Giant Gaia Goddess Puppets

My work evolved from small mask masking to giant puppet making for a very specific purpose. It was to collaborate with another multi-disciplinary artist to create a giant outdoor theater piece. The work was called “Ashes and Sparks” and centered on the theme of fire and inner revolution. We felt we needed a giant puppet representing the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele, to bring the piece to life.

From there, I won a local cultural council grant to make my second giant puppet, which is called Sunny Green, the Solar Dancer. This puppet became a staple at green fairs and festivals for quite a while and incorporated LED lights that were lit by solar panels on the rays of its headdress. 

Just like with my stilting that is larger than life, there is something fantastical about these giant backpack puppets that draws forth reverence from those who encounter them. I have seen people looking at the eyes of the puppets to communicate with them; forgetting that they are being moved by animators inside them.

The puppets have taken on a life of their own and travelled to Vermont for solar festivals, to parades in New York and all around Massachusetts. They made appearances at weddings and at conferences such as the Women’s Womb and Belly conference.

If you are looking for Giant Puppets for your next event, my puppets and animation services are available! Contact me for a free consultation!