signeddiamond, Dylan Interview, 14/21st Feb

Started by Graham Lee, February 10, 2011, 03:54:18 PM

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Graham Lee

Dylan has kindly volunteered to answer the questions from the members, if anyone has any other questions then please ask away.
"Lets Improve Our Art"
Balloon Excellence 2012 Award Winner
For Services to the Balloon Community.
https://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk

Signeddiamond

#1
Howdy everyone,

First to all I would like to say it is my honor to share a bit of myself with anyone with the time to read this. This truly is a refreshing forum with a wonderful bunch of people.

To start with generalities my name is Dylan Gelinas and I am a white caucasian male. I can tell you that I am a young adult but I prefer to remain ambiguous with my definitive age, its all relative anyway. I enjoy good movies of the Stanley Kubrick variety and sharp British humor. My turn offs are ketchup on hot dogs and the "blue collar phenomenon".

Now lets dive into some of these stock questions.

What road led you into balloon modelling?
Well it all started a little under 8 years ago with a free book choice I was given at a book fair. Sure the pilates ball looked like fun but the small kit stuffed with bright latex stole my attention. I enjoyed myself for a time but when the balloons were gone I let it rest there. Fast forward a couple of months and we find me sitting in on a small meeting planning a carnival to promote the death of the tobacco industry. Words were thrown around and somehow I let it slip that I knew how to do balloons. The powers in charge provided me with materials and an hour and a half after the event was supposed to end we were able to clear the line in front of me.
I continued to do events like this for about a year. I would turn down offers of private engagements until I was more secure in my abilities and even then I was only working under the table.
Eventually it was suggested that I busk my work at the county fair. I was met with bemusement which I may have taken for enthusiasm in my own optimism but nonetheless I was hired. I was quite popular and I have worked with them every year since.
Currently I live in a small town and almost all of my work is received via word of mouth. I do private entertainment for all ages as well as some corporate work when possible. I busk at the local farmers market every week and strive for original creations and a greater social presence.

What's your best twisting experience?
I would say my best experience would be the times I work the local farmers market. Because i am not employed by anyone at the time and all revenue comes from tips it allows me to experiment with every request rather then stick to the golder tried and true methods we hold so dear.

What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
It has to be the people. I could go on and on about this but I think you know what I am talking about.

What's your favourite thing to make at the moment?
My favorite balloon sculpture is something i can not claim as my own. It is Addi Somekhs balloon flower. I find that when all things are considered it is the perfect sculpture. Fast, stylish, and the very process of making it is entertaining to those watching. Simply perfect.

What is the most asked for model?
Whatever I happen to make first that day but I think this often tends to be the case.

Who is your market aimed at?
Currently my market contains mothers and the local Native American community.

What irritates you most at a gig?
Hosts that have got so caught up in the party planning that they can't relax once it actually starts. I once had a mother that upon my arrival handed me a list of children and their requests. She had so much going on that I was practically working alone and delivering the works once completed. It eased up after a bit but it was still harsh.

What's the biggest thing you've ever made?
A giant St. Patrick's Day hat. I really enjoy large works but opportunities to make them can seem distant. I am planning a rather large project for the 4th of July parade...

What has been your proudest achievement in our wonderful world of twisted latex?
Just making it. I feel lucky every time I get to entertain someone else. It is a simple love but one I could not live without.

What advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
I would say to never underestimate the power of charity work. Some will tell you that free work will only gain free work but that line ends when you say it does. If you can provide quality work people will recognize your value but free work allows you to learn. It lets you see if something is right or wrong without the fear of judgment from those holding the check. Find your ground in a charity you agree with and then burst onto the scene.

What road in latex do you see yourself taking in the future?
I am looking into a small stage show but the real plan is to walk across america, coast to coast, making balloons for people all the way.

How would you like the future of balloon modelling to develop?

I would like to see more quality work. I have seen fantastic things from this forum but I know of some people that have been twisting for many years but whos sculptures are stuck in the past.

What inspires or is your thought process in coming up with a new design?
Well I try to design things that I have not seen before. I search for images or popular media subjects and try to replicate them. I go through a process where I draw the sculpture before I actually create it in real life. These drawings do through many drafts and revisions until I am happy with the result. Not the most glamorous method but it works very well for me.

Who would you like to work with dead or alive?
Steve Martin. Not the Steve Martin that we currently know but the 70s comedic sensation. It is from him that I currently draw my suited performing look. I consider him even to this day to be the best performer to yet exist. He truly is an inspiration.

Well that is about it as far as I can figure. I thank anyone who actually bothered to read the whole thing. If you have any questions i gladly welcome them.


As always,
Dylan

Graham Lee

#2
Hi Dylan, what is the "blue collar phenomenon"
"Lets Improve Our Art"
Balloon Excellence 2012 Award Winner
For Services to the Balloon Community.
https://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk

Danny the Idiot

#3
Hi Dylan,

thanks for answering these questions!

You mentioned you are looking into a small stage show. What do mean by this? A show for a small stage? A minimalistic show? A show that packs small ?

Balloon shows are my thing so i'm very interested on any thoughts you have so far!

thanks
Danny   ;)
Danny Schlesinger
Balloon Excellence Award Winner
https://dannytheidiot.com
https://www.CircoRidiculoso.com
Follow me on Twitter at @danny_the_idiot

Signeddiamond

#4
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Hi Dylan, what is the "blue collar phenomenon"

Uggg. The social support of low brow characters like Larry the Cable Guy.  To those who enjoy his work, more power to you but there really is better humor out there.


As always,
Dylan

Signeddiamond

#5
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Hi Dylan,

thanks for answering these questions!

You mentioned you are looking into a small stage show. What do mean by this? A show for a small stage? A minimalistic show? A show that packs small ?

Balloon shows are my thing so i'm very interested on any thoughts you have so far!

thanks
Danny   ;)

Well Danny the show has been the plan for the last 2 years and I am just starting to sketch out what it may be. The first run will be on the medium sized stage at the local county fair if they will have me. This will run as a test and allow me to experiment a little. For example, I am unsure if a climb inside balloon routine would be better with patter or music. So i may run through a version of both unless I find a satisfactory solution beforehand. The show should be no longer then a half hour and will feature some non balloon related effects such as the growing/ shrinking head illusion.

If you have any advice Danny I would be more then happy to listen.


As always,
Dylan

Signeddiamond

#6
Well everyone this is the final day. I have enjoyed placing a bit of myself on these forums and hope you have enjoyed it as well. If anyone has anything left to ask I would be glad to hear it.


Thank you,
Dylan