There has long been the debate as to whether stop motion animation is puppetry. I will not get into that here. No, I have no time for that debate because I am fixated on this unbelievably wonderful stop motion “puppet”.

The creation of artist Mark Ho from the Netherlands. I have a strong admiration for the design and creation of puppets with a strong focus on detail and precision. It is not hard to understand why I would love this puppet.

Even the contrasting colours of the puppet sculpture has an amazing beauty to it. I hope that others can find inspiration from Mark Ho and continue to challenge themselves to make their puppets, more that just glue, foam and fabric.

I remember while in university that my art teacher once said, “Art is not just execution, but it is also intention.”

If you build your puppets as works of art, putting a bit of yourself into them, focusing your energy, if you have something inside you that you want to get out……..it will show in your final product.

Happy building everyone.

When I first started looking into puppetry seriously about six years ago, I came across a local organization called the OPA (Ontario Puppetry Association). They are an organization that supports puppetry and people involved in puppetry throughout the province of Ontario (Canada). It is a great way for any aspiring puppeteer, puppet builder or puppet enthusiast to make connections with reputable puppet people in Ontario.

For anyone interested, they are having their annual general meeting this November.

 

The Cincinnati Area Puppetry Guild in conjunction with Enjoy The Arts is presenting Puppet Slam on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Faith Auditorium. The doors open at 7:30 PM, with performances starting at 8:00. Adults only (it may get a little blue…may?) The cost is $5 at the door.

Check out the Cincy Slam’s myspace page.

 

For those of you in the New York area, there is a puppet event happening from October 2006 through until February 2007 that is beinng sponsored by Linux.  The event is called Passport To Puppet Theatre and allows individuals to purchase a “passport” that gets them free software from Linux as well as ticket discounts to the shows.  Now it should be noted that many of these shows are actually a part of  different festivals and events, but are also associated with this Linux promotion.  Puppet companies who are participating are Drama of Works, Bread and Puppet Theater as well as many others.  To find out more about this event you can go to their website here.

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia has announced, beginning August 2007, a second season of ANIMOTION! This six-week intensive program is intended for those with a strong interest in puppetry and physical theatre and the desire to expand their range of abilities. The course will include daily instruction in manipulation, movement, voice, clown, mask, design and construction. Eight-hour sessions will be held daily from Monday through Friday, with students engaged in classroom instruction, group creation, and production duties. Upon completion of the program, two successful candidates will be engaged by the Institute to assist in the creation of an original touring show intended to visit elementary schools. All are welcome to apply.