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(Music by Eric Beug, Animation by Julia Pott)
While stringed puppetry dates back as far as 2000 BC, the term marionette was coined roughly around 1600 AD and means “Little Mary.” Gaining popularity during Roman times, the Christian church eventually adopted puppet shows as a way to covey morality plays. Eventually, puppet shows were banned from the church as performers started using comedy to influence the stories and subvert both church and state. Over time, the great traditions of trickery and magic have subsided to the more commonly known Punch and Judy style, usually geared toward entertaining children.
The Cast Iron Carousel Marionette Troupe explores the old tradition of telling darker and more beautiful stories, often unsuitable for children. A recent retelling of Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men is a good example of the more subtle and complex appropriation of their work. Although the Cast Iron’s Carousel’s founder, Geahk Burchill, considers himself more of a maker than a puppeteer, he is very passionate about storytelling, shown in the attention to detail he gives to each puppet and set he designs. He’s also passionate about keeping the tradition of puppet design alive by avidly teaching affordable puppet design classes at his studio in the St. John’s neighborhood of North Portland.
In this episode of the Process video series, Geahk demonstrates his incredible skill with the first incarnation of the character Asenath, an Appalachian witch who’s set to play a role in their upcoming play The Doom That Came to Fiddle Creak.
Summoned from his cloistered Massachusetts university to rural Appalachia by a cousin he has not seen in years, Ezekiel Whitlock finds himself embroiled in a the strange and dangerous doings of a mystical family torn apart by an ancient and terrible secret. Blood Keys, a Haunted Book, an Ethereal Sword and a beautiful mute girl all seek to entangle him in an eons old struggle between the Thursbanes and what lays in wait on the ‘Other Side’… The Doom that came to Fiddle Creak!
To give a glimpse of the breadth of work and projects of the Cast Iron Carousel, here’s a short musical story they did with Portland area band Ocelli.
137 comments
Sign in to add your ownTwinkleStarCrafts says:
That was amazing!
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Wow...so cool!!!
2 years ago
auntjanecan says:
Very cool and interesting.
2 years ago
AvianInspirations says:
Honestly, marionettes have always creeped me out a little. That said, this lovely video has allowed me to see the craftsmanship behind the dolls. Not so creepy anymore!
2 years ago
NotYourGrandmasAttic says:
Very cool! So creative and interesting.
2 years ago
Waterrose says:
oh these are just cool! thanks for sharing
2 years ago
skinslover says:
beautifully twisted
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Very interesting process and working with marionettes seems like so much fun!
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
UTTERLY AMAZING...such artistry...I am in awe!
2 years ago
corderart says:
What an artistan! I hope you can visit the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts. They have some very old puppes on display there. Some were used to entertain the troops during WWII. One is of Joe E. Brown that was used in USO shows. Thanks for sharing your exquisite talent
2 years ago
Mattie714 says:
This was absolutely amazing and breath taking. This is probably my favorite "spotlight" segment that has been done. Thank you so much for sharing...
2 years ago
corderart says:
that's "puppets not "puppes". I wasn't referring to little dogs!
2 years ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
In my next life I'm going to make puppets! What a beautiful glimpse into this process. If any other people love marionettes: watch the movie "Illuminata." This piece makes the top 10 blogs to date. I have put Geah's work in many a treasury. I'm going to make one now!
2 years ago
BeatificBijoux says:
Oh, absolutely so cool! Thanks for sharing this!!
2 years ago
AmberGypsySky says:
This makes me miss shop class! Fantastic work! What skill this must take
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Breathtaking! True art. Thank you for this introduction.
2 years ago
SeptemberHouse says:
So inspiring - thank you for shedding more light on this artform!
2 years ago
maybudha says:
what amazing talent and creativity and craftsmanship!!
2 years ago
catchalljewelry says:
Now this is awesome! I never realized how life-like marionettes could be... simply amazing
2 years ago
myzoetrope says:
This blew my mind! Such a great behind-the-scenes.
2 years ago
macraMe says:
Great work!!! Congratulations!!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
beautiful!
2 years ago
dimplesdragonflies says:
Extraordinary! I couldn't take my eyes off your process! Incredible!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Awesome post! So creative and talented!
2 years ago
seacucumbermama says:
Very, very interesting video. The artist is amazing.
2 years ago
Asianexpressions says:
Amazing!
2 years ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Morbid and creepy to me, but in a very cool way!
2 years ago
thepapermoonstudio says:
Great..thanks for posting!
2 years ago
SpinningCastle says:
I am so proud of Geahk!!! Geahk is my friend and we worked together for many years. It is so wonderful to see him flourishing with his marionettes here on Etsy. He is an amazing artist, truly talented and I am just so happy that more people can see his artwork and craft! I can attest that he puts his heart and soul into his puppets, they are indeed, masterpieces in miniature. Congratulations, Geahk! <3 <3 <3 ~~Susan
2 years ago
ikabags says:
Amazing work with big love ! Beautiful , congratulations !
