I was working on updating my portfolio today and chatting with someone who didn’t know that I built things. Puppeteer, yes. But the fact that, in my case, the word puppeteer also includes designing and building, in addition to performing, was new information. So, I thought I’d share my portfolio with you.
Updating my portfolio Read More »
Today we went to look at the location where we will be filming. I’ve seen photos, but this was my first time on site. One of the goals while there was to get measurements so I could finish the set design. I’d done a very rough sketch prior to this, but that didn’t mean it
I sometimes forget to tell you things. Sorry about that. I don’t mean to neglect you like that. Anyway, I’m in L.A. through the morning of the 30th for a weekend of pre-production meetings on a 3-D film called “Rose” which is going to be a load of fun. This is the secret project I
I meant to post this a week ago, but it remains funny so nothing is lost. If you do not already follow Dr. Eldritch, you really should. However, this particular issue might be my favorite. For obvious reasons. Here’s the start of this storyline, but you should read the whole thing. I know exactly how
Dr. Eldritch meets Mr. Puppeteer Read More »
Rob and I have returned from seeing Avatar. His verdict? It’s just bad. Mine? It’s very silly, with horrifically bad science and yet, if you are a visually based person, it is worth seeing on the big screen in 3-D. If you are a logic based person, then skip this film. Question: If every life
Avatar, mini review Read More »
I am feeling unspeakably old. No, no, it’s not because of the elf costume that I’m wearing at work these days, though it is work related. One of the men working in operations came up to me at work last night and said, “Does the phrase, ‘It happened in Narnia,’ mean anything to you?” I
Today was a strange blend of things. We got home from San Jose yesterday afternoon and I immediately had to get caught up with all the excitement about Harlequin — which oddly, usually would mean that I was talking about a puppet. So I wound up staying up way too late to help with that.
A mixed sort of day. Read More »
Holy cow! Puppeteers will know exactly why I just flipped, but I’ve found a video of Hansjürgen Fettig demonstrating his puppets. I’ve used his book as one of my puppet building bibles for years and seen the figures in exhibition but until this moment have never seen one in motion. Oh. My. God. I have
Hansjürgen Fettig interview Read More »
I spent the day teaching puppetry up in Fremont at James Leitch Elementary. One of the interesting things about schools is that they all have different name structures for the teachers. In some I’m Mary, usually Miss Mary, and sometimes Mrs. Kowal. I always use the married version of the honorific when I’m filling out
On being Mrs. Kowal Read More »
I just got home from seeing Where the Wild Things Are which I really loved. I thought it hit all the right notes and was quite moving. I encourage you to go see it on the big screen. The Wild Things are an amazing combination of body suit with animatronic faces, that were later enhanced
Where the Wild Things Are and Aren’t Read More »
Several people have sent me links to the latest batch of Giant Puppets. These are impressive feats of engineering and teamwork, but I have to admit that they don’t do anything for me. I do recognize that the effect of being there and watching them move would be different from videos, but that’s true of
Yes, I’ve seen the Giant Puppets Read More »
While I was at WorldCon, Howard Tayler asked me to swing by and participate in the Writing Excuses podcast panel. He described it as a bunch of fifteen minute podcasts in front of a live audience, which, I must say, was great fun. Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler and Dan Wells are very engaging hosts and
The principles of puppetry as related to fiction Read More »
Back in 1985, Leonard Nimoy hosted a show on Nicklodeon called Lights, Camera, Action. In this clip he talks about homemade special effects. via Props
Leonard Nimoy and special effects Read More »
I’m home from Orlando although I desperately wanted to stay longer. While I pack boxes for the Big Move, here’s another of my favorites from the Handmade Puppet Dreams series. The Whole World and You by Tally Hall, directed by Frankie Cordero