The Elephant Puppet

THE ELEPHANT PUPPET | The Hawk Conservatory Trust

Puppet designer/maker: Ruby Gibbens | 2nd puppet maker: Rob Hill | Puppeteers: Ruby Gibbens (Head), Halk Conservatory Trust Volunteers (Body)

The Elephant was specifically created to enhance the African bird display at the Hawk Conservatory Trust. As the sun set over their grounds, the elephant puppet gracefully walked alongside the flying African birds from the Conservatory's collection. Due to limited rehearsal time, the puppet had to be designed with straightforward mechanisms for operation and adjustable height options, enabling the volunteers to puppeteer with ease. Notably, the feet were equipped with a handle trigger that allowed for lifting and taking strides across the uneven ground.

RUBY GIBBENS

A puppets first breath, an audience captivated, the puppeteer fades.

It is a magician’s art form, tricking the audience into forgetting reality and allowing themselves to invest into the narrative of the puppet. This fragile being, kept alive by the puppeteer, can tell stories that are complex, beautiful and funny.

At RWCMD I began my journey; learning costume, woodwork, mould making and mechanisms. I explore these specialisms with the simple intention of making something that is soulful.

I draw from the world of the fantastical and enjoy simple and bizarre tales. Folklore passed by word of mouth and stories not quite forgotten.

RUBY GIBBENS

PORTFOLIO | ABOUT | CV | CONTACT

RUBY GIBBENS

+44 (0) 7966 152 894

rubygibbenspuppetry@outlook.com