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Hello friends, here are the first 10 questions. More to follow.
1, What road led you into balloon modelling?
While working an externship for chef school, I saw another chef juggling lemons. Seeing this, I wanted to learn the same skill. Some time after that, I purchased some Koosh balls (the rubbery balls that resemble a porcupine), which were very forgiving and great to learn with. No book or instructions, I figured out how to keep 3 balls going.
A fellow chef saw me practicing, and expressed interest in having me perform at his son’s upcoming 3rd birthday. I explained that I was just learning this, and couldn’t keep the balls in the air for more than 10-15 seconds. He was very persistent, and kept telling me “You’re going to be great. They’re going to love you!” Somehow, he talked me into it.
The night before the party, I found myself in a bookstore. I just happened to come across a “How To Make Balloon Animals” kit. I learned all 8 figures from the book that night. The next day, I went to an outdoor mall to twist with an audience. I didn’t expect it, but I was so nervous, my hands were shaking. After an hour or so, I felt more comfortable.
At the party, I started with juggling, then it was time for balloons. I realized I had forgotten to pack the bulb pump that came with the kit. Naturally, I had a difficult time when trying to mouth inflate. The crowd thought it was a gag and the bit went on and on. Finally, I had not choice but to come clean. “I know this looks funny, but I forgot the pump. I’m really trying to blow these up!” All the adults joined in to try. Five minutes later, we were all red faced, some with an inflated balloon. Looking back, I can’t believe they were able to do it.
Word got around, and the phone started ringing.
2, when did you get started with balloons?
1997
3, What’s your best twisting experience?
This is a toss up, so I will give 2.
a. While traveling to The Millennium Jam with a friend, I had an overnight layover in Iceland. We stopped at a pizza place for lunch. When we arrived, we were the only ones there. By the time we were done eating, there were 4 other families as well, so we started twisting. Everyone spoke English except one family. There were 3 children, and the oldest, a girl about 7 or 8 was closely watching my hands while I was making something for her brother. Sensing her interest, I handed her an inflated 260. I inflated another and using sounds rather than language, I went through the steps of a basic dog with a basic twist, repeated 3 times (not a 3 twist dog). I inflated another and repeated it a second time. After the first series, which she followed along with, I made a sound using the tip of my tongue and my upper lip. It sounded something like “blahduladuladuladulam” to emphasize that the 2nd and 3rd part were the same as the first. She had a slightly confused expression. Her brother, who was watching as well, understood what I was ‘saying’, and physically showed her with his hands while making the same sound I made.
b. A while back, I was selling sculptures at a local farmer’s market, and was working next to the ‘weekly musician(s)’. This particular day, there was a guitar player. While in the midst of making a large advanced sculpture, I started following the music. The musician was just out of my field of vision. A quick move here, some kind of flourish there, all in time with the music. It finally hit me that the musician was allowing me to lead and he was following my movements. I built up to a big finish, he followed my lead and finished at precisely the same moment. We were met with raving applause.
As in both of these examples, I love it when this kind of (mostly) non-verbal communication happens!
4, What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a ballooning/entertaining session?
I haven’t had anything terrible happen in this line of work but I know the potential exists.
Recently, I was performing at a city run event “Family Day At The Park”. While there was not a line, I did have many people seated, watching and waiting for a balloon sculpture. One woman came in with her daughter and felt that she should get a balloon NOW. After politely explaining that there was an order, she proceeded to get in my face and demand a balloon. Again, I explained that there is an order and everyone is welcome to watch. When I realized this was not going to stop her, my reply was, “I’m not going to argue with you” (in a non-confrontational tone). I had to repeat it three times before she walked took her child by the wrist and angrily walked away. There were well over one hundred other people in the room that were there before her. About 5 minutes later, A member of the staff approached me and said there was a complaint about the balloons. The staff member went on to say that these nice people have been waiting, and haven’t received a balloon. I reiterated there was an order. She then asked if I could just make something simple for this little girl. It was apparent that the woman gave this staff member an earful. Staff member repeats “Can’t you just make something simple for her?” I stopped her, and asked if she could count exactly how many people were in the room. After a confused look in return, I repeated my question. She started counting, and after about 10, she looked at me. I told her if she can get everyone else in the room to say it was ok for me to make a balloon for this guest ahead of them, then I’ll do it. She looked at the crowd, looked at me, turned around and walked away. She did not leave in a huff. She just calmly walked away. I was able to see that the staff member got it. The woman in tow followed.
I will never reward such behavior.
5, What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
I love the interactions with people of all ages. I get to see the child in many adults, as well as the maturity of some children. Balloons have allowed me to touch lives in a truly special way.
6, What's your favourite age to entertain?
I enjoy different ages for different reasons. See above answer, plus I love the unfiltered honesty from children.
7, Do you have the same act but vary the presentation for all ages or do you have set acts for different ages?
I do not have a set ‘act’ for specific ages. When I am performing, I want to cater to the crowd at hand. This may not be linked to age alone.
8, What’s your favourite thing to make at the moment?
Something I have never made before.
9, What is the most asked for model?
Can you make a dog?.
Copyrighted characters. I do not create them on the spot, and encourage creative thinking instead.
10, What do you tend to do more of if stuck in the 'balloon production line' model?
I do not typically work a production line. If that does happen, I still offer ‘anything you can imagine. Now now... you get to choose what, I get to choose the size.
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and another thing Thelma is a big fan of Brian's as well 
I'm devastated and may need to go into therapy now
