Project 1:
After Effects: Project 1 from Michael Shaw on Vimeo.
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Proposal:
My interests in shadow puppetry originally began with an admiration for the aesthetic, the use of silhouettes to tell stories. Upon conducting research, my interest has expanded into the way stories are told through shadow puppetry - the characters they create, the types of stories they tell, as well as the inspirations for these stories. Learning about different countries' interpretations of the art form has inspired me to explore all facets of shadow puppetry this semester, with respect to its original purpose, telling stories with morals.
For my own interpretation of this art form, I look to Aesop's Fables; tried and true narratives, with morals that share a common ground with the stories from long ago. I want to work in my own aesthetic, however, using modern America as the backdrop for any story i reinterpret. I would be interested in exploring more traditional visuals with respect to individual countries as an aside, but my main goal is to create what i consider to be an American interpretation of shadow puppetry.
- Topic: Shadow puppetry as an art from.
- Stories
- Subject Matter
- Inspirations
- Aesthetic
- Cultural Philosophies (Religion? Entertainment? Govt? Rebellion?)
- Technique and beliefs
- What I hope to gain:
- Insight on tried and true storytelling practices.
- Studying their subject matter and techniques to expand upon the techniques I can use to tell stories.
- Work within and expand upon an aesthetic I a interested in.
- Project Ideas?
- Reinterpret older story styles? (Try to replicate aesthetic in After Effects, or add to it?
- Both can be investigative.
- Reinterpret Aesop's Fables
- Modern aesthetic, modern america.
- Could use facets of older shadow puppet stylings in addition to my own.
- Major Sources:
- Javanese: Wayang Kulit
- Chinese
- French
- Thai
- Greek
Proposal:
My interests in shadow puppetry originally began with an admiration for the aesthetic, the use of silhouettes to tell stories. Upon conducting research, my interest has expanded into the way stories are told through shadow puppetry - the characters they create, the types of stories they tell, as well as the inspirations for these stories. Learning about different countries' interpretations of the art form has inspired me to explore all facets of shadow puppetry this semester, with respect to its original purpose, telling stories with morals.
For my own interpretation of this art form, I look to Aesop's Fables; tried and true narratives, with morals that share a common ground with the stories from long ago. I want to work in my own aesthetic, however, using modern America as the backdrop for any story i reinterpret. I would be interested in exploring more traditional visuals with respect to individual countries as an aside, but my main goal is to create what i consider to be an American interpretation of shadow puppetry.
What stories are you looking into making animations from? Would you adopt an overall style for your shadow puppetry or would you add a blend of other cultures into the style? I see that you want the American interpretation of shadow puppetry but I think it would be nice to show some of the cultural references that you studied.
ReplyDeleteQ has a good point in you should know now which stories you would like to emulate in your projects. I know you have mentioned The Tortoise and the Hare but what else? You may want to reference some of the styles/cultural aspects of shadow puppetry with your new age American material as well. And when you say American interpretation, are you interested in urban, rural, suburban, etc. imagery or something entirely else? The way your stories are projected and taken in depend on which route you take.
ReplyDeleteIt may be interesting to reinterpret these old morals into a more modern day lesson. After seeing your first project, it definitely reflects on more modern day behaviors. The most striking aspect I found with your first project is the way you treated the background. If you are going to be using these silhouettes as your "characters" which are dull and simple in character, I think the way you treat the background is key. I would like to see you experiment with different ways of treating the background and then maybe you can figure out with style works best for you.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of these simple and concise representations of well-known stories. I also like the shadow puppetry idea. Its amazing how much you can convey with a black shape. Kara Walker's whole style is based on silhouettes and they are so dramatic and beautiful. I think with your amount of skill with the programs and vector graphics, you are more than capable of conveying these stories, even with a complex story line.
ReplyDelete