Thesis 2025 / Jamie Peachy

Before arriving in Minneapolis, I was fresh out of undergrad, living in what I called “the boonies” — the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I used to proudly call that experience “special” or “unique,” but later realized how familiar it was to many others. There was a lack of space to be who we truly are — to explore, to get lost, and to grow.

I came to this city because of one email. It felt like an invitation, like someone cared, encouraged me, believed in me. That single email made me feel important — and while that’s beautiful, it also holds sadness. Sadness that I didn’t already see my own worth, or trust myself to take this leap. But I did it. And I’m so proud of that.

This program has helped me learn to respect myself, to make choices based on what I want, not just what I think others expect of me. I still struggle with this, but simply recognizing it was the first step. Now, every day, I ask: What do I want to do?

My work reflects this shift — hobbies, lifestyle, and identity that aren't shaped by societal norms. I learned how to sew, build, and create in ways that let me connect, express, and love myself. I look at my puppets and see different versions of me — full of humor, softness, sorrow, and love. I never used to see myself through my own eyes. Always through someone else’s. Now, I’m learning to own my feelings, my thoughts, and shape a life that reflects who I truly am.

Thank you for guiding me — in small, powerful ways. “Read this.” “Think about this.” “Have you seen this?” These nudges shaped not just my work, but who I am. You helped me find the door within myself to empathy, compassion, and joy.

My earlier work communicated how lost I felt. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I only saw the shell of myself. Now, through puppets, I see and share versions of me — made of fabric and silliness and love. And when my friends say, “That’s so Jamie,” it fills me with warmth. That’s the magic of puppetry — letting people see you, love you, in a new way.

Puppetry lets us express ourselves honestly, outside of societal expectations. It’s performance rooted in vulnerability, not perfection. I’ve made the choice to express myself this way — to reject heteronormativity and explore identity through a rich cultural tradition that does the same.

When I discovered Bread and Puppet Theater, I felt something I never felt in illustration — belonging. In puppetry, you feel the laugh, the cry, the connection. Those human moments are everything.

I am a puppeteer. I am a writer. I am a performer. And it is a deep joy to grow into that every day. Thank you for listening, for seeing me, and for helping me grow.

Instagram: @jamiepeachfuzz