Oxmarket is looking forward to welcoming Max Wildman to the Wilson gallery for an exhibition of work inspired by Alfred Wallis. Max says ‘It was inevitable that after a long-held interest in all forms of primitive and naïve art, he would eventually be drawn to the works of Alfred Wallis’. Viewing so much of Alfred Wallis’ unique style at first hand and up-close had a riveting effect, and so began an enduring fascination with the life and works of this, the most enigmatic of St Ives characters. Research into Alfred Wallis’ life, how he came to St Ives and how he was discovered, served only to intensify that initial interest in his paintings. A period of keen study ensued- examining the methods, techniques and materials used by Wallis, this was followed by several experiments (conducted out of sheer curiosity!) painting seascapes and ships using only those same materials and paints that Wallis himself would have used. After a few false starts, some satisfactory results began to emerge, but the Wallis influence was inescapable, and more and more, the style, character and spirit of Wallis’ work began to assert itself onto those early attempts. An uncanny ability to paint in the style of Wallis became apparent, and it was not long before commissions were being taken from a growing clientele to produce works that were quite intentionally in the style of Alfred Walls. Interest continued to grow apace, and now this Chichester-based artist’s work is much in demand from galleries, interior designers and collectors throughout the UK and beyond! Max Wildman first drifted into painting in 2005, about the same time as early retirement began to beckon. Now, most of his time is taken up with painting. He was born on Merseyside, but from an early age spent much time on the move – living in London’s East End, rural Yorkshire and the West Country. His chequered career path includes service in the Royal Marines, horticultural management, and latterly dealing in art and antiques.