In honor of support local month, I had the chance to interview local artist Gabe Thirlwall who is the founder of The Political Circus. Her set of political finger puppets has quickly gained popularity amongst local artists and politicians themselves, a project that Gabe started in 2009.
Apartment613: I know you mentioned on your blog that Political Circus came about because you wanted to showcase how Ottawa is not the sleeper city people think it to be. What else inspired you to come up with such a unique project? What made you think of finger puppets?
Gabe: The snarky answer is: I moved to Ottawa, what else what I supposed to do? The real answer: Politics in Canada does not have to be dry and boring. The project aims to educate Canadians about politics and political history through sheer silliness.
Why puppets? I couldn’t resist the joke. Also, some politicians are more apt as puppet than others.
Why finger puppets? Finger puppets are small and less expensive to produce (and let’s be honest, gag gifts should cost less than $20). The small size also encourages people to collect them like action figures.
Politicians are certainly our celebrities, have any of them commented on your work? If so, can you tell me about an interesting encounter with one of them?
Yes, I often sell puppets to the politicians themselves. Our Mayor, Jim Watson, always checks in on sales of his puppet. He knows sales reflect opinion polls. I even have a collection of Thank You notes from MPs, MPPS and City Councillors.
Friends and family also get me to do custom puppets of their beloved politician. Campaign season is my busiest; puppets make great gifts for campaign volunteers.
Interesting trend: Liberal and NDP politicians always laugh at the puppets and make a purchase. I have never had an order from or had any interaction with a Conservative politician (that I am aware of). They must be buying them in secret.
In spirit of support local month, what are your favorite local places?
Fabrications! OK, I also work there but we do have the prettiest fabrics you have ever seen. You’ll want to sew all day. Central Art Garage for all my framing needs and to see thought provoking art curated by Danny Hussey. Art-Is-in Bakery-yum
Do you have a favorite piece? Why?
I love when someone soaps the fountain in the parkette in Hintonburg . I have never seen anyone in action (you would think I could catch them in the act since I work across the street) but I have witnessed the resulting bubbles and it is beautiful! The world is full of shitty stuff, so I hold on to small things of beauty, like bubbles.
Where can we see your work?
Fabrications on Somerset; Flock on Wellington; Workshop on Dalhousie [and at these] upcoming shows: Sandy Hill’s One and Only Craft show, Sunday November 17, Sandy Hill Community Centre; Hintonburg Craft sale Saturday November 23, Hintonburg Community Centre; Idle Hands Craft Sale, Sunday December 1st
Gabe as Justin Trudeau.
How has your work evolved since 2009?
For one, the puppets are WAYYYYYYYYY nicer than they used to be. The drawings are better, the screened images clearer, the fabrics better quality, etc…. Also the discovery of Heat ‘n Bond was a game changer. I really have the process streamlined now and can picture the end result before I even sit down to draw.
Also, there are many more historical characters than before. I used to just make current sitting Canadian Politicians but now the collection includes dead guys and retired politicians.
Is there anything else we should take note about The Political Circus?
Things to know: Harper sells the best. Followed by John A MacDonald, Louis Riel and Tommy Douglas.
Puppets that don’t sell well: Dean DelMastro and Wilfrid Laurier (Laurier? Fuck that guy!)
Puppets that have surprised me by steady sales: Tony Clement, Jim Flaherty and Megan Leslie
And yes, puppet sales always follow opinion polls, especially during elections.
Funny link to a video on YouTube made by friends with my puppets.
If you’re looking for something local and original to check out, you can get more information on Gabe’s work on her facebook page and blog because let’s be honest….nothing says original like political finger puppets! You can also stroll over to a few of the upcoming events.
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