Owly Shadow Puppets

Did you ever have one of those jobs that was hard to explain? I have one of those jobs. I'm a model maker--I build architectural models of buildings for a small company in Chicago. Everyone I meet thinks this is really neat, maybe because people tend to like anything reproduced in miniature. But my job requires a lot of computer work and I tend to doodle out of boredom when sitting at my desk.

At my model-making job we use a laser cutter to cut out small parts. One day I tried cutting out one of my doodles on the laser...and not long after that I started drawing characters that became shadow puppets. Throwing all caution to the wind I bought my own laser cutter so that I could make and sell shadow puppets. The puppets are cut from 4ply mat board, so they are quite sturdy. I join the moving parts with brass fasteners and then glue the puppets onto bamboo sticks. The laser cutter lets me cut the highly detailed parts rather quickly, so I can sell the puppets for an affordable price.

Besides the shadow puppets and model-making job, I also teach workshops. This summer at 826CHI I will be teaching a workshop that combines shadow puppetry with script writing. 826CHI is a neat tutoring center in Wicker Park that tricks kids into writing by making it fun. Check them out at www.826CHI.org

And- I must tell you, I get a lot of help. My endlessly supportive and generous brother Eric built this site for me, and my younger brother Aaron helps with the laser. My parents help put puppets together, and even my grandma gives me feedback. Now that is a wonderful thing to see-- my grandma with a seamonster puppet!

-Andrea Everman 04/2007

Contact me at: owly@owlyshadowpuppets.com