Puppets - 5105

Basic Project Outline:

For this project, I have to create a puppet and show it in context with motion. The final design needs to somehow show an aspect of the life in Birmingham.

Initial Ideas:

1, Incorporate culture into my final puppet. This idea came into mind because I know that Birmingham has alot of different cultures in its city. I began to think of how I could show this in a final piece, and how to get a good understanding across to the audience.

2, I thought it would be a good idea to show the everyday life of Birmingham and different experiences that people go through. This could involve movement, repetition, travelling from one place to another etc.

3, Design a puppet that represents a structure or a place in the city. For example; Bullring, Birmingham Town Hall, St Philip's Cathedral Etc. This could include Atmosphere, Emotion, Memories.

Research:

Beginning with basic research, I looked into the different types of puppets that could be used and worked upon.

Hand Puppets

(http://product.npw.co.uk/assets/400x400/npw_sites/e0425904-3b91-4ab7-8ead-ce0376a75cd4.jpg)

Hand Painted

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPmkamzouP31nfreNLJ-6lejchgadEN2T6ya7hDVANeF1TbOl7I56ZO_GMrQ6Pw-JLjQv5RV_LUI_WSo1e_gTNE1NYtJ1ojOs-FYI-cD068CjaYryA6qfkkS6LPwCfwCH0FbVvtzOyZY3/s1600/hand-puppet-01.jpg)

Paper / Card

(http://inkbutter.com/files/2011/10/tattooed-paper-puppets-by-crankbunny-2.jpg)

Shadow

(http://www.littlestarsbali.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/shadow-puppets.JPG)

Jumping

(http://www.colorfulchildhoodstore.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/1puss.jpg)

String

(http://www.iels.org/agile_assets/19/A31484_i.jpg_resized_380_.jpeg)

Wooden

(http://media.oxfam.org.uk/images/products/HighStDonated/Zoom/hd_100084449_01.jpg?v=1)

Naturalistic

(http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/147241/article_be8f268fc7ce8ef4_1358191237_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg)

Human

(http://www.photographymojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/human-puppet.jpg)

General Linked Research:

After watching the local news, I was Intrigued by the story known as 'War Horse'. It seemed to link to the background of puppets and included an aspect of being naturalistic. I'm not sure how I could incorporate something such as this into my final, but I just enjoyed the control within the puppet and its movement, it looked life like and is very believable. It also represents the 'London 2012 Cultural Olympiad'. Adding onto another naturalistic display, I also found out that in 2010 the cyber-men from 'Doctor Who' had been placed in London. 

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/charlottehigginsblog/2009/aug/13/arts-policy-arts-funding)

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9220000/newsid_9226700/9226798.stm)

While researching into related articles, I came across a street performer who had designed life sized puppets that are attached to himself via sticks. The performer uses his body movements to control them while dancing to music. Found from article - http://dailypicksandflicks.com/2011/12/24/one-man-puppet-dance-show-video/

Looking into puppet events, I came across a blog called 'Puppets With Punch'. I was interested in how the creator of the puppet in the picture below has somewhat designed it on an animal and uses himself to make the movement. It seems kind of 'Jurassic Park' like.

"Puppets of wood, paper, recycled junk and even glass, will be telling stories in booths, on shadow screens, on elaborately designed puppet stages, both indoors and out throughout the event'"

 

(http://blogs.birminghampost.net/lifestyle/2009/05/puppets-with-punch.html)

Expanding On Ideas:

To expand further on the idea I had with culture, I researched the lifestyle of Birmingham in more depth. During this process, I found out that events are sometimes held in the city and feature different cultures. Events such as; Birmingham’s Chinese New Year, Birmingham Carnival - Celebration of African-Caribbean culture, Birmingham International Street Fair. In my opinion, Birmingham also includes alot of Urban culture and behaviour; this can be seen in many structures and surroundings around the area. 

Birmingham Chinese New Year 2011

(http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/your-guide-to-birminghams-chinese-new-8871)

The Birmingham Carnival

(http://www.guide2bristol.com/uploads/news/large/280610115352--st%20paul.jpg)

Birmingham International Street Fair

(http://birminghammom.com/2012/05/birminghaminternationalstreetfair.html)

Birmingham's German Market

http://opentravel.com/img/sirrogue58/birmingham-german-market-6540_1.jpg

After looking into different areas of Birmingham culture, I needed to work out how incorporating this idea into a puppet(s) will happen. My general idea was to create some kind of puppet / object that will show some kind of symbol. For example; the Chinese Dragons are a symbol of their culture. Possibly I could find symbols from all of the different areas of cultures and place them together as one. Further research lead me looking into different types of mask, as these can be used to represent different cultures. 

