Here is my latest visual obsession and our Angle on Artist in our series – Mr. Finch, a completely original textile artist who has imagined a fantastic reality, populated with birds, insects, flora and fauna. There is an inebriating quality to his work that draws you into this eccentricity that reminds me of the world of H.G. Wells.
This what he says of himself:
“My name is Finch – it’s actually my surname… everyone calls me it and I like it.
I’ve called my business Mister Finch so its clear from the start that I’m a man and one that sews.
We are a bit thin on the ground but we are out there!
I live in Leeds in Yorkshire not too far from the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in the UK.
I have no formal training in anything to do with textiles or sewing and apart from a short art course I did many years ago I’ve learnt all I know myself.
When I’m not making things which isn’t that often I love to read and watch old movies.
Flowers, insects and birds really fascinate me with their amazing life cycles and extraordinary nests and behaviour.
British folklore is also so beautifully rich in fabulous stories and warnings 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 or the tired housewife.
Making things has always been incredibly important to me and is often an amazing release to get it out of my system.
It’s a joy to hunt for things for my work…the lost, found and forgotten all have places in what I make.
Most of my pieces use recycled materials, not only as an ethical statement, but I believe they add more authenticity and charm.
A story sewn in, woven in.
Velvet curtains from an old hotel, a threadbare wedding dress and a vintage apron become birds and beasts, looking for new owners and adventures to have.
Storytelling creatures for people who are also a little lost, found and forgotten…”
His website is a joy. And he only sells things when he wants and make what he wants. Love it.
