Master puppeteer Hobey Ford's magical creations inspire children & adults alike.

[@9sheri9]

I saw one of his performances as a child here in Savannah. I remember the puppet was a blue whale, and he was dressed entirely in black with a black backdrop so you could only see the puppet swimming about with underwater and whale sounds. It was pure magic and I've never, ever forgotten it. He is a master of his craft and a true artist. So glad to stumble upon this upload.

[@piccalillipit9211]

WOW sounds amazing

[@soniatriana9091]

@Sheri You were & still are a very lucky person! When your imagination is ignited & your heart is touched, you never forget that experience!! This talented gentleman is a genius & thankfully his mom’s influence had a life long impact on his love of nature!! How lucky are his audiences!!

[@bluesque9687]

Interesting

[@MissionaryForMexico]

You are blessed to see this man's creative work!

[@EBThisThat]

Watching an artist at his craft and passion is pure joy !

[@vairakkann8278]

Yes wonderful 🎉

[@thevorum2906]

Puppetry is one of the purest artforms.

[@rongunter3860]

Hobey, above all else is a humble, kind-hearted teacher! I was privileged to attend his workshop at The Peace Center in Greenville after he had visited our school. I used his ideas for the shadow puppets with the shower curtain puppet stage in my classroom for YEARS after. Students worked together in teams to write scripts and design puppets. I recorded their audio for their puppet plays. They performed to their recordings as a year-end puppet show for the entire fourth grade. WOW! What a powerful medium. Thank you, Hobey!

[@DALE959595]

Excellent application of experiential learning in the medium of magic.

[@louisegogel7973]

Awesome! What kind of feedback did you get from the students over the years?

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

You sound like a great teacher! Your students are lucky to have you!

[@chimedemon]

Those elf puppets… man. The beginning of the video just awoke that part of me who’s always kinda dreamed about being a tiny person in a giant world… I need to just make a story or movie already. When I was a kid I use to love the movies about tiny people, and the trailer for “The Secret World of Arrietty” had always stuck with me because I WANTED that. I remember watching things like FernGully, or the Secret of NIMH, or even Arthur and being just absolutely in love. I even remember being disappointed with watching “Epic” as a kid because I’d built it up to high standards, which I find funny. Either way, don’t stop man, that’s just perfect.

[@fleurosea]

Did you ever come across The Minpins by Ronald Dahl, that got a world of small people that’s just lovely too. Fern Gully is great, those little worlds always have such magic to them I’m sure if you made a small world it would be magically for your audience too 😊

[@AdamBechtol]

:)

[@sharonmedeiros9819]

I am absolutely enchanted! This man's imaginative creativity is nothing less than magical! More than ever, we need to witness these kinds of life affirming and unique forms of art that make our spirits soar like his eagle puppet! Oh thank you so much for sharing your life's work. Its has truly made my heart so happy!

[@christastic100]

Absolutely captivating and genius. My grandfather was a puppeteer and made his own puppets. He used to give shows in a children’s hospital as his way of giving something back to society. He would get help setting up the puppet theatre and behind scenes help from my grandmother and my mum . It is an amazing ,beautiful , powerful and sometimes scary art .

[@mikejones-go8vz]

Magical, at primary school many years ago, a new teacher arrived, he had brought puppets from around the world, we made glove puppets but he had stick puppets too. I was fascinated seeing how they worked, this is another level. I am 69, I would sit in the audience with a big smile on my face, thank you.

[@juanjomarinero3990]

He reminds me of what art really is. Thank you Mr. puppeteer.

[@druciakijegozaoga484]

For me as a puppeteer it's a big honor meet new puppeteers. That's amazing. Let the world see the magical power of puppetry art.

[@kaitlinmeadows6273]

Utterly enchanted soul he is, magical, whimsical, sensitive, child-like in the purest most wondrous ways. He world is made so much sweeter because he is in it!

