Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 00:48:07 -0500
From: heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com (Christopher Hudert)
Subject: Re: PUPT: Three point suspension?


Dori,
 Jim's definition on the three point suspension was a beginning but I think
I can elaborate a bit by giving an example. With a three point suspension
of a hand you would get more exact manipulation than from the one point
that many puppeteers use. Instead of a string going to one single point of
the hand, say the center, that controls all movement of the hand, you have
three string which run to the wrist, thumb and little finger. This gives
you control of side to side or turning, and an increase of wrist motion, as
well as the up/down and in/out motion available with a single string.
Imagine strings to your hand pulling at each of these points and you will
see what I mean. On a head the third point might be to the nose which gives
you a new range of motion not available with only the two side strings.
Keep applying this to other body parts and you get more and more
controlable action. Of course this also means the joints of the marionette
have to be capable of the motion and you have to be able to work all those
aditional strings, but you do get more and more control.
 As to the books in the Puppetry store, the #1 I would recommend you get is
Luman Coad's Marionette Sourcebook (or maybe it's Marionette Workbook,
they'll know). This is one of the best gathering of different marionette
control and construction tecniques available under one roof, so to speak.
Once you find something in there you really like you can pursue it further.
Good Luck.

Christopher




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