Biophilia: The Art of Christopher Marley Book of Postcards

Working with reptiles, fish, crustaceans, birds, plants, and more, insect artist Christopher Marley has expanded his range of influence to sample the awe-inspiring diversity of plant and animal life on our planet. Each specimen is presented in its natural state, its colors true to life. Devoid of any creepy-crawliness or wriggly-slitheriness, Marley’s arrangements transform jewel-like arthropods, knobbly urchins, stately crustaceans, swirling sea stars, brilliant fish, and more into stunning works of art. Marley’s work began with insects, combining a passion for entomology with a keen eye for design to produce kaleidoscopic bug mandalas and striking up-close-and-personal insect portraits. Now, by working with institutions and individuals that are dedicated to animal husbandry, he is able to make his artful arrangements while ensuring that no vertebrates are ever killed for his art.

Christopher Marley

Oregon artist Christopher Marley (American, b. 1969) spent his childhood catching snakes, raising lizards, and dreaming of Komodo dragons, but he was terrified of anything with more than four legs. As an adult, Marley became fascinated by insects’ jewel-like colors, incredible shapes, and perfect mechanics, which led him to visit remote locales, collecting and observing insects, birds, reptiles, and other creatures in their native habitats. With each preserved organism displayed in its natural state—with colors true to life—Marley transforms specimens into stunning works of art. The creatures presented in his designs are collected in an environmentally sensitive way. For eye-popping proof that the world is indeed full of wonders, look no further than the exquisite creatures in Marley’s striking compositions.