Meet the Jay, the collector
This soft sculpture is part of my Birds as Folk collection, currently on display at Mansfield Museum as part of a wonderful exhibition of local creatives.
In this collection, birds take on human roles inspired by folk art and local wildlife. The jay is the collector, drawn to beautiful, curious things, feathers, acorns, buttons, and pearls, all carefully gathered and held close.
Every single feather on this piece is hand-stitched, which means two things: a lot of time… and a finger that is still recovering.
Unlike the blackbird, this one was never introduced to the cats. A deliberate choice in the interest of preservation and personal safety.
She was meant to have woodpigeon friend, but I ran out of time to make him! I will start working on him again soon.
If you’re able to visit Mansfield Museum, you can see the jay in person alongside the rest of the collection and so much inspiring local work.