For this assemblage work I used the head of one of my childhood hand puppets which I played with in the 1960s. This particular character is “The Robber” and belongs to the classical “Kasperle” cast which is rooted in German medieval storytelling traditions but is still enjoyed by German children for role play. In his original role the Robber is a mean clumsy crook who takes advantage of everybody’s good faith and lives the opportunistic yet unfulfilled life of a lonely vagabond.

I gave the Robber a new role, in which he is constantly helping others while not taking care of himself. Now he is a giver, he is overflowing with selflessness and generosity but he also is exhausted, frustrated, and sad. His cups are empty.

Mixed media assemblage: 1960s German vinyl puppet head, Dutch mid century copper & brass teapot, old metal baking mold, vintage wooden Dutch clogs salt & pepper shakers, found wooden plate with stand, vintage acrylic crystal necklace, various collected toy porcelain tea cups, vintage copper keyhole cover, leather cord, brass hardware, book clippings. Pieces measure 16” x 10” x 7”.