Williams-Sonoma Home: Art of Christopher Marley

When artist Christopher Marley speaks of the “elegant economy of design,” it’s a surprise to find that he’s describing the beauty of bugs, fossils, minerals and carnivorous plants. Nowhere is that naturalistic aesthetic more apparent than in the ghostly shell arrangements in his Form and Pheromone Series of wall art, created by Christopher just for us. Each of his nine designs feature sustainably harvested real seashells that are mounted on archival white mats in sealed pure white shadowboxes and framed in brushed aluminum. The results are inspired collages with natural symmetry and the consciousness of modern art.

In Christopher’s expressive hands, collections of actual Achromatic Starfish, Fluted Clams, Lilac Urchins, Spider Conches, Cone Shells, Terebra Pinon and cross-sections of a chambered Nautilus observe a delicate balance between scientific inquiry, high design and fine art.

Because they are not painted representations, the visual impact is heightened by the subtleties of the shells’ inherent coloration, unique markings and history as once-living creatures.

It’s no wonder that Christopher’s star has been rising. With the natural environment as constant inspiration, his work has been featured in museum exhibits and publications across the US, Canada and Japan, and on shows as diverse as PBS, CNN, CBS Sunday Morning and Voice of America.

It’s inevitable that such art educates its viewers on the secrets of the natural world. As an artist and naturalist, that’s Christopher’s ultimate goal. He says, “At times, I consider myself more of a designer than an artist, more of a storyteller than an author. So much of nature’s story is yet unheard. I hope to help it ring more clearly.”