The Art of Silas Finch.

Via: Brink Magazine

"BRINK MAGAZINE: How did you get into sculpting?

SILAS FINCH: I’ve appreciated anything handmade since I was a kid. My father and uncle hand-crafted our toys—wooden trains and planes. My first toy was a motorcycle cop made out of cardboard and popsicle sticks. I’ve been disassembling and modifying anything I get my hands on ever since.

BRINK: How long have you been doing it?

SF: I am constantly learning every time I build. I’ve been building for years, but the last few have really opened my heart towards new directions.

BRINK: What’s your technique? Can you describe the process of designing/building a piece? (Do you plan ahead, or does it take form naturally?)

SF: I do not alter the form of individual parts by bonding or welding in order to force them together. I prefer the process of positioning and repositioning the parts until they achieve a natural union. Copper wire, yarn, and leather are also used to help secure one piece to another.
Some ideas just arise from the trays of junk I have collected. Other times I have an idea in mind and search out a specific part that shows a resemblance.

BRINK: Where do you find materials?

SF: My weekends are solely dedicated to searching for treasure. If I see some metal sticking out of a dumpster I’m jumping in. I come across old relics from farm houses while working. I have even found things by running into them while skateboarding. My Sundays are dedicated to the Wallingford Flea Market. I have become such regular to a couple of vendors that they have started to set aside small collections for me to buy—and I always do.

BRINK: What inspires you and your designs?

SF: I’m inspired by basic everyday thoughts, music, and moments. My mood reflects in my work. I’m a movie junky. I find a lot of inspiration in film and photography—Tim Burton, Andy Goldsworthy.

BRINK: Do you think of your pieces individually? In groups? What’s the process of building like?

SF: Every piece is built as an individual. Every piece is an original. I’ve never duplicated a piece. I build one at a time, start to finish. Sometimes it takes a few days, other times it takes a few months. I always set and hang my own shows. As for viewing I think the individual gets pulled in when the right thing catches the eye."

External link: Silas Finch's myspace page