2 years ago
lindapaloma says:
Magical, amazing, mesmerizing. I'm reduced to speechless, starry-eyed wonder.
2 years ago
GeahkBurchill says:
Ironically, my internet is acting up and I can't watch the video. Thanks Susan and everyone else for your incredibly kind words. I am honored and a-glow! I just wish I could see what everyone else could!
2 years ago
GeahkBurchill says:
Ironically, my internet is acting up and I can't watch the video. Thanks Susan and everyone else for your incredibly kind words. I am honored and a-glow! I just wish I could see what everyone else could!
2 years ago
lovinganvil says:
so wonderful...
2 years ago
blueroompottery says:
Wow, so talented!!! I grew up watching shadow theater in Greece, and I can see what a pro you are!! All the best!!
2 years ago
CoolStuffByDesign says:
Very cool puppets!
2 years ago
DarwinsDress says:
WOW!!! The puppets are so amazing!! I loved to see the witch come alive thru your ART! Thank you for sharing your incredible craft!
2 years ago
OliveLongstocking says:
Artistry at its absolute best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 years ago
HoldTheWire says:
Geahk, I loved watching you work: draw, carve, sand and paint the puppets! I'm impressed that you haven't held any antique puppets and just came up with designs yourself. Wonderful, thanks so much for sharing with us! ~Jennifer Potter
2 years ago
littleprintsdiaperco says:
Stunning! I have so enjoyed watching you dream this masterpiece & bring her to life. What a treat!
2 years ago
lightbeams says:
The work of two wonderful artists on display: Geahk, the supremely talented puppeteer and his amazing marionettes are the story; the equally gifted writer/videographer/musician, Eric, the storyteller. Two talents merged to create one of my favorite "Process" videos to date. Kudos to both of you!
2 years ago
ChristinaThomasArt says:
cool!
2 years ago
myvintagecrush says:
Oh wow! Those are amazing!
2 years ago
shannonbatescreates says:
This is stunning. Thank you for sharing! :)
2 years ago
erichale says:
Being John Malkovich! That is amazing!
2 years ago
suzanneartist says:
It's inspiring to know old-world art tradition lives on and people appreciate this remarkable artistry.
2 years ago
BingoBox says:
Beautiful work - from the music, the amazing puppets and the film. Cheers !
2 years ago
Squarekitty says:
That is just amazing! Haunting, etheral and incredible. I love it how Geahk makes every puppet from scratch by his hand alone; inspiring stuff! An art form that must not die out. Great music, too.
2 years ago
andbytheway says:
they are all so beautiful!
2 years ago
tfamily5 says:
fabulously creepy!
2 years ago
jascamille says:
Puppets have always fascinated me and yours are so beautiful. I love that you are a master of each step from the sketching to the costumes.
2 years ago
konieyjaine says:
beautifully twisted
2 years ago
CrayonHall says:
wow! amazing work
2 years ago
phydeaux says:
A beautifully filmed glimpse into such a fascinating creative process! I just loved this and am entranced by Geahk's amazing talent - every bit handcrafted! Excellente!!!
2 years ago
LalisLittleWorldOn says:
It's very difficult to express all the admiration I feel toward this amazing artist...this is so incredible...all I can say is sincere thank you for sharing this with us!
2 years ago
SRPLdesign says:
Great Work!I like it!
2 years ago
DIVINEsweetness says:
goosebumps! so disturbingly beautiful...
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I always think puppetry is an amazing skill, not just in the making but also the performing. Fabulous!
2 years ago
girliepains says:
aww this made me go aww
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
What a treasure you are! You have! You offer! You deserve as much positive recognition possible. I shall spread the word...
2 years ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
You have so much talent, thank-you for sharing that interesting video, you truly are a master!
2 years ago
JiLLDough says:
Thought the puppets and the craft itself was amazing.Your very talented keep it up so it never dies.
2 years ago
opendoorstudio says:
incredible workmanship! I love the old world feel! great life!
2 years ago
trinityrocks says:
Wicked cool!
2 years ago
PokeberryPatch says:
That is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. Just breath taking to watch your puppet to come to life--thank you so much for sharing the video!!
2 years ago
pottersong says:
I like all things old fashioned! Puppet's can be such fun for the young and young at heart!
2 years ago
fabrye says:
Wow! Lots of skills going on there!
2 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Showing the construction of these puppets was just as magical as any of the work of Jan Svankmajer, the Brothers Quay or Jiri Trnka. What gorgeous puppets and what a stunning video!
