The workshop > interview of Robert RAFFAELLI , maker of puppets.

Photo Robert RAFFAELLI, maker of puppets in his workshop.

What makes your particularity / your originality ?

I create WITHOUT any MOULD, each piece is realised with a "STONE CLAY" and I do not use any "resin". Everything is entirely "HANDMADE" from A to Z, including the clothes and the accessories.

Do you work with models or photos ?

No ! Everything is a creation from my imagination ! Yet, I am able to create well known figures , such as : Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Tintin, Don Quichotte, Pouch and Judy, Dracula, etc... I can also realise specific figures, according to desired clothing, from the middle ages or ancient periods. But, I do not work with photos that one may request.

What kind of person do your puppets interest ?

Collectors and Art-lovers, and all people who wish to offer a very special and personnalised gift as a birthday present, wedding present etc... My creations are also bought as decoratif objects, a bit like pictures one can hang up. Often bought by people who have a sense of humour "clin d'oeil", or who enjoy strange or peculiar objects.

Do you make "witches, monsters, gnomes, and all sorts of "fairy-tale" people ?

Yes, of course, it's a part of my speciality !

Do you have media referencies concerning your work ?

- Television MONTE CARLO ( interview) by Mr .José Sacré, journalist and specialist in regional Arts (video) in 1991.
- Interview by Mr. Demazière, journalist at MONTE CARLO, and specialist on Art, (for the newspaper Nice-Matin for MONTE CARLO)
- An article of one page with photos in the "Gazette of MONACO"
- Exhibition at MONTE CARLO at the Galery "Kamil" - Funny peculiar machines (works sold) .
- Exhibition at the Cultural Center "Apolllinaire" at Cap d'Ail (south of France) - 4 puppets sold in one week.