
Timothy Banks
Charleston, South Carolina
Artist Timothy Banks paints stylized animals that look like origami brought to life—folded with precision, yet softened by the fluidity of watercolor. “Each animal begins as a sketch, but I build in movement, memory, and personality as I go,” says Timothy. A longtime illustrator with a background in children’s books and commercial work, he eventually turned his attention to personal paintings filled with bold shapes, layered colors, and expressive lines. His animals often hint at something deeper: a quiet emotion, a sense of play, or a flash of familiarity. Timothy works from a sun-drenched parlor studio in a historic 19th-century Charleston building with tall ceilings and views of the city’s rooftops. When he’s not painting, he’s usually cycling around town, kayaking through Lowcountry creeks, or making art with his three daughters.



Artist Statement
I create narrative-driven work that lives at the intersection of imagination and reflection. I paint stylized animals in acrylic or watercolor, using bold shapes, layered color, and expressive lines. Each piece begins with loose sketches and evolves into a character full of personality and movement. My work blends spontaneity with structure, often with a surreal or whimsical twist.
Beneath the stylized forms and playful tone, my work is rooted in storytelling. Each animal or scene carries emotion, memory, or humor—often drawn from real life. What may seem whimsical at first glance is carefully constructed to reveal character, connection, and a touch of mystery.
A blend of personal history, pop culture, environmental concerns, and social commentary all shape my creative process.
Beneath the stylized forms and playful tone, my work is rooted in storytelling. Each animal or scene carries emotion, memory, or humor—often drawn from real life. What may seem whimsical at first glance is carefully constructed to reveal character, connection, and a touch of mystery.
A blend of personal history, pop culture, environmental concerns, and social commentary all shape my creative process.
Artist Background
Bob Jones University
Bachelor of Arts, 2000
Savannah College of Art and Design
Master of Fine Arts, 2002
Press
A Q&A with Timothy Banks
boxbird.co.uk Interview The Artist
An Interview with Timothy Banks
charlestonmag.com Talks To The Artist
A Feature on Timothy Banks
charlestoncitypaper.com Highlights The Artist
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