I’ve been a fan of Mister Finch from the moment I saw on oversized moth on Pinterest. Mister Finch is a self taught textiles artist who creates fantastical creature from found and repurposed materials. His work is full of texture, and childlike wonder. He creates these imaginative creatures and has turned them into several beautifully illustrated story books. These books are full of moody and inspiring images. I was really excited to catch his fantastic exhibition The Wish Post at the Yorkshire sculpture park. This only cemented my fan girl status.
When I saw that a lovely friend of mine had done a workshop with him, I was so envious. I kept looking at his website, and finally treated myself to a workshop last November. Little did I know this would open the flood gates, and I would go on to enjoy 3 more workshops. I cannot describe how much fun it was to enter the world of Mister Finch. Here are a few pictures from these workshops.
Mister Finch unfortunately has moved premises and his workshops are on hiatus. I feel really lucky to have got to enjoy them while I could. I will watch with anticipation for them to start again. I got to thinking about some of my other favourite things, and cherished childhood influences.
My favourite book when I was little was called Trouble for Trumpets. I used to spend hours looking at the maps in the book, pouring over the fantastic details, and looking for the hidden faces in the artwork. My copy is still one of my most treasured possessions.
As a child, I remember some of my mother’s books. Many hours of my childhood were spent looking at them. These were the work of Kit WIlliams. His work is again, detailed, interactive, inspired by nature. He also has a creative approach to his use of materials. Some of the work is in-layed with wood and precious stones.
I sense a theme emerging. I’ve always loved maps, detail, secret worlds and nature. I love the idea of a little world existing quietly in the hedge row right next to you. All of these books are very visual. As somebody who was never a great reader but loves books all the same, this appeals to me. They also have an interactive element that makes them a game as well as a story. I love all of these artists. They have a collective love of storytelling and creating little worlds. The way they play with materials and scale brings me great joy. I will continue to enjoy absorbing myself in their work, but also embracing their ideas in my own work. I look forward to many more giant textile creatures. I’d love to know what your cherished childhood influences are? What’s the childhood book you still treasure today? let me know in the comments.
Ena Green Designs 