To what degree do participants cultural experiences with puppet imagery shape their perception of and interactions with fabricated characters? was a question This Project explored how cultural perceptions impact puppet design choices and audience psychological reactions to different puppet-making styles, specifically stop-motion and hand-and-rod puppetry.

The study involved showcasing puppets to a small group of participants to gather feedback. The findings indicate that cultural experiences and preconceived notions about design significantly influence audience responses to puppets and their roles within narratives. The selected puppet styles were separated by 40 years, featuring Jim Henson's "Fraggle Rock" from the 1980s and Wes Anderson's "Isle of Dogs" from 2017, with each puppet crafted using the original techniques and designs.

The puppet begins with a wire armature, providing a flexible yet sturdy framework. Artisans then form the body using materials like foam and fabric, ensuring lifelike movement. The head is sculpted from clay to achieve a skin-like texture and shape, which is then cast in silicone, where a needle staples animal hair into the head. The puppets are meticulously painted and dressed to reflect their unique characters, often incorporating intricate textures and patterns crafted entirely by hand. The resulting object is a living doll that can be articulated to come to life.

click the button for the Fraggle puppet