A letter from India...

...or an email atleast. I just received this from a young gentleman who is very taken with Ventriloquism and especially with figure making. As you will see in his message (below), he is hungry for information on figure building. Naturally, I am always excited when I receive a message like this from somone who just wants to know, and especially from India, too! very cool to know that Ventriloquism is alive and well in the world.
As a result, I am working on a small manual based upon what I know and have learned from others in order to help him along the way. After all, I have nothing to hide with regard to information on my mechanics or what works best for me. I really feel that it's infinitely more important to help others along the way who just want to know with regard to this wonderous craft of Ventriloquist figure building.
So, once I get me little guide together, I will send it out to him and assist with any further questions he may have.
And anyone else who has any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help you in any way I can. I don't pretend to know everything there is to know about making vent figures, but what I do know thus far may be of assistance to someone who is just starting out.
Two of the gentleman who have been very kind and helpful to me in the past, Joe Smith & Mike Brose, were both like creative beacons. So, this is my way of saying thanks by assisting others who may need help.
As for Elroy, I will have some more pics soon and will let you know when he goes up for sale.

Until then, be well & keep venting!

Ken



Abhijeet's email:

Dear Sir,
Myself Abhijeet, a resident of India (Age 22). I'm an amature ventriloquism student, performing since last 4 years. I'm crazy about everything which is related to ventriloquism. While searching on Net on this subject I came across to your blog. Now I want to try my hand in vent figure making. Will you please help me? I have aleready made a hard figure with only mouth movement from paper mache and a soft monkey figure. But, I want to make a figure which contains eye movement, blinking eyes, raising eyebrows. Will you please give me details of mechanism of these movements and info on different types of controls on headstick?
The latex or fiber for making mould and shell is not available in my town. Can I use these animations in paper mache figure? The material for making soft figure is available in my town. How can I make soft figure, will you please give me detailed info on this also?
I'll be thankful if you help me. Sorry for asking too much questions. I apologise for mistakes.
Waiting for your response. Thank you. Regards.
Yours
Abhijeet Deshpande