Magnificent Muppetry!

Jim Henson was a visionary, in every sense of the word. He and his team built up an entire universe, resplendent in soft felt and saturated color, which continually enamors me. Sesame Street was a staple in my house, but seeing Muppets from Space in the movie theater left a huge impression on me. First, the soundtrack is phenomenal. Second, seeing Muppets on a grand scale heightened the awareness that Muppets are both born of human imagination and living wildly outside of it, which planted a seed of the thought in my mind that I am also capable of creating things with wondrously separate realities of their own. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to see The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited at COSI. Bert, Ernie, and a number of other Muppets were presented throughout. Up close, the impressions of their DIY births shine through: the small human lilts of hand-painting and knitting and little embroidery floss stitches peek out here and there. Pages from Jim’s sketch books display side notes and the wandering roads of articulating a Muppet’s personality. This exhibit brought the Muppets and their creators a little closer down to earth, emphasizing just how much they continue to inspire me through the course of my life. 

Here’s some Muppet-inspired artwork ranging from 2017-2019. I hope you enjoy!