The making of America
When my now 13 year old son was in the 2nd grade, I was asked to help design the set for the class musical, “Bugz”. It was my first introduction to set design on a large scale. Who knew you could do so much with giant rolls of paper? The set turned out well. So did the costumes. I decided two things after the experience. First, I decided that I would volunteer to make the sets for each of musicals my 2 kids were involved in, secondly I decided that I would never again volunteer to be in charge of the set AND the costumes. You would think figuring out how to make 300 pairs of bug wings out of panty hose and coat hangers (in 6 different colors, no less) would be a blast, but really not so much…
But the set design part? Love that. Mostly because the great music teachers have pretty much given me free reign to create whatever I think will best represent the overall theme of the show. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve helped design a set for bugs:
For boys and girls venturing west:
And for students ready for summer:
This year, I was asked to design the set for Lewis and Clark, and while there are plenty of willing volunteers whom I could have called upon to help me out, I choose to go it alone this time. My original plan was to make an elaborate mountain scene with the Pacific Ocean in the background. But after reading the script, I decided that this time, a simple map of the USA circa 1803 would suffice and lend better to the story. As a bonus, this also saved me about 2 weeks worth of work — win/win.
I’m a people person, but there are times when I truly enjoy being alone. Creating this set was one of those times.
It was one of those rare times in a creative endeavor of mine when I knew exactly what I wanted to do and the steps involved to get there.
The rolling out of the background paper,
the stapling and straightening and smoothing,
and re-stapling and re-straightening and re-smoothing,
the background for the map
until it was reasonably smooth and straight.
(This process is much easier said than done.)
I don’t know who invented the overhead projector,
but God bless them! It makes things so much easier.
No peeking: Can you name the yellow, green and red areas?
How did you do?
The set is mostly done. Someone needs to staple the blue paper to the top of the wall. But after sliding off an extension ladder from the height of where the top of that paper is 2 years ago, that someone is not going to be me.
So, that’s what I’ve been up to lately.
I bet you thought this post was going to be about the election, huh?
« « Previous Post: The picture inside the picture (Repost) | Next Post: Pardon me while I rant incessantly: Chris Matthews » »
Haha, I did think this was going to be about the election, and perhaps, metaphorically speaking, it is. Pioneers going it alone . . . Sometimes leading . . . Sometimes joining arms and working together to build up and not tear down. Your artistry is just awesome! In so many ways!!!
Amy Sorrells´s last [type] ..This week’s column
I actually was going to draw some metaphorical comparisons to the election, but after I finally got all the pictures loaded,my brain was tired.
I was thinking election, too. Then I thought that background paper would make a perfect sized paint sample for my non-creative eye.
As far as the alone time? For sure – in my kitchen. Particularly when I have the finished product in my mind’s eye and need to avoid distractions.
Candy´s last [type] ..Found Time
Wow, that is quite the talent! Great you can participate with your kids in this way. And yes, I thought it might be about the election too.
Frank´s last [type] ..Savior- Healer- Both
Lewis & Clark may have been disappointed with Oregon had they arrived yesterday, since a Dem governor was elected. Again. But hey, it could be worse. We could have Brown, or Boxer, or Pelosi, or Reid…oh wait, this wasn’t about the election. Snort!
Great job on the set. It’s as awesome as alone time!
Annie K´s last [type] ..The Trail of Reconciliation
I like the one with the covered wagons. Very cool. You could still make it about the election, just glue some political signs on the sides (they’re lying on the ground all over the place):)
Alex Marestaing´s last [type] ..message to the spacemen
Okay. It’s certifiable. You are amazing!
and I’m ok not having it about the election… I Am Canadian.
Louise´s last [type] ..The dragons gift
Wish the rainbow one with the leaves and butterflies popping off the background were on my bedroom wall.
I wouldn’t ever mind waking up.
Kathleen´s last [type] ..My Space
Come on girl, just give me one political rant. There is room on my soapbox, hop up here.
Wow, what a talented woman. The only thing I ever got asked to do (whilst a student) in regards to gymnasium decorating was to glue stuff. I reckon they knew better than to give me a paint can–especially after the washing machine incident with bubbles overflowing onto the court…
Anyway, how long did that take? And you must have some rockin’ biceps-n-triceps.
Blessings.
A Simple Country Girl´s last [type] ..Talking Psalm 85
I may have to do a quasi-political rant tomorrow–stay tuned.
I think I spent a total of about 6 hours total on the map from start to finish, and I am freakishly strong for a girl.
In reply,
good.
wow!
me too sister, me too.
A Simple Country Girl´s last [type] ..Talking Psalm 85
Wonderfully done, Kathy!
Maureen´s last [type] ..Wednesday Wonder- Art of Hand-Lettering
That is rather remarkable.
Michael´s last [type] ..Faking Inability
I’m shocked that I was able to remember the things in that map before I looked at the final product.
Great job on the sets! You are so incredibly talented and creative! And generous, for doing this over and over for your children’s school!
Helen´s last [type] ..Call Me MRS Moeshmossgepup- I Worked Hard for That Title
I sure did and I’m actually glad it wasn’t. I’m a bit burned out on the coverage. But I still would have read your rant (if indeed it would have been a rant).
Tony Alicea´s last [type] ..You’re Not Worth My Time
I like this much better than election day fodder. I’m sort of a Lewis and Clark junkie. What those guys (plus sacagawea plus the dog, Seaman)endured for our benefit is amazing.
You are a very talented lady.
laura´s last [type] ..Ripple
Well – I didn’t even think about the election. Guess cuz it’s over now. But I did think it was about the title “The Making Of America” and your volunteering and laboring and giving of yourself for others. Well – that is about the Making of America. May we all continue to do so.
Good work.
Doug Spurling´s last [type] ..Pennies
How cool is this! Love all the scenes. Amazing talent, and I love that you’re using your gifts to bless your community and enter your kids’ world.
Jeanne Damoff´s last [type] ..The Book of the Pun Cow
I just stumbled across this post after google-ing the BUGZ musical. I am amazed by your set design for the program. My 2nd graders are doing this program and I’m looking for great ideas. I LOVE the use of the rainbow!!! Thanks for some great inspiration!