Pulling Air
I saw her for just three minutes. I turned to get a glance at the origin of the ooos, applause and laughter of a small group that had gathered at the side of the road. I had no intention of going there, and was definitely not planning to photograph such a small side show. But those plans changed when I saw children giggling excitedly with mouths agape, and parents who could not hide the joy that their smiles, as broad as those of their kids, revealed to anyone watching. I was drawn to it—kissed by a small dose of magic sent in a fantastical bubble that she blew my way. I saw her for just three minutes, but it was three minutes of all encompassing delight. Three minutes during which the the hard realities of pavement and brick gave way to an etherial fantasy of golden light refracted and reflected off transparent floating orbs of hope and joy. And though it proved to be as fleeting as the fairy that conjured it, it was three minutes of pure enchantment.
Refractions
A Fairy’s Kiss
Watching with Amazement
Bubble Fairy Marigold Bumbleroot
Filled with Magic and Enchantment
Pulling Air
All photographs captured during Art All Night DC on 26 Sep 2015 at the City Market on O in Washington, DC.
About the Performer
Jennifer Stephens has been mixing soap and water with science, art and a dose of whimsy for nearly 10 years. Then working for a vendor selling and demonstrating large bubble wands, Jennifer mastered her soapy craft at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where she also created her character, the bubble fairy Marigold Bumbleroot. Over the years, both at the Renaissance Festival and numerous other venues, Jennifer developed into an artist and performer who weaves a new story for each appearance—artfully crafting shows that always include but go far beyond stretching and blowing soap into incredibly complex and beautiful bubbles. Although my time with her was brief, it was more than enough to know that her bubbles amaze, her character delights, and her show enchants.
Experience slightly more than three minutes of Jennifer’s bubble art in this video (filmed several years ago).
Bubbles by Jennifer Stephens, joined by Becky Derwent-Hawk & Sara-Jane Bageant. Filmed and edited by Ken Morrill of Yenra.TV.