The Unnaturalist
2025 BFA Exhibition
Avery Stainton (Hutch the Heinous) has always been captivated by themes of fantasy, horror, and nature. Growing up immersed in folklore and tales of otherworldly beings deeply influenced her artistic pursuits, which span sculpture, painting, digital media, and any other creative medium she can get her hands on. Avery has always been intriqued by the concept of these stories, but what if these mythical creatures roamed the woods behind our homes, swam in our ponds, and soared through the skies? For this exhibition, she delves into questions of biology and ecology: how would these fantastical beings evolve, interact with ecosystems, and shape the natural world?
The Unnaturalist, offers a glimpse into this imagined reality, set in a time before modern technology, when researchers relied on artistic methods such as paintings, drawings, specimen collection, and taxidermy to document their discoveries. Rooted in the aesthetics of the Victorian Era—a period steeped in superstition—Avery’s work reimagines how these fantastical creatures might have been feared, revered, or misunderstood. As the industrial revolution ushered in a more modern age, The Unnaturalist aims to capture the intersection of myth and science, blending concepts new and old in a world on the brink of transformation
The following are some of the works displayed in my exhibition, The Unnaturalist, accompanied by some information on each piece.
Ivory Sidhe (Tooth Fairy)
Parvafugia papilio
"The Ivory Sidhe—commonly known as tooth fairies—are small fae creatures whose chitinous exoskeletons often resemble human teeth. Frequently found feeding on old carrion, they are as unsettling as they are elusive. They are best known through a popular children's tale: if a lost tooth is placed beneath a pillow, an Ivory Sidhe will visit by morning, bestowing good luck upon the household. However, others deem their presence as a bad omen or harbinger of death."
Clay, butterfly wings, and found materials
Invertibrate
Unknown Specimen
"It appears to be an insectoid creature—an amalgamation of mismatched parts that don't quite belong. Its wings hum with the intensity of an entire swarm of bees, and its sting is said to cause black, lymphatic buboes reminiscent of the Bubonic Plague."
Oil on wood plaque
Conch Mimic
Mimica cornu
"Mimics are most famously encountered in urban environments, disguised as chests, wardrobes, and other furnishings. Yet their forms in the natural world is no less fascinating. This Conch Mimic, in particular, is a notably vicious specimen."
Clay and shell
Scallop Mimic
Mimica pectini
"Much like the Conch Mimic, the Scallop Mimic disguises itself among shellfish. Mimicking the propulsion of real scallops, it snaps its jaws rapidly to jet through the water—making it a swift and formidable aquatic predator."
Clay and shell
Cockatrice Claw
Wyverna medusa
"The Cockatrice is a formidable wyvern said to hatch from a chicken egg incubated by a serpent or toad. As sterile hybrids, they cannot reproduce, making their emergence exceedingly rare. Yet rarer still is the chance of encountering one and living to tell the tale—for their piercing gaze can instantly turn flesh to stone.”
Clay, wood, and feathers
Sacred Hand
"This aged wood hand bears tedious burnt designs in motifs reminiscent of the Sacred Heart—a symbol of blood shed for humanity's salvation. Yet nestled within the design is an unusual eye- an uncertain gaze. It may represent curiosity, or perhaps the spark of free will—the impulse to question what we are told is sacred.”
Pyrography on wood hand
Heart for the Taking
“In this piece, a delicate arc of bleeding heart flowers encircles a radiant shard of divine light. The blossoms, emblematic of sorrow and longing, evoke the deep grief that so often accompanies love and passion.”
Oil on plaque
Common Goblin
Cobolorus bufonum
“The Common Goblin is a pig-like goblinoid found deep in the countryside marshes and woods, where they scavenge and hunt small animals for food. Since humans have expanded their reach, Goblins have become regular farm pests who have a taste for fresh poultry."
Clay and wood plaque
Spark of Luck
“The four-leaf clover is a rare mutation of the common three-leaf variety, long believed to bring good fortune to those who find it. This piece portrays one such clover, surrounded by flames—suggesting its poitential supernatural nature.”
Oil on wood panel
Bane of the Prodigious
Monocerus antiquitus
“This piece portrays the capture of a unicorn, likely at the hands of poachers, whilst it’s forest home challenges the chain with it’s grasp. Revered for its rarity and the potent healing properties of its horn, the unicorn has become a prime target in the exotic trade. Once symbols of purity and grace, these magnificent creatures now face extinction at the hands of greed.”
Oil on wood panel
Nightstalker Goblin
Cobolorus noctus
“The Nightstalker is a small goblinoid creature, bearing a vague resemblance to a bat while retaining the pig-like snout and warty, toadish features typical of other goblin species. Its oversized ears are finely tuned to detect the slightest disturbance in the dark, and a dense coat of fur keeps it warm during its nocturnal hunts.”
Clay and wood plaque