[@kennyhagan5781]

With him, Barnaby Dixon, and Brian Henson around, I have high hopes for the future of puppetry. Awesome stuff. The one book that I would recommend to any fan of puppets is a work of fiction (sci-fi) by Jack Vance titled EMPHYRIO. It's kind of relevant in our times.

[@Eudaimonia88]

Thank you. So kind.

[@ncredbird3998]

Hearing he's a local yet I've never heard of him until I got this random suggestion. Beautiful work I could get lost watching. This is a beautiful creation

[@LS-ti1rz]

This man is truly FREE!

[@soulbass7565]

8 minutes and 31 seconds of soul relief

[@morosso1968]

i don't know about hobey ford until i watched this. but i just thought him being so calm and gentle somewhat reflects with his art. simply amazing.

[@lisanidog8178]

Love the eye fingers! Creeped me out when it turned into a spider.

[@joeysplats3209]

Awesome! He's like a mad scientist - but not an evil mad scientist, a good mad scientist.

[@MamaBearWimzi]

My great grandson just took his first class with Hobey Ford and is GIDDY with excitement! I am so glad that he gets to be with a master that makes the world more fun with this superb skills and that Hobey is willing to share his passion. This was a very fun video and I found myself nodding in agreement all the way through.

[@dawnpiper5883]

He is amazing and the love he has for his puppets and his audience shone out so much

[@toryquinton2677]

I think it's not simply love but respect for his craft, for his audience and the creation of his hands.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

This man has a gift! He is extremely creative and resourceful! And very detailed oriented! This is another form of art to memorize his audience!

[@lisabolo26]

That eagle is exquisite!! So lucky he spent time with the spectacular Jim Henson.

[@tomlavelle2333]

You have a beautiful, kind soul. Continue having a wonderful life. You are changing lives, for the better.

[@Cookiecutter160]

The connection with your mother and your childhood are evident and moving, and you inspire me!

[@peaceforall2761]

Thank you for making my night joyful.

[@mavicityrelayson2924]

Grew up to practical animation. It's a sort of trust built between the creator and the audience. A story they both tell together. Acknowledging the transfer of meaning and intention from the puppeteer to the puppet. One transfering life to the other and disappearing into the background--but after The End, somehow, both are in the limelight and both are as alive as the other.

[@howlingwind1937]

When I was a child during the school holidays, my mum took my sister and I to a puppet show in the Sydney regent theatre which is in Australia, although I don't think that theatre is there anymore. The show was water babies and it was magical, we really enjoyed it and can still feel the magic of it and yes the puppeteers just disappeared, it was wonderful thank you for this video. Cheers!

[@belsteed6050]

Protect this man at all cost. He is a national tresure.

[@THT01]

That’s beautiful. You are truly an extension of your friends.

[@okiedragonlady2]

I am so glad I came across this video - I've played my hands as an animal for years - the elephant form - was so cute with the eyeballs - now I want the eyeballs. This left a smile on my face.

[@lllMaralll]

Que afortunada son las personas que descubren cual es su pasión en esta vida....

[@lolokay3506]

i really wanna join the puppeteering community, you guys seem so wholesome and puree

[@arielestevan5336]

I wish to see your show ...it will be just beautifull !!

[@McGovern1981]

Hollywood has lost this and it looks better than cgi. If you can combine both intelligently you've got something amazing!

[@TheIndependentLens]

Everything is cgi these days.

[@pebblez_]

9

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Magic ✨❣️

[@e.mjohnson9675]

Chills for really real. Genius. Ben in Asheville in64-- I'd love to see this in person

[@tashaa4967]

Literally breathtaking.

[@tsoraat1467]

it is magical! i feel this is your vocation! Your fingers and hands are woven in this magic.

[@kevinrampersad9202]

Good Lord! This is a whole other dimension of talent..simply amazing.

