Costa Mesa, CA & Chestnut Ridge, NY
In puppetry, an inanimate object is created that will come to life via the puppeteer’s hand to tell a particular story. Working in clay allows us to build “life” with form and gesture from water and earth. The work would feel completely finished at the leather-hard stage, where the clay pushes back with its cold damp patina, and still feels alive. But as a figure dries out and is fired the original shrinks and dies, becoming a shell archive of itself. Breathing the life back into these characters is the goal. Waking up the inanimate to tell its story, as the puppeteer does.
Each of the pieces in this particular series are Folk Tales of finding confidence in adversity. They are igniting their own beauty, bravery, and power from something uncomfortable - in coming to terms with a personal truth. Imagined in characters and forms that are cracked, quirky, or imperfect; these pieces aim to invoke a feeling of vulnerability, yet create a sense of humor & lightness out of risk & exposure. The confidence created by the character, strengthened by a sense of purpose.
Education:
1992 - Alfred University - BFA 1992 Ceramics and Mixed-Media Sculpture
Sculpture & Puppet:
1992-1997 - Hudson Vagabond Puppets - NY - Puppet builder/prop sculptor - Built giant stage puppets and props for Children's Puppet Theater Company.
1985-1999 - Other Puppet - Participated in building, performing, and assisting in various puppetry workshops, festivals, and events (NYC, New England), including 2 years of Henson Festival, Bread and Puppet Theater, and 9th St Theater in NYC (Toy Theater Festival). Worked regularly performing and selling puppets at fairs, festivals, NY Toy Show, and HSN
1996-2002 - Spaeth Design , NYC - Sculpted props, figures, and large walk-around costumes for animated display company, working primarily on Animated Christmas Windows for NYC Fifth Avenue and Chicago clients. Clients included, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Fields, Dayton Hudson, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Navy Pier Chicago, and various malls.
sabspar@gmail.com
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