Tree
2018
A Tree on stilts walks the Winter Solstice festivities at Filoli Gardens in California. At Filoli you can tour the spectacular mansion, walk magical, lit pathways along gardens and ponds, listen to a capella carolers, have a snack and hot cider, enjoy live entertainment and be part of a candle lighting Winter Solstice ritual.
It’s a wonderful time for everyone of renewal and blessings for the coming year. Officially the first day of winter, the winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles is at its maximum tilt away from the Sun. The days will get progressively longer until the longest day of the year at the summer solstice in June. The winter solstice has long been celebrated by many peoples around the world as the beginning of the return of the sun and light.
Our magical Tree man has also been part of Roseville’s “Downtown Tuesday Nights”. This is a much different summer scene with temperatures rising into the 100’s!
The Artist Talks bout Making the Tree…. Becoming the Tree
“The combination of natural materials with foam gave an ideal balance of strength and light weight which allowed for movement without tearing. The head is a mixture of papier-mache, foam and natural fibers like moss. The body under layer has gloves nested inside of the hands for articulating the “fingers” of the branches and it has breathable mesh burlap as its foundation. Still, it is a very “hot” costume.
Working in this costume is best for experienced stilt walkers as visibility is not possible around the immediate perimeter of the character. In neither the Tree or Frida can you see your legs or the direct ground in front of you and that can be unnerving. The weight of each costume takes physical strength to wear them.
Guests of all ages love this Tree! He conveys a wise, sensitive and timeless tree character that is wonderful for all ages. There is something special about being the tree at outside events because of its enormous height and also a feeling I can’t quite explain of embodying the tree spirit and being near other trees. Their longevity, strength, grand size, and ease to bend with the wind.... all of the characteristics touch me that much more. ”
Frida & Diego Gigantes
Embarcadero, San Francisco, California. Giant puppets, gigantes, on stilts make a big entrance! These papier-mache heads were a joy to sculpt. They have returned to the studio now for a revamp: improvements and fresh coat of paint. Based on two revolutionary, iconic Mexican artists, they will re-emerge this year.
My gratitude for my family being there for me for my first go as Frida. These stilt “sherpas” were the best at taking care of me! My little one guided a straw up the side of the dress so I could drink ice water! Someone snapped a shot of us after the event as I was removing my stilts at the beautiful Embarcadero center in San Francisco. Love & Light to You!