The minions, modeled after angler fish, are the most frightful creatures in the depths of the ocean. In our story, it is at these incredible depths wherein lies the lair of the Sea Witch. The minions, illuminated only by their phosphorescence, are the Sea Witch’s most faithful companions.
From my practical perspective as creator, these are simply paper mache’ and cardboard, the most generic crafting items imaginable, also the most forgiving and with limitless potential.
The original manifestation of these creatures was a mere suggestion of the deep sea monsters. It was a 2 part costume with a head piece, almost like a helmet, with another piece that went around the neck and was the flapping jaw of these creatures.
After making the 3000 mile journey in a cardboard box across the country (from the first production in Baltimore), the battered cardboard pieces needed complete revitalization.
I decided to extend the cardboard jaw of the creature in order to look slightly more like it’s initial inspiration. With the extra weight from the tail, it became necessary for the head and the neck pieces to be connected in a way that would still allow the jaw to move. A few pieces I had found earlier that month on the street from a free box outside of the Pacific Puzzle Works studio down the street from my studio/home in the Jingletown neighborhood of Oakland turned out to be just the right thing to attach the jaw with the skull of the minion headpieces.
The pieces were cast offs from an interlocking wooden puzzle made by master puzzle-craftsman, and owner of Pacific Puzzleworks, Lee Krasnow.
Check out these amazing puzzles for yourself!