Here Piggy, Piggy!

Hale-oween final edition for 2009!

 Costume by Mike Hale

It seems piggy made a run for it on Halloween. We're not sure what scared him off, ghosts, ghouls or goblins...but he sauntered back safe and sound this morning.

Costume by Mike Hale

 

The actual Pig Pen is constructed out of a cardboard box and duct tape.  Mike Hale's head is hidden inside by a veil.

Costume by Mike Hale

 

The canvas backdrop is painted to look like mud, and Piggy's head is a soft sculpture using carpet padding.

Costume by Mike Hale

 

The mouth and snout are animated and equipped with a tube that shoots water. The hoof and leg, is actually Mike Hale's arm and there is a fence that runs across the back of the pig pen

Costume by Mike Hale

...and this little Piggy cried Hale-oween, Hale-oween, Hale-oween all the way home!

Until next year...

HAPPY HALE-OWEEN!

OINK! OINK!

Santa's Little Helper

We thought it was time to lighten things up a bit and post one of Mike Hale's sillier costumes. Today's Hale-oween ensemble is titled "Naughty Elf". You see, Santa's little helper has had enough of wooden toy making and is ready to do some celebrating...elf style.

Costume created by Mike Hale

The costume rests on Mike Hale's shoulders allowing him to operate the puppet-like arms ( and other unmentionable parts) from under the snow bank.

Costume created by Mike Hale 

Constructed from a cardboard box, the gingerbread cottage is adorned with faux gumdrops, candy canes, ornaments and twinkle lights.

 Costume created by Mike Hale

We're not talking Bozo the Clown!

We're talking..."Killer Klowns from Outer Space!"  A 1988 b-rated, comedy/horror film featuring clown-faced aliens who arrive on Earth via a "Big Top" spaceship.  Their goal...to harvest people for food by shooting them with popcorn guns and cocooning them inside cotton candy!

Costume by Mike Hale

Today's Hale-oween costume is definitely one of Mike Hale's scariest! Inspired by this cult film his creation started out with canvas, latex, acrylics and a vivid imagination.

Costume by Mike Hale

The eyes illuminate and move manually. As for the teeth, they are carved out of wood and the jaw moves up and down creating a very frightening effect! (Be sure to click on each photo for an enlarged image.)

Costume by Mike Hale

Dressed from hat to clown shoe, the costume measures at least 8 feet tall. Mike Hale's field of vision is actually through the mouth...between chomping of the blood stained teeth.

"Get your souvenirs!"

"Popcorn...cotton candy here!"

Hale at the Moon!

It's HALE-oween week so you better BEWARE! Who knows what could be lurking around the corner!

Costume by Mike Hale

A full moon means only one thing...WEREWOLVES! But according to legend "real" werewolves are known to change shape voluntarily.

Costume by Mike Hale

They are known to be witches who take animal form by using a magic potion...but whose to say they wouldn't we wear a suit?

Costume by Mike Hale

OK...I'll confess. This werewolf is better known as Mike Hale! Dressed in one of his many incredible, handmade costumes! I don't know about you but I would certainly lock my doors when the full moon rises!

 

Costume by Mike Hale

If you haven't had a chance to spook around the blog yet, check out yesterday's "Elephant Man" post, and please stop back to see more of Mike Hale's Halloween creations.

Hale-oween

Happy Halloween! This week I am posting a few of the costumes Mike Hale has created over the years. The characters are entirely handmade from various materials such as nylons, stuffing, cardboard, dime store toys and miscellaneous parts that are drilled, sawed, sewn, sanded and molded into works of art.

This costume was inspired by Director David Lynch's unforgettable film The Elephant Man, starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.

Costume - Mike Hale

Photo - John White

The film is based on the story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the movie), a severely deformed man living in London during the 19th Century. His discovery in a freak show by Dr. Frederick Treves unfolds an emotional story about humans, humanity and hope.

Costume - Mike Hale

Photo - John White

The Elephant Man's haunting black and white cinematography, led Mike Hale to incorporate fellow IUP student John White in photographing his incredible creation.

Costume - Mike Hale

Photo - John White

Part of Mike Hale's creative journey is going into character, playing the part, becoming who he is, The Elephant Man.

Costume - Mike Hale

Photo - John White