I have a Guinness World Record.
Just in case you were curious, it’s for the “Largest LEGO® Minifigure made from modelling balloons.” The sculpture was 6 meters (around 20′) tall and was built with just under 2,000 balloons in London in 2014. The whole sculpture with the extra bricks used around 4,000 balloons. It’s actually one of the smaller pieces we’ve built over the years.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I traveled the world creating massive art installations—crafted entirely from latex balloons. (Don’t worry, we disposed of them responsibly, never released them, and composted whenever possible.) In Rochester you may have seen our Balloon Adventure installations at the Sibley Building, or Balloon Manor at area malls in years past. We still occasionally take on large-scale projects, but like so many others, the pandemic forced us to repeatedly pivot our work. While our focus has shifted in many ways, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to travel the world and participate in rich cultural exchanges in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. These experiences have shaped not only my work but also my perspective, and I cherish the connections and lessons they’ve brought into my life.
These weren’t simple sculptures—they’re towering, intricate creations, brought to life in just a few days by a mix of trained artists and hundreds of untrained volunteers. Language barriers were common, so we had to rely on visual explanations and hands-on demonstrations to communicate. It was a dance of patience, creativity, and teamwork. My job was to take the big ideas and break them down into engineered drawings divided up to actionable steps, coordinating with vendors, adapting to spaces, and keeping everything running smoothly under tight deadlines. Flexibility wasn’t an option—it was critical. When you’re dealing with so many variables, even with the best laid plans, surprises happen. The skill is in making good choices with what you’ve got (ideally that’s within budget, keeps your crew safe and happy, and still maintains the spirit of the work.) The show must go on, and we had to deliver for our audiences.
My favorite part of every project was always the same: stepping back after the work was complete and just watching. Curious visitors from all walks of life would gather, their faces lighting up with wonder as they explored the finished piece. I loved seeing conversations spark between strangers, watching as social barriers melted away. There’s something magical about shared wonder—it brings people together in a way few things can.
Beyond my own artistic endeavors, I deeply believe arts and culture are essential to strengthening communities. They act as connectors, bridging divides and creating spaces where people can unite. And in times like these, we need more of that than ever.
As an artist, it’s not unusual for me to ask for funding to make big ideas happen—and this campaign is no different! With your support I can bring my caring & can-do nature to Rochester City Council. Donate now to support the tools, tech, and supplies we’ll need to launch my campaign.