Button Hinged Shrinky Dink Shadow Puppet

Two of my favorite things: Shrinky Dinks and buttons.

Travels: Pakistan

In November of 2000 I traveled to Lahore Pakistan with the Czechoslovak American Marionette Theatre to perform in a festival of puppet theatre. It was an amazing trip to say the least. Having visited the newly re-opened Islamic galleries at the Metropolitan Museum yesterday and in light of what is happening in that part of the world, I'm reminded of a remarkable place and what a rare opportunity this was.

This poor creature must have been tired after hauling our several trunks of puppets and various scenery to the theatre for load-in.
In this picture: Stefano Zazzera and Roland Duprey.

Lunch and dinner -- some of the finest meals I've ever had -- were served in this giant tent generally followed by table top puppet performances, music and dancing.

Burmese Puppeteer with his cast of characters.

Favorite mode of transportation. I'm standing on top with Theresa Linnihan.

Old City mosque.

Blur of crowd in Old City market.

Gathering at the Pakistan border with India for the changing of the guard.

A group of school children.

Sunday Stroll

I so love this stone rabbit, sitting patient and pretty in a wheel barrow in a particularly beautiful downtown community garden.

Herky Bird

The Herky Bird is the mascot for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. I created this mask for my Cousin Melissa's wedding in Iowa at the request of her mother, Michelle. Herky was a surprise guest at the wedding and clearly had a wonderful time. Cousin Michelle made the wonderful costume. Congratulations, Melissa and Jacy!

From: Sheep Musing in the Valley of Sleeping Dogs

Sleepy Dog Puppet

Mr. M.: Costume Design

Mr. M.: Ronnie Wasserstrom

Costume images from the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre production of Mr. M. performed at Theatre for the New City.

The Butcher: Steven Ryan

Mrs Cizcova: Deborah Beshaw

SS Officer: Vit Horejs

Chickie: Theresa Linnihan

St. Ann's Puppet Lab: Sheep Musing in the Valley of Sleeping Dogs

Photos by Richard Termine

Images from my piece in the Lab at St. Ann's Warehouse.

Santa Monica Pier at Sunset

On a recent trip to California, a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with my friend, Paul, led us, by some incredible magic, to the Santa Monica Pier right at dusk; my favorite time of day. In a perfect world, every moment would be filled with pink and blue neon ferris wheels and roller coasters, basking in the perfect glow of sunset.

Tulip Forest Tales: Puppet Portraits

Princess Spring Blossom

I recently shot a series of portraits of these Tulip Forest Tales hand puppets for my new portfolio page: behance.net/michellebeshaw. Delightful and fun storytellers, these critters evolved over years and there are likely more to come.

Lady

Bow Wow

Mr. Rabbit

Mr. Fox

Sheep

Home

Portrait by William Eldred

Portrait of me, by William Eldred. One of my favorite things.