The intention of the project Tactile Tools Animals was to approach the pedagogy of animal recognition from an alternative method.  While we are often fed information which is phonetic or color-based for animal identification (for example, A is for Alligator, or a Bear is Black), the tactile qualities of an animals skin is hardly emphasized as an approach.  To do so, I created a set of 14 finger puppets, each composed of a mimicking fur or skin to its corresponding animal.  The puppets are meant to be stored/ displayed in their box, made of acrylic with laser cut engraved text identifying not only the box but the furs and skins on its interior.  With each name sits a sample swatch of the fabric which the name of the animal it matches to.  What was most interesting about the construction process within the pieces was their ability to take their own forms and personalities.  For example, the feathered fabric of the pheasant looks quite cock-like with a sort of pride from the head feathers which defy gravity.

Here are some photos documenting process and sketches including inspiration from the Jim Henson exhibition at the Museum of moving image.