Buffalo musician, artist (Buffalo Arts Studio) and teacher, Rob Lynch, has passed along an inspirational and artistic video that showcases the fantastic work that his Niagara Falls High School students recently dreamed up. The students spent their time creating giant puppet heads from scratch, in a look and style inspired by acclaimed artist Wayne White who has worked with the likes of Pee-Wee Herman and a number of music super stars, including The Smashing Pumpkins (Tonight, Tonight video) and Peter Gabriel (Big Time video).
After the masks were made and the video was compete, the students sent the production to White, who had this to say about the effort:
“Wow! Those masks are the best.I’m really impressed with each one. I get a lot of pictures of cardboard projects from all over the country and I can honestly say that those are the best so far. They are college level and beyond. It really cheers me up to see such great work. Please send my heartfelt joy to all your artists. And you ARE artists, everyone. Please keep making stuff everyday. Keep your talent alive. Never give up!! Never, no matter what. This is your world and it needs good artists. YOU ARE NEEDED. I wish the best to you all. Thank you for sharing your genius.”
If I might be so bold, I suggest that Rob and his Niagara Falls students make the trek to Grant Street this summer (with puppet heads of course), to participate in The West Side Circus of Life Parade (see here). These giant puppet heads are exactly the type of artistic element that parade organizers are looking for to enhance the event. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to have Rob marching along with his students, instrument in hand.