How and why did your journey into animation begin?
Like probably a lot of stop motion artists, I grew up loving The Nightmare before Christmas, Corpse bride, James and the giant peach and more. I did my Bachelors in Film and television production in Wales. In the second year I had so many different ideas and stories I wished to tell. I really wanted to create a piece on Tartini Violin Sonata “Devil’s Trill Sonata” with magic and the devil appearing beside an old musician’s bed. But my ideas were too grand and expensive to create in live action version so I thought why not stop motion? I always loved sculpting and painting. After that short film and watching my creation play the violin I was hooked. Hooked on the aesthetic and also by the idea of being able to fabricate and bring to life any universe you could dream of in the comfort of my own home.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I am inspired by so much. For every project I discover new inspirations whether it’s photography, books, music. I am inspired by films such as Bran Stoker’s Dracula to Twin Peaks, from photographer W. Eugene Smith to the View of Toledo. I don’t believe that you must focus on finding stop motion inspirations when it comes to storytelling and designing story worlds. However when it comes to stop motion, of course Tim Burton and anything made by Laika studios or Yuri Norstein.
Tell us about your creative process.
It depends on the project. Most of the time, for my personal projects I think first of a character I want to portray and then the world that surrounds them. I would draw out a quick illustration and storyboard, listing elements I want and things I would have to consider or make before animating. Anything to help the animation process move steadily. Then comes the fun part of making your character and scenes. I find this part extremely meditative; to be alone sewing little garments and painting miniature rooms with music or in complete silence. You get to then choose what the characters should wear, their skin tone, their height, their bedroom décor… Your hands are truly creating something from start to finish. Giving a character bones (armature), muscles (epoxy) and skin (clay etc…) I spend the most time on that part as well as (if needed) research, such as learning about era specific clothing, furniture or even learning to write hieroglyphs. After the physical creation part is done I would take a day or two of rest and mentally prepare to shut myself in the dark for the next couple of days to animate and when that’s finished it is another few days of starring at a screen editing and rig removals.
Is there a part of the process that bores you? And instead which part is the one that excites you?
None of the parts really bore me. Although the one that does get on my nerves is the animating part. Not because it bores me but it takes a toll on my body. Your neck is constantly looking at the puppets then the monitor. Depending on where everything is placed sometimes I don’t realize it but I can spend four hours with a neck stiff in one place as I move increments at a time. If you have to stand to access the puppet slowly your legs might begin hurting or your hips. So always remember to take breaks! I love animating but sometimes there is a little part that wishes I could be doing it out in the sun.
Seeing the stop motion come to life is wonderful although I think the whole creation part is my favourite, having any excuse to mess around with materials and research. Moulding different worlds with my own hands. I find that part the most exciting.
How would you define the animation scene not linked to big brands? Is there an audience? What channels do you use to post and reach as many viewers as possible?
I believe there is an audience, whether it is in fine art galleries or independent theatres or online. If you look at Instagram for example there are a lot of artists who are doing extremely well, gaining thousands and thousands of followers who enjoy their style and animations. It is still competitive that is a certainty. But accessing an audience is a lot more possible today than it was before. Of course there is this love hate relationship with social media however it is true that before many probably dreamed to have their films viewed by 100, 300, 900 different people. With these platforms, though still tricky it is a lot easier I feel to find your own particular audience, just don’t give up. I personally have an Instagram account and a YouTube channel. I also send my films around the world at festivals.
New projects in the pipeline?
Yes! For now some commission work for a new music video with bees and aliens! When that is done there are still so many ideas storming around in my head and characters waiting to be created!