(http://stockfresh.com/image/1182532/traditional-art-craft-puppet-mask-hanoi-vietnam-asia)

(http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/articles/192/comedy-masks-crowd-pleaser)

I came across the artist 'Mira Reisberg' who is known as the picture book whisperer. I found that she also creates numerous hand / sock puppets. These seem to be random characters that are used in visual culture puppet shows. 

(http://mirareisberg.blogspot.co.uk/2010_08_01_archive.html)

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Birmingham's Every Day Life - I was thinking that I could possibly create an object or life like puppet that would represent this idea. To add further into this idea, it may be a good solution to use a camera set to video mode and follow behind the puppet filming it while it's doing numerous usual daily activities. The obvious daily activities being travelling / commuting (Repetition), Shopping, Hanging out with friends etc. This will also take a look into different lifestyles of people in Birmingham.

Expanding further into this idea, it may be a possibility to look into homelessness. I could expand on this idea by creating a puppet or a range of puppets that can represent this. Maybe from junk, litter, old or worn material / objects etc etc. I think this idea could have a good outcome, it may show what we dont usualy see; that even useless material can create something inspiring and that it explains more about someone than words possibly could. It could be created from found materials such as the typical homeless items; cardboard coffee cups, fingerless gloves, worn-out clothes etc.


http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/alexeys/alexeys0705/alexeys070500020/927677-desperate-looking-homeless-person-on-a-bench-in-a-city-park.jpg


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxycbSlR3JT7on820hGE5ZWa-8yPfh39e5yglIgYn8Rh7YQ0cAzn45Z8vOtS-VD8JPo9CagCkNxPe9bshARfLGIqJjQcS3mJIy6vlsyTvZoHyOmv22_Wh3nJd2cPbFvnPVFAZdFWFkQcvT/s1600/homeless_man_V.jpg

While researching into homlessness, I came across a group who had created large scale puppets. I find it good how people are using art related creations to represent their words - which possibly gets the point across better and allows them to express themselves greater to the public.  "Giant puppets representing saints and prophets were displayed by marchers calling for homes for homeless families and an end to the war in Iraq."

http://www.thestreetspirit.org/June2006/families.htm

I wanted to expand further on Birmingham everyday life, so I began to look into puppets that move freely that can show & relate to something.

This video was very inspiring for me, which is exactly what a moving puppet should do. I am amazed at the artists creations and how they're very life like and can wonder around freely without being hand operated. It's like the objects are being controlled by just nature alone and they can do pretty much what they want. It's great to see that they are made from easily accessible materials, they look as if they're mechanical devices. 

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Representing a place: I was thinking that I could create some kind of abstract object that would link with the puppet background, an object that would represent a place in Birmingham. There are many structures in the city that are visited many times by all types of people. To adapt further into this, I needed to take a closer look into some of the structures around the city and imagine what they could look like if interpreted differently. 

Birmingham Bullring

http://media.lonelyplanet.com/lpi/21152/21152-8/681x454.jpg

To myself, the Bullring in Birmingham has always reminded me of a bee-hive. I think this is because of the round circles and how they're closely bunched together, it gives that sort of feeling to me.

Adding onto this, I feel that it doesn't have to represent a structure or a place by look. It could also link to a memory that someone had, or the atmosphere of a place. For example, the bullring is usualy a busy place so the atmosphere is crowded & loud etc. It could be an object that is made from the same material and/or incorporates the look somehow, I.e the closely together circles. 

