Pulling the Strings of Imagination: The Art and Soul of Puppetry in Calgary with Jenny Dale Stables and Tia DeLauria

The Artsy Dudes Podcast

Ever find yourself mesmerized by the charm of a puppet show, or recall the nostalgia of marionettes dancing on strings? We've got a treat for you!
Sparrow Art Space in Bridgeland, Calgary transforms into a lively hub, hosting puppeteers Jenny Dale Stables and Tia DeLauria. They're drawing back the curtain to reveal the magic and allure of puppetry, sharing how they've sculpted their artistic paths and the unique voices they bring to the stage through their enthralling creations. This spellbinding episode is a journey into the heart of imagination, where traditional craftsmanship pairs with contemporary storytelling, reminding us that creativity isn't just child's play—it's an innate language woven into our human fabric.
Who thought glue could be so fascinating? Or that Calgary would be a hotbed for puppeteering? Our guests peel back the layers of this thriving scene, spilling secrets on the nuts and bolts—sometimes quite literally—of breathing life into inanimate figures. It's more than just the materials; it's a dance of adhesives, craftsmanship, and the alchemy of storytelling. We delve into the Festival of Animated Objects, where the Calgary community showcases its puppeteering prowess, proving that this art form is not just surviving post-pandemic—it's flourishing.
As we wrap up, it's clear that puppetry is no mere child's diversion but a bridge to our purest sense of play and connection. Amidst an age dominated by pixels and screens, we explore how tangible artistry, like puppets, anchors us to the physical world, tugging at our heartstrings and sparking joy across generations. Jenny and Tia's passion is a clarion call, inviting us all to embrace the threads of our inner child. To pick up whatever materials are at hand, and to animate our stories in the most human way possible—through the age-old tradition of puppetry. Let this episode be your gateway to rediscovering the magic of play, and perhaps, find yourself crafting a puppet friend to join you on the journey.

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1. Puppetry Residency at Sparrow Art Space (00:00:06)

2. Diversity and Creativity in Puppetry (00:09:59)

3. Creativity, Joy, and Puppetry Evolution (00:19:26)

4. Festival of Animated Objects Workshops (00:28:55)

5. The Magic of Puppetry and Glue (00:42:26)

6. The Influence of Jim Henson (00:47:45)

7. Cross-Pollination of Art Forms (01:00:03)

8. Artistic Elements of Puppetry and Dance (01:12:17)

9. Calgary's Thriving Puppetry Community (01:23:54)

10. Types of Adhesives for Puppet Making (01:29:49)

11. Materials and Artistry in Puppetry (01:37:47)

12. Exploring the Value of Puppetry (01:44:19)

13. Rediscovering Play Through Puppetry (01:56:27)