2 years ago
blissfulbathandbody says:
Wow! Thanks for the video I just loved, loved, loved it....what an awesome craft!
2 years ago
chickfamilyink says:
This is my favorite video yet.
2 years ago
TheSpotlessLoop says:
Wow! Such an amazing quality! Incredible! :D Congrats!
2 years ago
Slovly says:
I love it!
2 years ago
NotCarvedInStone says:
Truly amazing! As an art doll artist, I truly appreciate your work, from an artistic, a historic and creative view point. Thanks so much for sharing!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Wow. I love this.
2 years ago
mtraub says:
Definitely one of my favorites! The intricate movement in a single hand was kind of mind-blowing.
2 years ago
IStandConnected says:
I'm floored - truly. So many talents wrapped into one creation. Ocelli's music is amazing too. Thank you for this.
2 years ago
LauraGourmel says:
so beautiful. Great work, great characters!
2 years ago
StoneWall777 says:
Wow!, God has so gifted you. The video was very interesting. I don't know the meaning you were trying to get across, but it seemed (There was a lot of pain and death due to fiction(lies) and the boy was reaching for truth. I hope I didn't get that wrong. Anyway, it really spoke to me. I wish I lived closer to you, I would love to learn that art! Thanks for sharing
2 years ago
TheWitchsPlayground says:
Beautiful work! Love your appalchian mountain witch! Reminds me of home!
2 years ago
LivingVintage says:
Interesting article. Wonderful craftsmanship!
2 years ago
streetnoodles says:
the music was as haunting as the story and the medium you choose to present it by....i was literally stunned and later wanting MORE...more...more. i will have to revisit again & again and when i think i have finally got a grasp of it i would love to place the video in my blog & share to mt readers. thank you for creating images & music that will be with me for a long, long time.
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
Oh, I love this, I want to make one, they are sooooo lovely... you have a great talent! I love the soft clicking sound they make when they move. I noticed your white eyelashes, so unique.
2 years ago
FrancesPhotography says:
I will GO to Portland to see this - another excuse to visit. I was blown away. Such INCREDIBLE talent and passion. I really cannot say enough. It was BRILLIANT. I will share it as much as possible.
2 years ago
darcyfriesen says:
Thank you for sharing your process and beautiful work! I am in awe and reminded again of how many different forms talented artists, such as yourself, come in.
2 years ago
lovisetto says:
Just wonder, have you ever heard about Philippe Genty? If not you might find interesting what they do, it is the most beautiful Marionettes theatre! The marionettes are amazing! Here is the link for Philippe Genty! http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=Philippe+genty&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=1ldATaLJHtOChQeL3ODYCA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CEcQsAQwBA&biw=1003&bih=597
2 years ago
dykes4000 says:
OMG - that was wonderful. How beautiful to see her come to life. Truly a gifted artist. Thanks Etsy for sharing this story.
2 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
Absolutely beautiful work! & hells yes for adult puppetry! COME TO PHOENIX PUPPET SLAAAAAAAMMMMSSSS
2 years ago
YesterdaysTrashArt says:
How beautiful! Wonderful that you are keeping this artistry alive.
2 years ago
StoryOfASeed says:
Very inspiring, thank you!
2 years ago
kmariedesignz says:
Great work!
2 years ago
kmariedesignz says:
Very inspiring!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
Hauntingly beautiful & a fascinating glimpse into an almost lost world of artistry.
2 years ago
BoondockG says:
Awesome craftsman and wonderful video. Enjoyed this so much and keep up the good work!
2 years ago
SciFiKnits says:
His work is beautiful and I love this video. It's such a great marriage between the music and the puppetry. Just fabulous!
2 years ago
joycookie says:
this is absolutly incredible; i watched most of the video gasping! so beautiful and inspiring, well done to this chap!
2 years ago
bluedogrose says:
Wonderful work, very interesting.
2 years ago
bluedogrose says:
Wonderful work, very interesting.
2 years ago
eastbaycalifornia says:
This was absolutely beautiful. Im making one right now but its my first and I didnt even know what I was doing! This is brilliant and inspirational!
2 years ago
froufroufrilly says:
This man is a true artist - such a beautiful process.
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
I just watched it AGAIN! Marvelousness going on.
2 years ago
sushipotparts says:
Truly fascinating! Thank you. I'm sure I'll watch this over and over.
2 years ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Obviously a lot of love go into your little ones, Geahk. I've been fascinated by marionettes since I was a child, and yours are quite simply wonderful. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents with us! (And y'all, given the chance, DO visit the puppet museum in Atlanta--it's filled with brilliant sights and experiences!)
2 years ago
WalterSilva says:
Fascinating! Keep up the wonderful work!
2 years ago
ArchetypalTheatre says:
Amazing! I have tried to make marionettes and never come close to this kind of subtle movement!