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/song/2004/10/16/oct_15_038.jpg?maxWidth=800&maxHeight=600

The St . Philips Cathedral in Birmingham is seen as a place where many people go when out and about in the city. I believe it's sometimes referred to as 'Pigeon Park' by many and alot of the times includes groups of people who go by the stereotype of Emo. As Emo's usualy wear dark clothing, I'm guessing the atmosphere there will feel like you're the odd one out if you're dressed differently and that you dont belong. When travelling up Birmingham a few years ago, sometimes I would pass through the park to head towards the bus station. I always got the atmosphere of being different, and it often felt like most of them where staring at me.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltw355qVnH1qbv9fso1_500.jpg

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After having feedback from a lecturer, it seemed that they where interested in where I grew up and my area. As I am from the Black Country, he said it could be a good idea to do something that would represent my area and it's surroundings & background. It could be about all sorts of things, such as; memories, emotions, lifestyle, places, growing up, daily routines, hobbies etc etc. He gave me the idea of somehow documenting what I sometimes do with friends, somehow through a puppet. I do believe that this is a good idea, but I felt stuck on how to go about it. 

Looking further into this idea, I was thinking that I could create some kind of documentary or some kind of news report. This could show things such as the typical Black Country industry, chain making, coal miners etc. Originally I thought this idea was good because it gives other students in my group a chance to see a different background and how I might have grown up differently, as my area is not well known for being well-off (Wealthy). 

The feedback gave me an idea of showing typical day to day routines, wether it be hanging around with friends at our usual place, going to the park or generally finding something to entertain us. It gives a different insight into living in the city, because there isn't as much to do in an area such as mine. 

http://www.teetshirts.com/images/uploads/BLACK%20COUNTRY%20POLLUTION.jpg

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I thought of creating an object that could represent something that's seen everyday but not really payed attention to. I thought of using the place we call 'Pigeon Park' as the main thinking behind this idea and creating a pigeon. I wanted the pigeon like object to walk on it's on, the video created by Theo Jansen inspired me to do this. I was intrigued on how they are able to move with no other control but nature. 

Mock Up Pigeon Frame (Digital Version; Body)

Following on from this, I was pretty interested in the idea but I began to think that it was to complex in parts. For example; making the legs move freely and so that they dont turn a complete cycle; only forwards and backwards repeatedly. I also thought of the fact that maybe it wasn't classed as a puppet, simply because it wasn't hand controlled.

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After receiving feedback from one of the members at JUNEAU PROJECTS, he seemed to like my idea of using trash to create something. He gave me the idea of creating some kind of stop animation, in where litter would start off as small pieces then start compiling together into one big giant ball of trash. There is also a sense of humour that could be added in with this type of media.

During the tutorial, I also showed another one of my ideas in where I create a body that can be worn by myself. It also tied alongside the idea of representing a place, my initial idea was to base it on a famous or well known structure located in Birmingham. I began to create some mock up's and found the one that represented the Bull Ring or Selfridge's may be interesting. I think the colour scheme of the building is somewhat futuristic, same with the design and pattern of it. The member from Juneau Projects and I started to discuss what kind of things it could involve. The idea of creating a video or stop animation was suggested. This was because although it could be worn, I dont feel myself having enough confidence to walk around outside the structure wearing the body / suit. I believe that taking the object out of context could also be somewhat interesting to see, showing it somewhere different, perhaps in an older environment or somewhere secluded.

Mock Up Design

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Final Idea

I chose to go ahead with the life sized puppet, that would mimic Birmingham's Bull Ring / Selfridge's. I planned to use the same theme throughout, to keep the relevance. After a few designs, I got to work creating the puppet / costume. I gathered numerous cardboard boxes, from family members and local companies. I began with the body, as this was the main part of the build. I used a box that would sit comfortably over my upper body, and was good enough to move around in without being to tight. The next step was to cut three holes into the box, two for arms and one for the head. I thought it would be good to show a step by step timeline on the blog, as I dont usualy do so it may be interesting. 

The holes were cut and the boxes openings where taped up, it was then time to cut the circles that would be placed onto the body. I drew a large amount of circles onto card, then used scissors to cut them out. I wanted to give the look of the circles being 3D or being pushed out in the middle, so they were pushed from the centre to allow this to happen. 

Both the circles and box were painted, I used the colours blue royal gloss spray paint and silver wheel, as I imagined it would have been quicker then using a brush. I soon discovered that once the paint was applied, it would sink into the card and fade. I used techniques such as applying primer or using watered down PVA glue as a first coat. This would stop the paint from sinking in straight away, also it gave the advantage of using less paint. 

Once both were sprayed, it was just a matter of applying them to each other. I used various methods such as double sided tape, spray glue and PVA. I found that the PVA worked better, as it was easy to apply and the circles could be moved around if they were applied incorrectly. I tried to space the circles out evenly, to keep the object presented well towards the audience. The circles were placed on all sides of the body, giving a better impact and overall quality to the piece. 

