The theme chosen this time is a fusion of stories, finding common ground between "The Frog Prince" and "The Honest Woodcutter" to create an interesting twist. Imagine if, when the Frog Prince went into the lake to retrieve the golden ball for the princess, he encountered Hermes asking questions – would he truly be able to tell the truth (and would the golden ball be confiscated)?
When painting the frog's eyes, I pondered whether the frog should appear startled and evasive, or resolute yet hesitant.
This semester, for ease of carrying teaching aids and to provide students with clear procedural methods, the demonstration piece was made larger (approximately 50 cm tall to the top of its head/horns). Everyone can also feel the structure when passing it around. Details include adding decorative techniques such as fur scraping, scale pressing, and edge finishing. The creation is story-themed, encouraging everyone to explore stories to find directions for creative expression, while also seeking out cultural and historical changes or beautification processes. For example, the Greek chief god, originally responsible for guiding the dead, was beautified into a lake goddess, and there's also a rumor about an abrupt passage in "The Frog Prince" involving a servant named Iron Henry.
During this production, I encountered a situation where the waist was made too long and was difficult to fix. Ultimately, I used a skirt armor design to conceal this section. Initially, my children at home enjoyed coming closer to watch the production, but after it was painted, they found it scary and dared not approach again....
Hermes is known as cunning and slick, benevolent, possesses a dark background, and is a Greek chief god. Therefore, he was sculpted into a contrasting image, distinct from the lake goddess.
The Frog Prince leaps into the lake, grasping the golden ball entrusted to him by the princess. However, at this very moment, Hermes in the lake intends to test and punish the greedy people of the world.
Inside, two lake spirits (underworld specters) help lift a silver ball and an iron ball, giving the Frog Prince a chance to reconsider~~