2 years ago
AlissaRose says:
LOVE. The amount of time and skill that goes into puppetry never ceases to amaze me. I've always had a huge interest in the background/set designs... True art. Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
AlissaRose says:
I had only watched the second video at first. Now that's I've watched the first one - WOW. Love Love Love Love Love.
2 years ago
theroyal says:
dark crystal forever
2 years ago
mooshoopork says:
amazing how much work goes into these dolls! i must confess marionettes have an eeri-ness to them for me... but at the same time i am drawn to the detail and how real they can seem at times. nice work
2 years ago
poorjimsvintage says:
wow! how moving. It really changed my perspective on on maionette dolls.
2 years ago
littlesister2 says:
Process was beautifully put together and you, Geahk, have an extraordinary talent. Thanks for letting us watch one of your characters come to life.
2 years ago
pinkbijou says:
Wonderful
2 years ago
NangijalaJewelry says:
I have tons of respect for your craft and the skills and creativity it takes to do what you do. I am in awe and this piece of film is magnificent. Congratulations!
2 years ago
JMcCormickDesigns says:
Absolutely amazing work! Loved seeing your design process and the story behind your craft. I'll have to head down to Portland to see a performance!
2 years ago
Merveillesenpapier says:
amazing!! the movements of the marionettes are stunning so real with such precise and accurate details ,to see it come alive is wonderful a beautiful portrait !!
2 years ago
CharismaArtGallery says:
Amazing artwork! Magnificent! Congratulations, and best wishes in your artistic career. You artwork will absolutely live beyond our time. I use to enjoy the marionettes shows as a child, and you have brought all those beautiful memories back to my life. Thank you for bringing this almost forgotten art back to a new generation.
2 years ago
MissMossy says:
wow
2 years ago
GeahkBurchill says:
Thank you everyone! I really appreciate all the kind words and commentary. I know Eric Beug does as well who put so much effort and art into making me look good! :) He really has to take a major part of the credit for being such a talented film maker and documentarian. Those of you who are interested in knowing about future shows can find them at the website: www.castironcarousel.org. You can sign up to receive email notifications about shows and classes. Of course, anyone is welcome to contact me here on Etsy, as well. --- THANKS ETSY!!!
2 years ago
namasteyworld says:
This is a great post... thank you for sharing...
2 years ago
Mireloom says:
Enchanting and surreal! A great creativeness!! I was captured bythe beauty of the images!
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
This craftsmanship is unbelievable.
2 years ago
GoSho says:
The way in which these marionettes move is so real and has all the subtleties of a real human being. I think you should dedicate yourself to making a short animated film and I'll look for it on the nominated list for short animated films at the Academy Awards one day.
2 years ago
zerocivico says:
That's so great!
2 years ago
JeanineDesigns says:
Absolutely amazing! It is very exciting to see work of this caliber. I can’t wait to see one of the theatrical performances. Wishing you fantastic success to match your heart and ability.
2 years ago
hebo says:
What a beautiful craft.
2 years ago
LorenaTinajero says:
Your work is breathtaking. Beautiful!
2 years ago
LaurelCanyonBeads says:
wow- absolutely awe inspiring! Hats off to an amazing artist!
2 years ago
crankbunny says:
oh lord - this is made my day.
1 year ago
Greenerica says:
totally. freaking. amazing.
1 year ago
Pazinktum says:
LOVE this! Amazing!
1 year ago
PAPADIAKO says:
beautefull musik... very hard work video... very well done .. thank you i apreciate a lot... BRAVO.....
1 year ago
goodintent says:
Your work is perfection. Subtle gestures make rich the character..thank you for allowing us to observe your creative process. Just great.
1 year ago
loraxxmrf says:
Thank you for highlighting puppetry and such a talented artist. Beautiful work! I now have a burning desire to get to Portland to check out the work in person.
1 year ago
LisaKaser says:
wonderful! I live in Portland and had no idea this troupe existed. Beautiful craftsmanship. Can't get over the beautiful gestures achieved in the hands. Superb.
1 year ago
HawaiianEye says:
Awesome work, Geahk! I loved the video and the special care you took in developing the whittled legs and dress for the old woman. I wasn't aware that Marionettes could turn their hands in and out. What a creative soul you are. Good job.
1 year ago
NetWorth says:
I am transported. The painstaking craftmanship and attention to detail are beyond stunning. How encouraging to have dedicated souls like Geahk to continue and expand a wonderful old art form.
1 year ago
DeathofaDame says:
Wow.. i VERY much enjoyed this!
1 year ago
bfhughes says:
Marvelous! Fantastic puppets and movements! I really enjoyed that adult themes are handled so entertainingly! Much dedicated work involved! Barbara
1 year ago