When I’m as busy as I am right now, it’s great to get visitors to the workshop. My nephew came over a few days ago and got to play with the puppets. His favorite was the little Toby puppet from Puppet Heap.

Tags: The Artful Puppet by Philip
No Comments »

This is Rascal. He’s the real reason that I love puppets so much. My brother had Harry, Rascal’s twin, and we would make up stories and dress these guys up in all sorts of funny costumes. I still remember the heartache as I watched a chunk torn from his leg after it got caught in my bicycle chain (I was trying to re-inact the Kermit scene from the Muppet Movie).
The twenty-five years since that wonderful Christmas morning are definitely showing, but he remains an inspiration.

Tags: The Artful Puppet by Philip
1 Comment »

I know this isn’t puppet-related per se, but this morning I received the news that one of my artistic heroes passed away at the age of 91. I have been a fan of both he and his father N.C. Wyeth all my life and have made the trip a couple of times to see the Brandywine Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania where their work is on display. I have always connected with his philosophy of art and his unique way of looking at things.

In 1997, without my knowing, my father wrote a letter to him about me and my brother, Sean. In the letter, my father told him how much we were influenced by his work and were looking to carve our own paths artistically. To my utter shock and amazement, he wrote us both personal letters, which apparently was pretty rare. The letter reads “Dear Philip Hatter, The reason for this brief note concerns a most remarkable letter by your father about you.  With such a father you should go far.  Sincerely, Andrew Wyeth.”

I will always cherish this letter and the sentiment behind it.

Tags: General Stuff by Philip
No Comments »

This weekend, we met with Max Barraclough, Creative Director and Nigel Hudston, Managing Director of TED UK (The Entertainment Department UK LTD), to finalize plans for the production of Bull: A Puppet Musical at the Sensatori Crete resort this year. It was a great time together and I’m looking forward to working with them to bring our show to a larger audience. Auditions for performers will begin this Friday in the UK.

Tags: Bull: International by Philip
1 Comment »

Right now I am busy working on some amazing puppet building projects. Sometimes when doing so much work I find it necessary to switch gears for a moment and have a little bit of fun. So last night, I made this little guy. He is super simple, and simple can be a breath of fresh air after working with so much foam. There are so many performance possibilites with a sock-type puppet like this one–AND they take virtually no time to make. I think I spent a total of three hours on this little guy and he will most likely be a gift for my baby nephew.

Tags: Projects by Philip
No Comments »

This is Spike the porcupine. He was built for Scott Barna at Route 23 Automall in New Jersey to be a mascot for one of their ad campaigns. He was a treat to build and hopefully he will see some action soon!

Tags: Projects by Philip
1 Comment »