MARLEY MCLEAY

Well my story is pretty similar to most. I've been drawing right back as far as Ican remember.

During a television break in the eighties, I caught a glimpse of the Starship Enterprise, possibly only a few mili seconds worth, but it was enough to cement my fascination in the realm of fantasy and science fiction for life. All through school my conversation was all about Trek or Blake’s 7 and my drawings corresponded as well.

It wasn't until the intermediate level of my education that i felt my art would be a big part of my future. My style is really a reproduction of the art I loved so much as a child - the giant spaceships and structures that were envisioned to grace the various Asimov novels; especially the foundation series. Also the lovely backdrops that can be found in movies such as Battle Beyond the Stars and Enemy Mine were also hugely influential.

My dream position would be that of a matte painter, I hope to accomplish this in the near future.

Influences

Andrew Probert, Matt Jefferies, Ralph Mquarrie, Chriss' Foss and Moore, Peter Elson, Peter Andrew Jones (Starflight Conflict), Star Trek, Krull, Battle Beyond the Stars, Enemy Mine, Starship Troopers, Sunshine, LOTR, Andreas Vollenweider, Ulrich Schnauss, Bent, William Orbit, Various, Bjork, Underworld, James Horner, Groove Armada, Enya.

Vital Statistics

Full name: Marley Mcleay

Date of birth: secret ;)

Current Location: Golden Bay, New Zealand

Complete this sentence: Three cavemen are sitting round a fire, one says to the other... "Be carefull not to over do the steak, I like mine extremely rare."

What is the first visual image you can remember? The enterprise leaving space dock in Star Trek 3, it was a trailer advertisement, to which I watched on our first television back in the eighties (84?)..The ship just had my mouth open. Such a beautiful design.

Who is your most influential artist? Andrew Probert..

Everything Iloved as achild he had a hand in - Star trek, Battlestar Galactica, Back to the Future (delorean), Street Hawk, Airwolf, Batteries not Included.

Last book you read? In the Earth Abides the Flame, Russel Kirkpatrick

Favourite music? Ambient Electronica, or gentle classical music like Enya, Yanni, Andreas Vollenweider

Favourite film? Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Favourite TV series? Battlestar Remake, 24, Big Brother

Favourite animated series? Dragon Ball Z

Pet hate? State of world politics

Share a quote: 'Focus on the little things and the bigger
picture will look after itself.'

You are suddenly the most powerful person on the planet, what's the first thing you would do? Buy 2 pair of socks

What attracted you in contributing to Erth Chronicles? Intriguing story, also seeing the current standard of concepts produced by the other artists - it provided me with a good enough reason to start illustrating again.

What's the most important professional advice you would give a prospective artist? Interesting, as Iam not really a professional (a hobbyist more like). Just have faith in your own abilities, its very easy to compare yourself to others especially since the best in the business are only a few mouse clicks away.

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