The puppet Makers • 17 • Mayo

16-18 Category   •  2024
Nurse Nettie is a handmade marionette puppet that I created in art class. She comes from my imagination and represents the qualities of resilience, compassion, and history. Nurse Nettie embodies the spirit of vintage nurses who cared for soldiers, children, and communities in times of need. I wanted her to reflect the gentle but strong nature of caregivers who have always been there for people in difficult situations. The design of Nurse Nettie is inspired by vintage styles, especially the classic white nursing cap. This cap used to be an elegant veil, but during the Victorian era, it changed to symbolise the identity of nurses. In making her costume by hand, I wanted to honour this important tradition. I used historical stitching methods and chosen soft, faded fabrics that remind us of a comforting past. These choices capture the respect and admiration we have for nurses and their important work. Building Nurse Nettie was a detailed and enjoyable process. Each part of her, including the joints, strings, and hinges, was carefully placed to make sure she could move smoothly and gracefully. I wanted her movements to reflect the quiet and hardworking nature of real nurses—delicate yet dependable. The more I worked on her, the more I realised how much care and skill goes into the work that nurses do every day. Creating Nurse Nettie has been a meaningful journey for me. It allowed me to think about how we honour those who take care of others. Through her, I hope to show the importance of caregivers and how their work often goes unnoticed. Nurse Nettie is not just a puppet; she is a character that carries a story and invites people to engage with her. I hope that when people see her, they can appreciate the history and compassion she represents. Nurse Nettie reminds us of the strength and kindness that caregivers show. She serves as a tribute to all the nurses and caregivers who have dedicated their lives to helping others. By creating her, I want to highlight the enduring beauty of kindness in action. In a world where we sometimes forget to appreciate those who care for us, Nurse Nettie stands as a symbol of gratitude for their efforts. Through this project, I learned the importance of recognizing the role of compassion in our communities. I hope that Nurse Nettie inspires others to think about how we can support and honour caregivers in our lives. It’s easy to overlook the hard work that goes into caring for others, but it’s crucial to remember their contributions. In conclusion, Nurse Nettie is more than just a puppet; she is a celebration of caregivers everywhere. I aim to share her story as a reminder of the essential role that kindness and compassion play in our world. I believe that by acknowledging the work of nurses and caregivers, we can all contribute to a more compassionate society. Nurse Nettie embodies this hope and encourages everyone to appreciate those who care for others.