Hank, A Ventriloquist Figure by Tyler Ellis

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Tyler Ellis sent me these pictures last week along with this story so we could post it on the Ventriloquist Central Blog:

I have always wanted to try my hand at figure building. I finally set the wheels in motion a couple years ago and began creating a drunk character for myself in my spare time/when I had motivation. Here is the outcome….meet Hank!

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He is a fiberglass figure with stationary eyes, moving mouth and raising eyebrows. I painted him using oils and put lots of red in his face to give him the drunk look. I also made his eyes crossed and blood shot…but, if that doesn’t convince you he is a drunk, he is even holding his beer of choice….Budweiser!

A HUGE thanks is due to Greg Claassen. He showed me the ropes of figure building and was either helping me in person, or helping me over the phone through the whole process. I wouldn’t have been able to build Hank without his help and teaching! Thanks Greg! (be sure and grab his book if you don’t have it…it’s a must have!!)

Also, Mike Brose was very kind in answering a couple questions along the way too…thanks Mike!

Now, everyone go give your favorite figure builder a big hug and say “thank you”…because these figures are more work than most people think!

Tyler Ellis

Thanks Tyler for sharing this wonderful ventriloquist figure with all of us.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2011 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

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8 Responses to Hank, A Ventriloquist Figure by Tyler Ellis

  1. Mike Palma says:

    Wonderful figure!! Great job!!!

    Best regards,

    Mike Palma

  2. Awesome job that is a great looking figure. Paint job on face is nice, great color. Thanks for sharing v

  3. Duane Echols says:

    Fantastic work! Great character!!

  4. Philip Grecian says:

    Saw him over on Clinton’s site, too. Commented at the time that it is amazing that this is a first time effort! Unbelievable! Excellent work!

  5. Bob Conrad says:

    Great work, it’s a beautiful figure, just loaded with character.

  6. Great job, Tyler. Can’t wait to see what you do next!

  7. Donald woodford says:

    Superb workmanship.

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