Prague Summer, 2013

I went back to Prague this summer, which was amazing, yet again.  I was there back in the summer of 2010 for the Puppets in Prague workshop, but I just can't get enough.  Here are some highlights of my trip:

The Charles Bridge, possibly my favorite bridge.

Once crossed, you can find the Karel Zeman Museum.  He's the old school, practical, visual effects master who influenced projects such as Terry Gilliam's The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.

 

 

"I try to take advantage of each technique, eliminate the borders, and through this synthesis create images of a new quality on screen." -Karel Zeman

 

 He uses ink in water for smoke effects

 Using flat scenery and matte paintings in front of the camera, Zeman creates the perfect illusion of perspective:

 

 

Tableau of how to combine live action with stop motion

Then, I met up with some people from this year's Puppets in Prague workshop, which inspired me to go home and finalize my own puppet from 2010, who was lacking proper fingers

We had a chance to crash with Anna Adler, lover of painting faces, and a Research Scholar for Fullbright.  She's exploring puppetry and performance in the Czech Republic.

And this is the lovely Emelia Hilton, who invited me along on her adventures.  Really amazing things happen when she's around.