The fabulous Mister Finch's enchanting hand-sculpted creatures were exhibited earlier this year in New York in his first solo show at the Steven Kasher Gallery. If you haven't seen his collection of fairy tale curiosities already, I warn you it is hard not to fall in love with them.
A predominant theme in his work is nature: rustic fungi that look like they belong in the natural history museum, quaint rabbits, masked birds and bees the size of your head!
“My main inspirations come from nature and often I return to certain ideas again and again. Flowers, insects, and birds really fascinate me with their amazing life cycles and extraordinary nests and behaviors."
The mystical textile sculptures range dramatically in size and are intricately hand-sewn using an array of materials; many of which are recycled. Mister Finch's creatures are born straight from his colourful, imaginary wonderland. He recalls that growing up with Beatrix Potter books and other childhood classics has influenced his textile art.
"British folklore is also so beautifully rich in fabulous stories and never ceases to be at the heart of what I make: shape-shifting witches, moon-gazing hares and a smartly dressed devil ready to invite you to stray from the path. Humanizing animals with shoes and clothes is something I’ve always done and I imagine them to come alive at night, getting dressed, and helping an elderly shoemaker and a tired housewife.”
I had never considered before that an eclipse of moths could be so stunning!
