My first puppet shows were for dairy cows in upstate New York. I later graduated with a degree in Performing Arts and accomplished further puppetry studies in Charleville-Mezieres. My puppet shows have toured internationally and been awarded by Union Internationale de la Marionette. I have performed with the Denver Philharmonic, Colorado Opera, and TheaterWorks' Shakespeare in the Park.
I have been active in parade making in Taiwan, Mexica, Guatemala and Western USA. I started Lantern Parades in Manitou Springs and Pueblo, CO. Mural painting in Nuevo Casas Grande was with Concrete Couch. I performed outdoor street theater in Buskerfests in NYC , Denver and San Francisco.
Studies in Taiwan and Turkey have influenced my practice of shadow puppetry. I use both ancient and modern techniques and sometimes use everyday objects and wacky special effects. Stories tend to be my own versions of world myths and legends.
Teaching is a joy for me! My classes focus on students self-expression, creativity and imagination. I have taught populations ranging from accelerated math students at Princeton University to at-risk populations in juvenile detentions centers and childrens's cancer centers. My teaching with at-risk children was given the Colorado Governor's Award.
BIG puppets are so exciting! I've made parade puppets and giant marionettes (operated from the second floor balcony) with students in schools. Parade design work was on several trips to Taiwan. Some giant inflatable puppets were used in theaters. operas and children's symphony performances.
I have loved drawing ever since I was a little kid. Now I enjoy making little handmade books and pop-ups. Themes have ranged from "Zen Cooking Advice ", "Shrine Making",
"Car Hobbies", ""Perfume Legends"
and "Color Names for the Rest of Us."
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