[@karenbankster8084]

What a beautiful soul!!! Oh how I would love to see you in person! Because of the love you show the masterpieces you create you bring so much more to the stories they tell!!! I have always had a love for puppeteering but was convinced that it was a childish thing to do and I needed to grow up. How sad that children's dreams have you taken away or squashed like that. Very nice to see someone that was able to live their dream! This video put a smile on my face and a warmth in my soul! Blessings to you and yours! Puppet on dear man, Puppet on!!!❤❤ ❤🥰🙋🏻‍♀️

[@louisegogel7973]

Brilliant!!! ✨✨✨✨✨💛 Home schooling at its finest is using something that fascinates a child and coincidently that teaches many things. Making puppets has so many aspects to learn with, art, three dimensional thinking, engineering, carpentry, sewing, careful observation to capture the essence of what your is supposed to represent. Carl Akeley made life like dioramas with the animals in lifelike action with as accurate muscle structure as is possible. Look at the Elephant room in the NY Museum of Natural History. He was one of the first if not the first taxidermist to being life to these critters, and to bring a sense of caring for the wild animals so people would want to protect their habitats and regulate hunting… a hunter himself, he saw the devastation of trophy hunting snd worked to create National Parks in Africa. Hobay Ford bring a similar lifelike sense to his creatures that is equally as remarkable! Bravo to both.

[@richardglady3009]

You create life…the most beautiful gift. Thank you for this video.

[@Fried_Rice_Ren]

Another win for KZbin algorithm. If I saw that first puppet running towards me I would probably run away

[@donnaholland1061]

I've always loved the idea of fairies and elves. I could watch a whole show of them! An absolutely brilliant man. Such imagination! And technique. Loved it!

[@JustASleepySloth]

I absolutely agree with him, he's overcome adversity to be here and still does by the sounds of it I've always loved puppeteers.

[@tobiasfikkert2241]

2:23 So beautiful to hear/see that he still enjoys it so much! (I had chills throughout the whole video)

[@Ayerstairs]

You are a true artist, sir. Your legacy will far outlast your grandfather's.

[@mariofuccio1168]

Puppets are expression of his soul and emotions. Bravo...maestro

[@brushstroke3733]

Such an amazing and inspiring artist. Thank you for your expression!

[@stonerubber]

A brilliant person guided by dreams. So glad I found this video.

[@barbarasullivan908]

I am so fascinated by your work. Magical. You certainly bring your sweet puppets to life.

[@ConstantinDV]

What a oasis of rich imagination and unbound creativity! Unbelievable feeling of calm and enjoyment after endless exposure to daily grind of people trying to take advantage of other people... it feels like unexpectedly meeting an angel!

[@LaurenMillsArtBooks]

How wonderful! Years ago I studied puppetry with Hobey Baker who had worked with Bill Baird but when I studied with him he was blind and would feel the sculpted marionettes.

[@arielestevan5336]

Just divine .a GIFt from our Readeemer ..our Father in heaven 🙏

[@petuniaysuperroacrilico3375]

It’s so amazing , congratulations for show these exceptional people with exceptional jobs .

[@sunlion9676]

I loved loved watching this! Thank you! 🎉🎉🎉

[@BlackBearShadow]

This rotten world need more of this yo heal!!! Im so greatful for your work Hobey!!! You are a blessed soul!!! 🙏 infinite blessings!!!

[@Momcat6]

These are such wonderful puppets-thank you for sharing!

[@alexeydemin1570]

Я такого ещё не видел... Прекрасные куклы!!! Я в своей жизни сделал только двух кукол и ещё двум изготовил тела с конечностями по своим сказкам и задумывался зимними вечерами изготовить ещё... Вы меня подтолкнули на новый уровень!!! Спасибо за удивительную сказочную жизнь!!! И кукольник вы искусстный! Однозначно - подписка! Всех благ! Творческих успехов!!!😊

[@PogieJoe]

Such a remarkable artist!

[@izabelabhering7041]

This is such amazing work, such magical art, such a dose of beauty and hope! I’m so glad I saw this video!

[@GrahamCommander]

What an inspiration this man is. What an expressive talent man. My you continue to inspire people for many years to come

[@jizzaymz]

Hope this inspires enough people to keep this art form alive!

