Q&A with Silas Finch

 
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.

BRINK: Any upcoming projects you want to mention?

SF: October is the month for open studios in New Haven. Sunday, October 21 I will be opening my studio gallery at the Arts and Commerce Building (also known as the Gotham City Building), which is at 39 Chapel St. Door 3H on the third floor. I am currently showing a collection at Koffee on Orange. I also have a show in progress called Fragments, located at Channel 1 Skate Shop and Art Space, at 220 State St. in New Haven.

Additional work by Silas Finch can be found at www.myspace.com/silasfinch.

Published October 2007