As a deliberate departure from the rigours of scientific microscopic detail, Mali explores the technique called sfumato where the subject's edges are softly blended, imparting an intriguing smoky effect.
Mali Moir (Australia) began her career as botanical artist in 1993 at the National Herbarium of Victoria. Combining botanical and horticultural knowledge with artistic skills Mali has contributed pen and ink drawings for Flora of Victoria, Flora of Australia, Mulleria and other scientific publications. By working closely with botanists, Mali has gained an understanding of the importance of scientific accuracy, the fundamentals of precise measurement and thorough depiction of detail. She teaches botanical illustration in association with the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, at private art groups and conducts workshops in Victoria, interstate and overseas.
She approaches her work with traditional techniques whilst developing a fresh contemporary look. Mali executes works on paper with the consummate skill of a dedicated artist as she combines her fascination for science and nature with an active desire to render works of art with beauty, character and scientific integrity.
Mali has recently developed an interest in creating larger artworks of animals with particular interest in stock animals along with rare and endangered species in a sophisticated and contemporary art style, exploring dynamic compositions and using the impressive qualities of charcoal. As a deliberate departure from the rigours of scientific microscopic detail, Mali explores the technique called sfumato where the subject's edges are softly blended, imparting an intriguing smoky effect.
Mali was awarded a Gold Medal by The Royal Horticultural Society London and an invited exhibitor to the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation USA. She is recipient of an inaugural Celia Rosser Medal and twice finalist in the Waterhouse Art Prize. Mali was the first Australian to receive the Focus On Nature Purchase Award by New York State Museum USA. She exhibits widely in Australia and internationally and has produced many works for private, public and corporate collections.