As we enter into 2016, I have had an amazing adventure for 2015.  At the time of this writing, I was able to go to 2 balloon twisting conventions.  Despite how advance (or lack) a balloon twister I am, I always find something different to learn from amazing artist and teachers as well as beginning balloon twisters.  Now that we are in the beginning of 2016, there are many more other conventions that I would like to go to at some point in time.

Why are conventions so important?  As a children’s entertainer, I think it is important to collaborate with as many other artists as possible in order to continue to grow as a performer.  This is the same philosophy as when one becomes an actor.  In order to grow as a performer, you need to be constantly learning from performers.  Believe it or not, I still learn something new from balloon twisters who are just starting out learning the basics.  Conventions provide an excellent opportunity to talk with (and pick the brains of) top artist in the industry.  There are also competitions between fellow artists as well.  This gives me the opportunity to really see how people entertain, perform, and think.  Which, in turn, helps me become a better performer and entertainer.

These conventions are insane too!  From my experience, you are working on your craft for the entire day, 4 days straight.  Some artist go only a few hours in those 4 days because they are building their display pieces.  The last convention I went to, I slept maybe 5 hours in 4 days.  It was crazy.

There is nothing better than going to a convention and learning from other people and seeing my balloon family.  I admit, we are a “twisted” bunch (like the pun?) from all walks of life from around the world who enjoy twisting balloons.  We love to spread joy one balloon at a time.

Yes, I know.  My last entry was more than a year ago.  Needless to say, a lot has happened since then.

First, let me wish everyone a happy lunar new year! 



I actually signed up for a couple of social media outlets (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter)!  Those that know me really well will know that this is a pretty big step since I prefer to keep my private life, well…private.  However, I wanted to share my balloon twisting and balloon art adventures with those who are interested. Anyways, this is exciting news for me since I am probably going to be posting more of my balloon work on Instagram (Link to Instagram).  I will admit, my twitter account doesn’t really have that much going on right now.

The reason why I started these accounts was because last month I went to the balloon convention for balloon artists.  The location changes every year, but this time it was in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It was definitely quite the experience.  I have gone to balloon conventions in the past, but they were a little bit low key.  The convention lasted 5 days, classes start from 8:30 in the morning and the last class does not get out until about 12:30am.  That was a lot of classes.  Also, there was a 24 hour jam room available to everyone.  Needless to say, I did not get much sleep during my time there.  But I learned a lot of new and interesting techniques that I am currently experimenting with.

I also took a ton of pictures – over 300 photos.  I still have to sort through everything, but I am hoping to get some up here on the blog.  Here are a few of the balloon dresses that were entered into competition.  I also have a video of what 300 balloon artists do during intermission of a show.  It is quite amusing.

Other things that are on my task list:  I am in the process of updating the website, so bear with me as the updates continue.

So here is a nice treat for you guys.  A couple of weeks ago, some of the biggest artist in the balloon industry got together to build a giant (and I mean GIANT) version of "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk."  I believe it was a team of 70 artists who went out to Rochester New York to go participate in this massive build that took 4 days to complete.

Unfortunately, at the time of this posting, the exhibit is done.  BUT, am providing you with a quick time lapse video of the build.  Check it out when you get a chance.

 

Okay, so it is suppose to be the year of the Horse, and I have a picture of a Lion Head, but still, it is still part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Actually, I tried working on a more muscular horse, but I wasn't satisfied enough with the design to share it on this blog.  Past couple of days have been busy with all the celebrations and all.  Despite all the celebrations and red envelopes, to me, it's all about the food and getting together with family.  Food this time of year is amazing; excellent chicken, fish, vegetables and (most importantly) desserts!

So, about the lion head.  Normally you see these come out during times of celebration (weddings, grand openings, birthdays, etc.).  If you haven't seen Lion Dancing, you can find it here. (Side note: I've dabbled in traditional lion dancing in the past and it is extremely hard!).  I didn't make the rest of the body as the head alone took me the majority of the day to make.  Never made this before, so it was pretty ambitious on my part.  But I think it turned out pretty good.  What do you think?


Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!

And here is a turkey to celebrate!!

Much has happened since my last entry....which was almost a year ago.... Yes, I know.  Dear blog, it has been a while.  Let me update you on what has been going on these past couple of months.

October was insane!!  Went to probably the closest thing to the major balloon convention that occurs at the beginning of each year.  It was a balloon workshop that was held here in Northern California.  4 days of non-stop balloon fun and learning from some of the industry's leaders!

I learned a ton of stuff and met some great people and shared a lot of ideas!  I have already started to implement some of the techniques and ideas into my current gigs and practice sessions!

This blog is basically about creativity and inspiration.  And there was a lot at the balloon workshop.  To me, it is always interesting to get ideas, tips and thoughts on other artists; their approach to balloons.  The energy in the room was incredible and it made me push myself more as a balloon artist.  I can't wait until next year!!!

Okay, here was something that was little bit different.  I decided to go a bit more abstract with what I normally would do.  The place where I decided the abstract element should be was in the tree.  My goal was to create an old spooky tree.  I added grays, and lighter browns around the trunk base to create the effect.  Although not shown in the picture, the eyeball has a red light inside and I also added a skeleton hand at the base of the trunk.

This was for a delivery piece that I did for Halloween.  I'm glad it was well received.

But, prior to that, we have the upcoming Lunar New Year on February 10th.  This year will be the year of the snake.  Surprisingly not much requests for Lunar new year animals.  I believe I can make most of them, but I haven't tried.  :\  Of course, now that I write this, I probably should give it a go.

Anyw
Valentine's Day on the other hand....that's a whole new different beast!!  The amount of thought and energy that people devote to a loved one is amazing....and the ideas they come up with.  It's almost better than a scripted movie.

So, I came up with a few designs for Valentine's Day.  The picture above is my favourite one thus far.  I put something "extra special" inside this sculpture.  When you squeeze the bear's arms, it squeaks.  It is SUPER COOL!!!  (Can you tell, I'm pretty proud of myself right now). :D

So I ordered some new balloons last week, and they finally came in late afternoon on Friday (I guess UPS delivers in my neighbourhood late in the afternoon).  As always, I totally geek out when packages come for me; it's like getting gifts on your birthday.  With these new balloons, I made the following friend you see on the picture - the creepy looking zombie.  

As I was making it, it was getting creepier by the minute, like super creepy.  Maybe it was a mix of playing "Eyes of the Night" by Starlight Mints in the background (theme song to "Demons" - a very short lived show on BBC).  The tongue, decaying teeth and the eyes really put this mask in the creepy category.  Not sure if this would be a mask to wear around young children, as they might get scared.  But this would be AWESOME for a teenager/young adult crowd - especially putting some lights in the eyes and getting some Victorian type clothing and distressing it!!  Oooooh, that would look so cool.

Anyways, more wearable costumes coming soon!

To see a larger image, please go to the portfolio page and scroll down to "Masks/Wearables".