The Base:
The wood base is 39 inches at its widest and 16 inches deep. The curtain rods are 26 inches high and 30 inches across. The curtain is purple because I like that color.
The Figure:
The entire body is made from pre-sculpted parts that were molded and cast in Bondo; they were then assembled in the appropriate position. This is the first figure that was not fully or partially sculpted in foam first then covered with Bondo. It is undoubtedly heavier that a child that size. He stands 48 inches tall. The marionette was created for full articulation, but all the joints were tightened to stay in place once the figure was staged. It stands on its own, held in place by steel rods that are made to appear as black yarn which all the strings are made from. The figure is held in place by leaning against the curtain rod, but that can be completely obscured by the purple curtain.
The Subject:
The only message here is FUN. The boy created the marionette and is practicing the operation of it in front of his family. I remember doing this very same thing at that age and he is happy showing off how he has become the puppet master. Every kid wants to find some sort of autonomy, and the skeleton, which is normally an icon to be feared is now his servant…doomed to obey his commands and no longer something to be feared.
Materials:
Bondo, wood, store-bought wig, eyelashes, purple fabric and bandana, Delco Ceramcoat acrylic paint. The Lederhosen is from e-bay.
Completed: March 2020
