Howdy, folks! When I saw this week's theme, I immediately thought of the State Fair of Texas, which is held annually in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is where I got my masters degree, married, and had my children, so going to the State Fair was a tradition during the Fall for many years in our family before we moved to Del Rio. Wonderful museums, exhibits, food, a midway, a theatre, a stadium, and demonstrations are only a few of the attractions available on the fairgrounds. It's truly as big as Texas!
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| © Arnoldo L. Romero |
Big Tex is a 52 foot (16 m) tall cowboy that was introduced in 1952 and became the Fair's symbol. He's jaw is hinged, so he appears to speak as he greets visitors and announces fair events. My 9.5 inch (24 cm) marionette version can dance when held from the leather strap and the star is pulled down. I illustrated him on Bristol board using Faber-Castell India ink artist pens. For reinforcement, I attached eyelets to all the punched holes that were used in the stringing mechanism. The limbs are attached with loose fitting brads and washers are glued behind them to improve the mechanism. I attached a balsa wood star to the pull cord and glittered it for some spark.
OK, I realise my Big Tex is not really a tag, but he could be used as one. LOL! Have a blessed week!
How cool! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteFabulous fun Arnoldo! You've ut a lot of work into it, and any child would love to find him as a tag.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a wonderful sounding fair to be able to visit. I'm assuming you're too far away now? :0)
Yes, we live 7 hours away from the DFW area.
DeleteWell this is an original! Great subject choice for the theme, beautifully made. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely man, and he can dance, too? Great! Valerie
ReplyDeleteArticulated tag, cool idea, and of course he can be used.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Big Tex! He is most definitely a tag and a very fine one!
ReplyDeleteWow what a fantastic tag, love your Big Tex.
ReplyDeleteAnni
P.S. forgot to comment that I really liked the way you shot this! Nice staging!
ReplyDeleteCool tag! Your Big Tex is a clever construction and you have given us a real flavour of the Texas State Fair, Jane xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece of art and I love the story about him - and YES he could be a tag - well done
ReplyDeleteOh...I think Big Tex is wonderful!! beautifully photographed too! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! great Tag! he could be used as one indeed! what a great puppet you have made he's fab! hope you have him hanging up somewhere where he can be appreciated :) x
ReplyDeleteI love Big Tex! How clever of you and what a fun tag this is. Annie :)
ReplyDeleteLove your Little Big Tex! Always appreciate you giving the background to your inspiration. By the way, what is a midway? Carolyn x
ReplyDeleteThe midway is what they call the area where all the amusement rides are located at the Texas State Fair.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to make it movable! Love his shirt too.
ReplyDeleteArnoldo, Way, way cool tag! Love the fact that he is a marionette. What a marvelous, inventive idea!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Ivy
I wish I could pull the star Arnold. What a great idea for a tag. Beautiful illustration as always.
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