Workshops

Monday, April 25, 2011

Circus Puppet Theater: Curiosities in Wood


My friend Stephanie Brockway has an amazing show opening on Thursday night, April 28th, 6-9 pm at Guardino Gallery, Circus Puppet Theater: Curiosities in Wood. The gallery is located at 2939 N.E. Alberta Street in Portland and Steph's show runs through May 22nd.

Here's the description from Guardino Gallery's website describing the show:

Stephanie Brockway will be taking over the Feature Area & Window Area with her “Circus Puppet Theater” creations.

The show is an evolution of many things. Starting with a single carved clown puppet, Stephanie decided she needed a whole circus troupe, and went from there. She continued on the playful theme with an interactive puppet theater and puppets with movable parts. A love of vintage, 'I use mainly old wood for the carvings, it seems to vibrate with a past life it speaks to me. If I listen carefully, it tells me what it wants to become.'


Knives and chisels cut away to revel the faces or forms. She strives for cohesive pieces, finding just the right salvage material to combine with the hand carved pieces. For a look she calls 'Urban Folk Art,' less traditional blends with a modern twist. 'Wood is subtractive and not very forgiving, therein lays the challenge that intrigues me. It is a tactile balance to my first love: painting,' says Stephanie.

She has created a big interactive puppet theater built from salvaged wood that the public is invited to play with. In the painted backdrop will be puppets, all carved and costumed. The Window Gallery will feature a 58” tall hanging acrobat.


And one little photo to tempt you even more. Introducing Saltini!

2 comments:

Bobbie said...

I have it down to go - will be great to see these all in person!!

donna said...

I loved it all, every single piece is unique and interesting. They give way to lovely day dreams. It was fantastical (grin) and I am glad I went to see it. I am going back today. :)