File puptcrit/puptcrit.0808, message 252


From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Mathieu_Ren=E9?= <creaturiste-AT-primus.ca>
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:45:19 -0400
Subject: [Puptcrit] Wire-core marionettes


. WHAT MADE ME DO IT
(or...it's not my fault!)

A few months ago I was shown how the UK puppet company Faulty Optics make 
their large bunraku-inspired puppet's joints (elbows, knees). They use the 
spring from classic wood clothespins, coupled with more wire of similar 
gauge, to make a joint, which is then attached to the dowels forming the 
bones of the puppet.
The foam or other material used to bulk up also provides the proper movement 
stoppers.
So I made a few simple joints of this sort for a few puppets since I learned 
it. Very smooth movements!

I also knew, from an Art Doll making book, that some doll artists make 
jointed dolls using twisted wire.
There is an intriguing wire joint design by George Stuart in the book 
"Fantastic Figures", by Susanna Oroyan.
I can't figure it out from the drawing, but it gives me ideas on how to 
achieve the same results.

So I guessed it would be possible to make a smooth movement puppet from 
similar methods.
And it works!


.THE WHOLE STORY
I couldn't sleep, so I just worked on a concept I came up with Monday while 
giving a workshop, but hadn't had time to try.

I made a prototype bird marionette, using mostly wire which twisted, forms 
the bones and the joints of the limbs (I made stiff ankles this time, the 
feet are also formed in the same piece of wire as the lower leg).

The neck seemed a bit too complex to make all in wire, so I chose to use a 
thick chain. I used a chain.
It moves very well.

The head is made of some wire twisted around a bolt.
I also provided some extra wire to create a loop on each side of the head, 
to later attach the head wires.

The body is a piece of blue insulation foam, with a heavy metal washer 
inserted as a center weight.

The legs are attached to the foam body by another wire, which goes straight 
through and is bent on both ends to constrain movement of the hips properly. 
No parasite sideways movement allowed!

Such a body will easily be bulked up with some strips of fiberfill and a 
fabric skin.
I'm guessing there is a reasonnable limit of size of marionette using this 
method, as wire is heavy.
Still, fiberfill and fabrics are supposedly lighter than most woods.

The whole marionette is about 12 inches high (once strung in proper 
position).

The marionette is not yet strung, but it already moves so smoothly I can't 
wait to animate it for real!
But I will have to wait, as I got a lot more pressing things to do!

I'll post pics when I can, along with other pics from other current 
projects.

But for now, I'll sleep a bit.
and probably keep working at it in my sleep.


_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org

   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005