Puppet Farm Arts

I participated in the May Day Parade today, in the "walk in section" (not part of the overall Heart of The Beast Concept), with Christopher Lutter Gardella of Puppet Farm Arts. It was, as usual, one of the most amazing experiences.






















Everytime I've had the opportunity to operate and become one of Chris' animals it's humbling. I consistently see adults become kids again, their eyes wide, there hearts beating through their chests, jaw dropped, and that look that tells one yes, they get it. Of course there are some who chose to completely ignore the 7 foot tall black bear (or wolf, polar bear, 16 foot tall stag) standing right in front of them. They are saying, "nope, not me, that's kids stuff, not for me, I am an adult and have no imagination...at all!" There the ones that get a licking (literally) or bumped, howled at, and sniffed. Within seconds they break, and reveal there heart. No one can resist.


And then there is the punk kids who push, punch, and say, "there's people in there!" As if they are revealing some hidden secret. We simply ram the little bastards and send them onto their ass. Serves em' right. Young'ins.

I met Christopher at a puppet workshop in Washburn, WI. I had seen the poster portraying bikes with fish built around them. Natch, I showed up. And low and behold the tall bike fish bike, complete with googly eyes, a brake lever operated mouth, and suckers on the sides and ass.

Chris has been making his living building puppets and teaching arts that use recycled materials his entire life. He does political works as well.























And finally my favourite and what seems to be just short of a miracle to have pulled off. This is a peace dove made out of people shot from an airplane on the frozen surface of Lake Superior. Chris ran an ad in the local newspaper saying to show up if interested. Well, people showed up and they pulled it off great! Some snowmobilers showed up as well just as the air plane was about to fly over. They did a few close drive by's, apparently trying to scare up the people, but that did not work. Peace and happiness will prevail, as it always does.