[@berlynify]

extraordinary .. pure magic 🙏🏽 ❤ 🇨🇦 🕊. .. thanks for sharing

[@renacleerican7824]

That is a beautifull human. Like him.

[@rogergarcia3021]

Love your work I do automata but I enjoyed this video. It's great to see the universe is vast in its imagination. Thanks

[@MrTonos10]

A master of being a kid 🥰

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Just beautiful.

[@pastapete9095]

I was making a life size velociraptor costume and puppet when I was a kid. I showed my grandmother what I was doing and she called me a " Damn fool" I never pursued it again. Maybe I'll finish it now. Thanks for the video.

[@Dd-wi8bk]

I'm envious. A person who loves what they do and do it with such beauty. Thanks you.

[@ango5519]

So beautiful! 😍 It's magical! Thank you.

[@FairyFrequency]

What an extraordinary talent! Sending lots of love and warm greetings from Missouri.

[@silvyamanquero393]

...beautiful 💜

[@marybarratt2649]

What a totally fascinating man. Compulsive viewing. How talented! Wonderful video. Thank you for uploading.

[@martaorlando7080]

Master! !!! QUE SER MÁS MARAVILLOSOOOOOO!!!!!❤🌹🌄🙅🎼🎵💎

[@DeanMarsh1962]

What do you call the puppet with the rods, Rod Puppets? Sorry, did you add the rods for the head? Love it !! Want to make one. Any direction or advice? Thank you, hope you read this and love them!

[@bryantkeller9278]

This is extraordinary and so beautiful. ❤

[@artivan111]

That eagle was amazing! 🥰 What a talented and clever artist!

[@drmanhattan6490]

Pure magic. I love it. The world needs more of this.

[@stevengatewood2725]

Very lovely.

[@lynettewhite9462]

Absolutely awesome 😄

[@cellinischannel4766]

So much talent to make your puppets. And you get to play, as few adults do.

[@luckytahlula6515]

What a gifted man! Loved that eagle, amazing.

[@zebraxasscreamin5357]

pure magical genius

[@kevinedwards7079]

Sir you are a treasure to our children and parents alike even an old man like me thankyou sir for showing me this its a real treat to me its a bravo bravo bravo i say

[@marialilianaamezcuaalvarez6101]

❤Maravilloso trabajo, gracias !

[@eckosters]

This made my day

[@IngenerateIngenue]

This is amazing! I have seen Warhorse on stage in London & the puppetry in that was off the scale. This is close!

[@carolynsimpson412]

Absolutely fascinating and beautiful. I hope this art never dies but continues to grow. We need to see more puppeteering on the TV.

[@mamab5368]

Ohhh I so love this artform...I hope to cultivate! GBYCS! TY!❤

[@gracemorris4148]

This is wonderful . I have always used the hands. So glad to see such gifts wow

[@readthetype]

This is a rare example of KZbin content where the person is clearly more passionate about what they do, than they are becoming a famous KZbinr. Thank you for presenting content like an adult who respects the intelligence of their audience, and not a spastic self-centered child (KZbinr).

[@27LORDDONLALO]

I NEVER KNEW A BEING SO PASSIONATE WITH HIS HAND WORK

[@utej.k.bemsel4777]

Absolutely WOW!

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

I love your puppets fabulous video

[@DALE959595]

Love the Eagle. I've got some visions of bringing this kind of imagined reality magic to life and you just showed me how. Thanks for the gift.

[@takyanay5723]

Это просто фантастика! Я в восторге)))

[@surfmarine3118]

Superb artwork, amazing engineering and awesome expression of character from a master puppeteer.

[@johnduncan4725]

👋🏻learned in a upholstery class to freeze foam and carve using a electric knife. The fairies pure genius!👍

[@andrewhoxworth8516]

Recently discovered you your an amazing artist.

[@bobjacava]

WOW Dude! What an absolutely wonderful creative mind and understanding of real life art, you are truly Blessed my friend. You're love and craft make the world a much better place, for many. Thank You for sharing your Love and passion with Us. Peace Bob