Puppets

Authors: Maya Kulick, Abbey Paccia

SUNY Campus: SUNY Fredonia

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 60

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: I created detailed puppet characters that can be viewed through installation or time-based media and that feature whimsical escapism with an underlying feeling of cynicism. The goal was to reimagine people and scenarios into more pleasant and humourous forms by bending the bleaker aspects of reality to evoke joy. The intention was to create a work that would return the viewer to a more nostalgic sense of wonder and naivety than they usually experience. To create my puppets, I sculpted a detailed figure for the face and other smaller parts of the body using clay. I used that clay figure to create a silicone mold into which I poured foam latex cast into it. Thus a detailed positive of the face or other part was created. These foam latex pieces were then used with high density foam, fabric, and assorted mixed media to finish the puppet. Through the kinetic nature of the creations and details sculpted into the face, these puppets bring a feeling of life to an otherwise inanimate object. My goal was to create characters that feel as though they could exist in our world. Some of these puppets have the potential to take the concept of movement further with the addition of technical methods that would make human intervention unnecessary for them to come to life.