Richard Finch Artist: Celebrating a Legacy in American Printmaking and Education
From Springfield beginnings to directing a transformative workshop, Richard Finch’s lifelong dedication to art continues to shape generations.
Introduction to Richard Finch Artist
Richard Finch, artist and educator, has long stood as a foundational figure in American printmaking. Known for his exacting craft and decades-long leadership at Illinois State University’s Normal Editions Workshop, Finch has played a critical role in shaping contemporary print art in both academic and creative spaces. His works explore the interplay of order and emotion, bridging structure with the fluidity of human experience.
Over the course of more than four decades, Finch developed a unique visual language through lithography, drawing, and painting. His influence extends far beyond his own pieces, touching hundreds of students and artists who engaged with him during his tenure at ISU and in national workshops. As a master printer and educator, he embodies a legacy of meticulous craft and thoughtful mentoring.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Richard D. Finch |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1951 |
| Birthplace | Springfield, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Printmaker, Artist, Educator |
| Known For | Lithography, Drawing, Teaching |
| Education | BA & MFA, SIU Edwardsville |
| Active Years | 1976–Present |
Born in 1951 in Springfield, Missouri, Richard Finch was raised in a cultural environment that quietly nourished his passion for art. His early fascination with structure, light, and composition led him to pursue formal art education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). He earned both his Bachelor of Arts in 1974 and Master of Fine Arts in 1976.
While at SIUE, Finch completed a significant internship at Landfall Press in Chicago. There, he deepened his understanding of collaborative printmaking, an experience that foreshadowed his long-standing commitment to facilitating artistic growth in others. The academic rigor and technical exposure at SIUE shaped the visual discipline that continues to define his practice.
Career Launch and Normal Editions Workshop
Richard Finch began teaching at Illinois State University in 1976, just after completing his graduate degree. Within a year, he was appointed director of the Normal Editions Workshop—a collaborative printmaking studio that would become the cornerstone of his legacy. Under his leadership from 1977 to 2014, the workshop gained national acclaim for its technical excellence and commitment to professional artist collaborations.
He oversaw the production of more than 240 editions involving 111 artist partnerships, all while mentoring countless students in hands-on printmaking processes. His role combined artistic vision with pedagogical precision, fostering a space where learning and experimentation could coexist. This effort was regularly supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council, cementing the workshop’s role as a regional and national leader in printmaking.
Artistry and Thematic Focus
At the core of Richard Finch’s work lies a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. His still lifes and figure studies often employ a serial or grid format, inviting viewers to contemplate progression, change, and perception. Mathematical rhythm, symmetry, and subtle tonal variations define his visual language, yet each piece evokes an emotional resonance that transcends formal boundaries.
Finch’s thematic exploration often includes representations of books, vessels, or repeated facial expressions. These visual motifs serve as metaphors for knowledge, identity, and temporality. Whether working in lithography, stenciling, or drawing, his works invite viewers to engage both intellectually and emotionally, reflecting his dual identity as artist and educator.
Major Exhibitions and Collaborations
Finch’s work has been exhibited across the United States and Europe. One of his most prominent showcases came in 2019 with a major retrospective at McLean County Arts Center. The exhibition, titled Richard Finch: A Retrospective, featured paintings, drawings, and lithographs spanning multiple decades. It highlighted his evolution from traditional figure studies to increasingly abstract, layered visual compositions.
Beyond solo exhibitions, Finch has collaborated with artists nationally through his leadership in print editions. These collaborations pushed creative boundaries, involving complex layering, technical mastery, and new interpretations of classical forms. His studio became a site not just for print production, but for innovation and discovery.
Teaching Philosophy and Mentorship
Throughout his academic career, Richard Finch remained deeply committed to education. His mentorship extended beyond the classroom into collaborative projects, lectures, and workshops across the country. Students working under him were often immersed in professional-level printmaking practices—learning everything from plate preparation to gallery presentation.
Finch viewed teaching as a form of shared discovery. He often emphasized the role of observation, reflection, and process in art-making. Many of his former students have gone on to become artists and educators themselves, continuing his influence in printmaking circles nationwide.
Recent Activities and Ongoing Influence
Since retiring in 2014, Richard Finch has remained active in his personal practice. He continues to explore drawing, stenciling, and mixed media techniques, blending his traditional printmaking roots with contemporary methods. His recent works still reflect the quiet contemplation and structural harmony that define his career.
His legacy also lives on through the Richard D. Finch Drawing and Printmaking Award at ISU, created in his honour. The Normal Editions Workshop, now under new leadership, continues to reflect the standards and ethos Finch established during his tenure.
Legacy in American Art and Printmaking
Richard Finch’s career spans more than 40 years of artistic dedication, technical expertise, and educational service. His legacy is not only in the artworks he has produced but also in the culture of excellence he cultivated within the Normal Editions Workshop. Through his leadership, the workshop became a benchmark for collaborative printmaking in the United States.
His ability to merge academic structure with creative freedom made him an influential figure in both fields. The precision of his prints and the integrity of his teaching continue to resonate, making Richard Finch a pillar in the history of American printmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Richard Finch best known for?
Richard Finch is best known for his leadership of the Normal Editions Workshop and his expertise in collaborative lithographic printmaking.
Q2: What kind of art does Richard Finch create?
He creates prints, drawings, and paintings with themes focused on temporality, still life, the human figure, and structured composition.
Q3: Where did Richard Finch study?
He studied at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, earning both his BA and MFA in the 1970s.
Q4: Is Richard Finch still active as an artist?
Yes, although retired from teaching, he remains active in creating new artworks and participating in exhibitions.
Q5: What is the significance of the Normal Editions Workshop?
Under Finch’s direction, the workshop became a nationally respected center for collaborative printmaking, mentoring students and hosting artists from across the country.
