Animation Rumination
- Animation Defined: The word ‘animate’ comes from the latin ‘animare’ which means ‘to instill with Life.’ The root ‘anima’ means ‘Soul.’Therefore animation is creating the “illusion of life.” (*nod to Frank & Ollie)
- Animation Explanation: When we think animation, images may arise of kids beginning their weekend ritual planted in front of the neon monolith, for a Saturday morning cereal fest. Or perhaps a group of grown men geeking out over the ‘golden age’ of pre-TV toons like their kinder counterparts. With further examination however, we discover animation to be an amalgamation of the greatest mediums presented in a single cohesive experience. Animation makes use of a principle called “persistence of vision.” Which is actually a the flaw of the eye to to perceive images in rapid succession. Our eye cannot keep up with this string of images, so we perceive them as actually moving. So them if drawing is a language of line and shape, then animation is the mother tongue of movement. Animation = “Drawing in Time.” We have control over how this movement is perceived, by manipulating the timing and space between them. So it’s the gap between the drawings that creates the magic. We are manipulators of the unmanifest.
- Why animation? Stories are the best way to create an awakening, or self-realization in the viewer, and allows us to tap into the collective consciousness, and draw out it’s underlying mythology. Using this personal, archetypal and universally applicable medium, I aspire to inspire through the power of these moving stories. Animation provides a universally accepted language to reach and inform anyone with an open heart and mind, directly involve themselves in the promotion of well-being in their own lives, as well as the improvement of the world.
- Potential of the Illusion of Life: Animation holds the key to unlock the best in people. Since stories are the most effective tools for inspiration, innovation, and ultimately communication, animation implements these elements in a tangible relatable way through the universally accepted language of symbol, character, and archetype. Cartoons allow this comprehensive language to be accessed, and understood by the audience who becomes so immersed they begin to identify with the situations and characters involved. These worlds born of the imagination naturally resonates with us, and we wish to experience them to the fullest.
“Animation is ultimately problem solving. Taking a large action and breaking it down into more manageable chunks.” – Charles Philips, Instructor at VanArts
“The potential in animation lies in making the unbelievable believable. This means that imagination is our initiative. What we dream, we can do.” – Walt Disney