The Grimstones: an artists journey

The Grimstones - an Artist's Journal by Asphyxia is for everyone, young or old, who wants to live a more creative life. It is for people who want to learn how to make exquisite marionette puppets using car bog, miniature rooms and furnishings from other peoples cast-offs, or discover the rules of puppetry and then how to break them. It is for anyone who wonders how to turn a spark of an idea into a full length theatrical production that s ready to tour the world! You will discover the secrets to bringing more creativity into your life, how to get around obstacles and have fun with your creations. This journal follows the life of Asphyxia, a Deaf circus performer turned puppeteer, from the initial inspiration for her remarkable show, right through to opening night. The Grimstones Hatched is a gothic fairytale, compelling and magical, about a girl who reads dreams, a baby boy with three legs, a mother who sews garments lined with warmth and joy, and a grandfather who heals people with his magic potions. The story is told with giant books, old-world marionettes and sign language. The story-tellers and puppeteers, Gertrude Grimstone (Asphyxia) and her assistant August (Paula Dowse), are integral characters who interact with the puppets and have their own role to play in the story. Asphyxia's Artist's Journal is based on her blog Fixie's Shelf. It has been produced by Jenine Davidson and Roe Ritchie in a rich scrapbook style and is jam packed with sketches, beautiful photographs and how to make tips. This journal provides a unique insight into an artistic life and how we can all be inspired to create the truly magnificent.