For “Variety Show” I created three stills which place a lens on how people interact and control each other. I used puppets as actors because it seemed to be a dramatic but appropriate way to make the nature of their relationships obvious. I built fully articulated jumping jacks from old album covers and game pieces as a nod to their purpose of being entertainers and to give them a vibrant and loud appearance.

I placed various constellations of jumping jacks on 2D stages - a solo, a duo, and a trio - with different levels of control shown by the individual placements of the pull strings: The soloist is keeping her own string like she is in control of her own self; the duo is keeping each other’s string, while the trio seems uncontrolled as their pull strings are loosely hanging down. Of course, the actors’ power over the control function of the pull strings is only pretend play, after all, the actors are only jumping jack toys.

Moreover, the pull strings are indeed functional but they are not meant to be pulled by the viewer. From a viewer’s perspective, the temptation to take control and pull the strings is probably high, but since they are aware that they are not supposed to pull them, the manipulation and the movements can only be imagined and anticipated, which makes the stillness of the scenes even more still.

Mixed media assemblages: acrylics, discolored edges of vintage sheet music, vintage album covers, vintage game pieces, wooden bits, wire, metal hardware, cotton string, wood beads, mounted in hand- built wooden box frames.

Fine art prints are available.

Act 1: A Comedian 16” x 12”

Act 2: The Famous Apple Scene 16” x 20”

Act 3: A Kick Line 16” x 28”