2019
This installation was created as a prototype for an in-the-works video idea. All four creatures busts are functional hand puppets mounted to a hand made wall with arm holes drilled for a puppeteer to utilize. The walls were all free standing and could be rearranged as necessary. Each creature was uniquely designed for this project and feature their own unspoken personalities. Below is a closer look at the individual puppets.
Untitled, 2019
Aluminum, oxidized
8inX6in
Aluminum, oxidized
8inX6in
This object was created from sheet metal cut down and formed into a cage. The cage was then cut, shaped and disfigured before the final process of oxidizing. The object was left in a bath of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and salt to get the seen result. The surface was then sealed to preserve the metal and the oxidized aspects. This piece is of original design and was intended as a helmet. However, when the piece was exhibited in It was no dream, visitors of the gallery all had their own interpretation and pop culture reference that the piece induced.
2018
Ass Backwards, 2018
MDF, Watered down Acrylic, Found Object
8inX6in
MDF, Watered down Acrylic, Found Object
8inX6in
"Ass Backwards" was an earlier piece of the artist's and was a major inspiration to the puppet installation that was featured during It was no dream. The torso and limbs were carved from MDF by the artist, then nailed together. The MDF was stained with watered down acrylic and then the figure was dressed in found clothing that created the essence of the character. This piece serves as a humorous commentary on the nature of trophies as well as the hierarchy of life on this planet. This piece was to be featured during It was no dream. but was unfortunately destroyed during the opening.
Untitled Creature, 2018
Formed napkins, Plaster, Acrylic paint
6inX4in
Formed napkins, Plaster, Acrylic paint
6inX4in
This creature was formed entirely out of fast food napkins soaked in plaster in a fashion similar to paper mache. This project was done to challenge the artist's use of found objects to create a piece by limiting themselves to one major found object. This project helped to hone the artist's skills with plaster.
Griffin, Live Arm Puppet, 2018
Fabric, Cardboard, Found Object
Fabric, Cardboard, Found Object
"Griffin" was the artist's first endeavor into puppet-making. After researching one of his greatest creative influences, Jim Henson, he found a rendition of puppet he wanted to attempt to make. "Griffin" is a riff on the live arm puppet style that was used for a good majority of Sesame Street Characters, but most famously Ernie. Ernie was engineered with the intent of being operated by two puppeteers, one to control one arm and the other to control the head, mouth and other arm. "Griffin" was designed with the purpose of making this style puppet manageable for one person. This puppet sparked the artist's love for creating and studying puppetry.