HOLLY GRACE DESIGN

The Mongol Khan with Nick Barnes Puppets 

I was a part of the team creating this large dragon puppet for the stage show 'The Mongol Khan'. 

During the project I had the chance to work on different elements, learning so much from the people around me. I assisted lead sculptor Chelsea Lee testing shapes to create a half scale maquette of the dragon, based on the clients specifications. Once finalised the shapes were enlarged to full scale. In this project I learnt to enlarge abstract shapes accurately, taking the time to constantly measure, step back and ask others for advice. These shapes were then mirrored to create a symmetrical body. Once the initial shape was carved they were then adjusted to allow the full range of motion required. I focused on the tail pieces, trimming them and positioning them until the tail was able to move naturally. 

I also assisted in creating some of the large strands of hair that flow along the spine and down the tail. These were then shaped and positioned by Georgina Smith. 

The rest of the team includes: Nick Barnes, Caroline Bowman, Suzanne Law, Jessica Taylor, Aga, jo thompson, oli simonon, Charlie Tymms, Emily Tupholme, Ivan Thorley, Ben Gabel.