Square holes were cut into the rear of the body, where the card would open and allow the user to go inside. I created holes in the box, because I wanted to use something that would keep the rear shut. There were 4 cut outs placed on the back, two bottom and two upper. 

As I wanted a material that could be locked and opened easily but still had enough strength to keep it closed while being used, I chose to use Velcro. 

I then started working on the legs, the boxes where collected from a small local business as the ones I had previous where to wide. Once sprayed blue, I got the measurements of my leg and cut the boxes in two. I wanted the box in two pieces, because movement of the leg would be alot easier. My idea was to cut small square holes into them aswell, so they could be Velcro'd to the body which would stop them from falling down. 

Again, I tried to place the circles evenly to match the layout of the body. Velcro is also placed onto the bottom of the body, where the legs are either attachable or de-attached. 

Next step was to work on the head, I wanted to keep near enough the same proportions and shape of the body. From the start, I had the idea of using a transparent plastic sheet which would be placed inside of the box in which the user could see through. 

This was the final outcome of the head, I think it matches the body well and looks interesting. 

Here is the outcome around 70% complete. I think that it looks somewhat like a robot, it kind of reminds me of a prop from DR Who etc. Unfortunately, I did not have time to complete the arms as It took longer then expected and the paint that I used for the circles decided to stop working. 

Final Outcome

I believe that I chose this idea because it's not my general area and is something different. I wanted to gain more experience in the area of crafts, and reach outside of the comfort zone. The idea came to me after exploring 'Representing A Place'. I knew that the Bullring / Selfridge's was a well known building in Birmingham, and has always been visually inspiring to me by its futuristic appearance. I also wanted the final outcome to take on a new role, not just copying the buildings look or style but to remove it from its context. I also took on some inspiration from previous research, with the Doctor Who props / costumes outside in London. I hoped to get a reaction, to see what the audience would do. I wanted to see if the appearance would change at all, for example; if the costume was worn in a place such as the country side with open fields. Would this change our perspective? Would the structure look even more futuristic? Would the audience pay more attention? 

Activation

I created some simple activation videos, which show the final outcome in movement. 

Changing Context

Above are a few images that I photographed, but I dont have any transport so I didn't get to wear the final piece at these locations. I chose to use a photograph of myself wearing the piece, then using Photoshop to produce somewhere near what I wanted. The hard part is trying to get all of the dimensions correct, and making it look realistic. If I had more time, I would have liked to find someone who could take me and the piece to these locations so I could get some real pictures. Overall though, I guess it shows the general idea and hopefully the audience will show some kind of reaction. 

Final Outcome

Conclusion

I thought the project went well, as I have learnt some new methods on how to produce larger pieces then usual. This is something that I would not usualy do, so personally the experience was helpful but I found that I didn't get into the project until late. At times, I found it tricky to work on as it was tough getting all of the objects to look decent and making them fit together. I think the costume looks better in person, as you can appreciate it more and have a accurate view of the piece. Personally, it's a shame that the arms were not completed, as I would have enjoyed seeing what it would look like once finished. I believe that part of the reason is that it's not generally the area in art that I would go for, but I wanted to try something new and somewhat challenging. At times I had to push myself, as some parts I felt stuck or had no motivation.

If I could go back and change some parts, I think I would use more simple techniques to produce the piece quicker. Some parts of the project, such as drawing then cutting out the circles was taking around 5 minutes each which caused me to work slower then usual. I think that it may have been better using a template with a circle cut out, then placing the template onto the boxes. I found that sometimes, I didn't plan ahead that well and my preparations were not great such as; forgetting to apply a base coat to the boxes. This meant that I had to give each side of the boxes 3 coats, in order to get them looking the way I wanted. This took time, and slowed me down because I was using paint quicker and had to keep buying more. Each box used up 1 can of spray paint on 1 coat only, and some parts I had to use 3 cans per box. Another weakness, I would proffer to have produced better pictures and videos for the blog, as I do not think they are very professional.

Overall, I am glad that I did produce something worth looking at as half way through the project I had a lack of motivation and needed a good push. Even though the costume did not get completed, I plan on finishing it during the summer as I very much want to see what it looks like as one whole thing.