Mister Finch And The Wish Post...

Last Sunday was a very giddy day indeed, as I visited 'The Wish Post', Mister Finch's exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

As soon as I entered the exhibition I felt as though the mysterious Mister Finch had allowed us all a little peek into his world of magic and make-believe...

And what a magical world it is...

Every detail is meticulously crafted and his use of recycled materials is simply ingenious.

As I was sitting in the exhibition, I could hear people talking about the creatures' characters and pointing out the tiny accessories.

I became quite obsessed with their feet, no-one stitches toes like Mister Finch!

You can actually feel the love that has been poured into each individual creature, their postures, clothing and expressions are completely unique, and I am convinced that when the lights are switched off in the gallery those little characters come to life...

And just look at those beautiful squirrels, who nimbly string up the whispered wishes into the trees, 

(I don't want to tell you anymore of the story as you just have to read Mister Finch's self-published book.)

Not only is it a beautiful piece of art in itself, it actually made me shed a happy tear or two!

I loved 'The Ring A Dings' so much that I settled down in a little corner of the room.

The hedgehog I sketched is called 'Bobble'...

... I did get the feeling as though I was being watched though!

O! How I fell in love with The Festival Mice!

One thing that Mister Finch mentioned in his book is something I completely relate to as well:

'Working small doesn't always mean less work - in fact it often means quite the opposite!'

Just look at the swans' feathers!

And here's Poe the mouse, the star of the show.

I also managed to sketch the very dashing Mr. Birdwhistle.

(I'm sure he gave me a little wink when I'd finished!)

I was really pleased with this photograph because the reflections in the glass make it look as though they are walking through the forest!

I treated myself to Mister Finch's book (and maybe one or two other little bits and bobs!)

The YSP has a very dangerous shop of delights indeed!

(And just before I left I might have just whispered a wish, well...you never know!)

Mister Finch.

The Wish Post.

YSP Centre.

23/6/18 - 23/9/18

The Circus Horse...

After I made my customised book cover at the fabulous Lisa Stickley workshop at Hope & Elvis, a little story began to formulate in my head...

(Thanks Louise from Hope & Elvis for taking this photo.)

This collaged lady is hidden inside the book...

On one side of the book there is the circus horse, and on the other side is his 'shadow'.

The elements of this little piece had no forward planning, and evolved because of the beautiful materials available in the Hope & Elvis studio and the inspirational techniques and encouragement given by Lisa Stickley.

The Circus Horse.

There was once a magical circus that travelled far and wide.

The performers would amaze the audiences with their skill and daring.

One night, Miss Aurora, the horse riding ballerina, fell in love with a young farm-hand in the audience.

They would meet secretly after the shows, and they vowed to elope the very next night before the circus had to leave town.

However, Miss Aurora's father, the Ringmaster, heard of his daughter's plans and made the circus leave that very morning.

Miss Aurora's trusty horse escaped with a note tucked into his mane.

'Giddy up. Giddy up'

Aurora whispered in his ear before he set off.

But the journey was far and the horse became tired, and he knew it was his time to sleep in the heavens.

And as he closed his eyes he turned into a shimmering constellation of stars.

The young farm-hand saw the message in the sky and he found Aurora.

And very soon they were wed in a midnight ceremony illuminated by the circus horse up above.

X

Lisa Stickley At Hope & Elvis!

A couple of weekends ago I was lucky enough to be going to a workshop held at the fabulous Hope & Elvis, taught by the amazing Lisa Stickley.
We were asked to bring in our favourite toy from our childhood, and so I brought Gol Gol (I'll tell you more about her at a later date, I think she's worthy of a post of her own some day, bless her.)

My friend brought in her horse called Miles, and I must admit he caught my eye and became my muse for the day.

(Sorry Gol Gol!)

I brought my trusty art supplies pouch, which was made by my lovely friend Deborah.

(The fabric is printed with one of my paintings and it has beautiful hand stitching on it, I will treasure it forever.)

When we sat down for a gorgeous dinner by Magie, I noticed this coaster which was propping up the table leg, (how Hope& Elvis is this!!!!!)

No photograph can do Magie's cooking justice!

After dinner, some fabulous work began to emerge in the room...

Here's Louise, enjoying one of Lisa's stories.

I really enjoyed mono-printing, and I liked the 'ghost horse' that had been left behind by my print.

The lovely Louise Presley was also there, working in her beautiful atelier studio.

She very kindly let me swooosh about in the net petticoats that she is going to re-fashion.

(Thanks to Louise Asher for letting me use this screen shot of the boomerang film she made of me whilst in full swooosh!)

Fabulous darling!

Lots of art-action going on!

A Gol Gol close up.....so that she doesn't feel left out!

Lisa's work is stunning and so witty, I love her drawings and characters so much and her books are a joy.

My horse started to emerge from the creative chaos...

This is the inside of the 'book' that I collaged...and a little story began to formulate.

Awwww...look what I found on my trusty Pritt stick!

This chap is Louise's treasured toy, you can tell he's a real character!

More Lise Stickley lovliness...

Unfortunately I didn't manage to photograph everyone's work, but the variety was amazing.

I loved this 3D collage.

More fabulous work, I love the mark-making and how the characters have been captured.

And this is my favourite photograph of the day.....

Lisa Stickley drawing my Gol Gol!

Eeeep!

(I did turn a bit fan-girl at this point!)

Thank you Lisa, I will treasure this forever.

It was a truly inspirational day, we were treated like Queens all day (thank you so much Louise Asher and Magie, cheers Sam for all the cups of tea, and thank you so much Lisa for sharing your skills, knowledge and laughter.

If you'd like, I'll tell you the little story that I made up about my horse next time...

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