Crafty Tuesday: Why I do what I do

[puppetmaker]

I was asked at a convention not so recently, “Puppets? Why Puppets?” in terms of my entry in the art show.

The obvious is that I like puppets.

I like that it is a practical piece of art that can be used to make more art.

I like the looks on peoples faces both adults and children when they see one of my puppets. I have watched some seriously dower expressions turn to all smiles when they see the puppets I have created.

I like the looks on the faces of the new owners of the puppets. There is so much glee about having the puppet and they really wanted THAT puppet to be theirs. My work is not an impulse purchase so those who invest in the puppet really are glad that they have THAT puppet.

I am a great builder and a good performer. I enjoy using my puppets to produce sketches that amuse others.

Over the years I have found that my calling, as it were, is to teach others about puppetry in all its various forms. I want others to know how nifty puppets are and what can be done with them. And that they are not as hard to make as one would think. Getting puppets in the public eye is the first step of the process for me.

I do enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to convert someone to puppet scale.

I have a talent and I love using that talent to create. Puppets are the form I like to create in.

And I just like to do it.

I am grateful that I can share my creativity with others.

Comments

[dagonell.livejournal.com]

One of my ambitions is to do *every* type of puppet. (I may pass on Korean water-puppets :) ) I'm currently trying to build a one-person bunraku puppet. I've got loads of research of what they are and when they started and how they're used, but nothing on actually building one. I suspect I'm doing some serious trail-blazing.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

Actually there are a couple of good books on Bunraku. I built a set for school children to use.

I looked at books that were in the Center for Puppetry Arts collection both in Japanese (but lots of pictures) and a couple in english.

The best in English with lots of lovely photos is Backstage at Bunraku by Barbara Adachi. Which included some photos of the puppets without costume.

Ms. Adachi has several books on the subject but that is the only one I read.

I also had the good fortune to work with a Bunraku Master when I was at the YSD and got an up close look at the puppets he brought with them. Some of the clothing was over 100 years old.

[dagonell.livejournal.com]

Our library system has "The Voices and Hands of Bunraku" and "Living National Treasures of Japan" by Barbara. I've ordered them both via ILL. Thank you.

[xianghua.livejournal.com]

Speaking of puppets, have you seen this?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/455453518/funporium-a-web-driven-comedy-pilot-for-the-deeply

One of my friends is working on it and well, puppets. :D It looks utterly demented and fun.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

It does indeed. I love projects that use puppets.

[wherdafux-d-cat.livejournal.com]

It must be wonderful watching one of your puppets come to life in (on?) someone else's hands. I'm trying to imagine what it would feel like to see that familiar creature start to take on a new personality, maybe just subtly, maybe hugely, depending on the puppet and its new person.