What’s your elevator pitch of what you do? Who you are?
I am a mixed media artist, museum administrator, and puppeteer. How long have you been involved with the NCPG? Since before COVID. I don’t remember the exact year I began. Why are you involved? I was told that joining the board would be a “piece of cake,” and that the group would only meet a couple of times a year. Not True! The board is very active with planning events year-round . It is enriching connecting with other working puppeteers. What is a highlight moment from being with NCPG? Helping with planning the National Puppetry Festival in Maryland. I got to see a wide variety of puppetry from across the country and internationally. It was exciting to be immersed in so much creative energy Most influential puppeteer on your life? Gary Jones. He was a bit of a hermit artist when I was introduced to him in Chicago. I interned with him for two summers during college undergrad. After college I performed with his newly formed troupe, Black Street USA, before striking out on my own. Proudest puppetry moment? Current show: The Civil Rights Children’s Crusade. The show challenged me to develop a story about a significant event in American history, focusing on youth. A rod puppet narrates the story while manipulating wooden cut out puppets. He ends the show by engaging the audience in a chant about children in the civil rights movement. Even though I am in full view while performing, the audience loses me and focuses on the puppets. Photo included. Most unusual puppet build? Most of my puppets are human figures, not too unusual. The heads and hands are made of plastic wood; the body is soft sculpture, like a doll. I once made a bird rod puppet, inspired by African art. The materials were plastic wood, raffia, and African kente cloth. Photo included. Biggest puppetry disaster? I once smashed a puppet’s head by forcing a trunk to close. The puppet required surgery. Fortunately this was not before a performance. Photo included. Hardest part about the professional life you’ve chosen? Keeping a balance between performance and studio production. You have to make time for these while dealing with day-to-day life stuff. Goals? Dreams? Vision for your future? To continue being creative and sharing my art. The times spent in studio and in performing are most rewarding for me. Words you live by? Do at least one of these each day: produce, perform, exhibit, travel, sell (PPETS). Advice to other creative spirits? When in doubt, trust your gut, and keep moving. What caveat do you have for a puppeteer NOT to do? Never let someone else put limitations on what you are capable of doing, Anything else you’d like to share with NCPG membership? The membership is a terrific resource for sharing information. Take advantage of the potential connections. Why do you think Dino is THE best puppet character? Dino is so likable and friendly.
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NCPG: BOARD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
(As asked by Dino….;) How long have you been involved with the NCPG and why? I’ve been a passive member of NCPG longer than I can remember, probably since the 1990’s. I became active during the Pandemic when meetings went virtual. I think it’s really important to build community around the art we love. It’s a great way to learn, grow and share. What is a highlight moment from being with NCPG? The virtual festivals, workshops and builds that came out of the pandemic were a shining light during a dark period. The way the NCPG board and membership came together to build an international forum was truly inspirational. The guild continues to adapt, finding new ways to engage and serve its membership. Most influential puppeteer on your life? It’s hard to name just one, or even a few puppeteers who influenced me. I’d say the other members of Black Cherry I’ve worked with over long periods have been an inspiration because we fed off each other’s creativity. The challenges and support we would throw at each other made us work harder to create better puppets and performances. Proudest puppetry moment? Every time I perform before a live audience, and they suspend disbelief to enter the world of the puppet is my proudest moment. I lose myself in the act of making that world come alive. I’m still in aw after more than forty years and immensely proud of each show. Hardest part about the professional life you’ve chosen? Running a theater and trying to find time to make my own art. Words you live by? Advice to other creative spirits? Risk, fail, risk again! -O’Neill motto You gotta have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true.” -Cole Porter Put the bandaid on before you get cut. -Me. What caveat do you have for a puppeteer NOT to do? Never let the audience know you’re f*!king up or let your f*^k ups get to you on stage. Your audience is with you. Why do you think Dino is THE best puppet character? Not only is he the mascot of the National Capital Puppetry Guild, Dino throws the best parties anywhere! |
Monthly Interview!Each month we'll feature a short interview provided by one of our board members. Archives
November 2024
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