week will see his work unveiled at the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada – the biggest global gathering of artists and traders involved in the safari trade.

Born in Kenya and brought up in Zimbabwe, he was surrounded by the animals that provide the subjects for his paintings and sculptures.

Mr Maberly credits his uncle as his biggest inspiration: "He was an artist in South Africa and used to tell us the most amazing stories.

"He just used to hop on his bike with his sketch book and travel around the game parks, getting up close to the animals."

Mr Maberly moved to England in 1988 to study art formally. He spent two years at the former Ipswich School of Art and three years at the Norwich School of Art and Design.

He now works from his studio in Suffolk and returning to Zimbabwe from time to time.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be travelling to such a prestigious exhibition. They say that there are more millionaires roaming around the aisles there than anywhere in the world!"

He specialises in bronze and bronze resin sculptures of a wide variety of animals.

His works, are held in collections across the world, including Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Weblink: www.maberly-art.com