Artist Penny Thomson, along with her daughters Briony (marketing) and Maud (distribution), creates absolutely mesmerizing small kinetic sculptures and automata. Using a mixture of wire, papier-mâché and recycled household paper, the artist sculpts marvelous scenes and creatures that appear to have lives of their own. Her subjects range from natural-looking habitats for known animals to fantastical whimsical invented creatures that somehow feel possible. All their pieces are handmade with the intention of recycling, reusing, and repurposing paper waste, and I can’t imagine a better use for those materials.

As charming and amazing as these sculptures are when still, the simple motions Thomson incorporates into her moving sculptures really do bring them to life. I really recommend visiting her Instagram to see them in motion. What a lovely rabbit hole!

You can follow the incredible Penny and daughters on the Penny Thomson Works website and on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

(I know Instagram links only perform properly about half the time, but if this one isn’t moving, please follow the link to Instagram. I promise it’s worth it!)

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