A Loop of String: String Stories & String Stunts / Traditional & Original String Figures & Stories
Perhaps many of us have, as children, made string cat's cradles. In perusing Ruth Stotter's wonderful and intriguing book I have learned that string art is, indeed, an amazing art form, and even more importantly, a wonderful way by which to tell stories. I am truly amazed at the variety of string forms and related stories that she has collected and researched. From the well-known 'Cat's Cradle' to 'The Prodigal Frog,' which takes nine feet of string to perform, there are 16 other string figures ranging from the simple to the more challenging that will no doubt delight children and adults. There are also three string stunts, a string joke, and a string game. Some of the stories, e.g. 'Cutting the Finger,' use the same basic string figure movements with only minimal variation. This device increases the string teller's repertoire considerably! Anyone familiar with Ruth Stotter will know that she is highly organized. The string figure diagrams are clearly defined and large enough for ease of following. The accompanying stories, many written by Ruth, are blocked out for easy viewing as are the sources for each figure and story. Specific directions guide the performer through each movement. The novice String Art Performer might want to become familiar with Ruth's 'Terminology and Basic Moves' guide before experimenting with a story form. In today's visually oriented world, string art supplies an added dimension to storytelling. Ruth Stotter has provided us with an excellent, clear, and concise guide to this art. She knows and practices the art. Like Professor A.C. Haddon (1855-1940) who said, ''You can travel anywhere with a smile and piece of string,'' she has found this to be absolutely true. She has traveled with string on five continents! We can travel with her vicariously by savoring, ingesting, and applying the fascinating art at which she excels! --Reviewed by Gwendolyn Jones, Garden State Storytellers' League