SKETCH BOOK SKETCHES 2

When we're working on a show or production, everything I do informs that project. In between times I draw and draw. I usually turn off my conscious mind and let my pen explore the boundaries of what I think I see into what I really see. Imagination in line form - - without erasing. The following were all drawn during the first three weeks of November 2010. (click on pictures to enlarge)

If these were from my subconscious, I also try to draw things I see in my head.

. . .or copy from a picture in a newspaper or magazine. . .

. . .or try to draw some one from memory (like Arthur Godfrey.)

Or I try to draw real to life - - with no mistakes or going over it again.

I love drawing. If I wasn't a puppeteer (which is drawing in three dimensions) I would have been an animator.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2010

BEHIND THE SCENES @ KIDS-TV

A lot of people ask us what it looks like behind-the-scenes doing puppets on TV. I recently unearthed the Official Showtime-produced documentary about our series KIDS-TV featuring lots of backstage scenes. We shot in a studio in Manhattan called MOTHERS that was actually haunted by an Hungarian ghost named Henry. But that's another story. . .

The Flexitoon Puppets were brought to life by Craig Marin, Olga Felgemacher, Jonathan Freeman and Alan Semok with Ken Miele and Sal Denaro.

A FAVORITE DRAWING

When I was a kid recovering from a foot operation, my dad bought me the Bible Of Puppetry: BIL BAIRD'S ART OF THE PUPPET. It was packed with great shots, fabulous information, and cool behind-the-scenes stuff. One of the drawings I loved the most was a backstage look at the Josserand Guignol Theater in 19th Century Lyons. The picture - - dated 1871 - - shows the Josserand family (holding puppets) greeting friends.

I'd always imagine that's what it would be like backstage when friends and family would come backstage to visit my shows (one day one day!) And - - it really does feel like that.