Props & Costuming
The Crystal Staff
This prop was designed and constructed for a local costumer who originally had the crystal on the end of a forked stick held on by gobs of leather. She approached me after learning of my work on props for a local film called The Immigrant Garden.
(click on an image to see a larger shot)
This piece actually consists of multiple wood components and various electronics. The central staff was an old apple limb that was in the process of hollowing itself out. I helped it along a bit for the headpiece to accommodate the crystal and the led circuit board. The 5 amber and green LED's imbedded in one shaft of the head flash in different sequences or stay lit depending on how many times you press the switch that is concealed as a knot.( see below image.) This causes the crystal to glow and flash in amber and green. This is one piece I hated to let go of. Watch the Sci-Fi and Fantasy conventions in the Northwest and you may come across this unique and fully functional prop.
S. T. O. A. T.
Space Tactical Operations Assault Trooper
This award winning costume was designed for my own amusement, as at the time I was an avid Sci-Fi convention goer.
The S.T.O.A.T. is designed with the idea in mind that in space energy weapons would be the weapon of choice. This suit consists of Light Absorbing Armor, which in theory would function similar to solar panels, absorbing optical energy and storing it for use by the various devices the trooper employs, such as the pulse weapon shown. Also shown is the optional shoulder mounted Thermal Plasma Launcher. (actually a small double barrel device which when loaded can discharge two short range dissipating fireballs similar to the type magicians use.) The chest panel has alternately flashing LED's and also conceals the batteries for a small voice amplifier unit. The "pulse weapon" has three xenon flash units and a small circuit that allows the user to select between fully automatic (discharge of all three units with a six millisecond delay between) or semi-auto (discharges whichever xenon unit is fully charged). Looks really cool, but eats D-cells rapidly. Special thanks to Thomas Chin of Seattle Wa for the discharge circuit. Upon seeing this prop, the late Gene Roddenbury was impressed enough to suggest I come to the studio to rig up a sound effect for it. Alas... I've never been fond of L.A. and so to this day the only sound this prop makes is the whine of the flash units charging up and a very slight "pop" when they discharge. Sure looks impressive on video though!
The Castle Dragon
This piece was done for a friend and Artist Musician Michael Kohlmeir. He has constructed this really cool stage arch inside his home called The Castle where he hosts musicians and concerts. The interior has a unique midieval atmosphere as if you have walked into the inner courtyard of an ancient castle. (you have to see it to believe it) my contribution to his theme leans out above the stage facade and glares at you with lighted green eyes and boasts a working lower jaw and nostrils that when attatched to a smoke generator bring this fire breather to life. Look for examples of Michael Kohlmeir's work at www.geminidesign.com
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