CPS Week 2 - Tinkering as Method

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Context

I chose to examine a new medium for this exercise, and use a straight-ahead animation technique to let my response evolve as it unfolded. I chose to use simple shape and abstract form to represent this, and was inspired by the work of Fleischer Studios and Art Clokey's claymation creations, especially 'Gumbasia' (1955) and the Gumby television series. 

Method

I will explore abstract animation through tinkering with straight ahead stop motion animation focused on shape, form and transformation.

Response

I generated multiple responses, which built to the final video, which was a series of small scenes that I combined into one piece. 

My secondary short video can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOh6ql8fOI0

Reflection for Folio:

Creating without a plan! Play, in its ultimate form. This was a very difficult concept to get my head around, as I almost always work with an idea in mind before putting pen/pencil to paper. However, I relished the opportunity to move out of my comfort zone and let the work develop itself through the process of making. I think this is much easier done with mediums other than pen or marker, as they are rather structured tools. In contrast, something like a stick of charcoal lends itself directly to more flowing, impulsive creation. One can use the point if desired, or the length of the charcoal. Furthermore, the shape of the tool develops as you use it and wear away certain areas.

This is similar in my mind to clay, which can take almost limitless forms. I also have no experience using clay for animation. I thought these factors make clay eminently suitable for this task, as I would be forced to let the experience of exploring the material and medium guide the work. This freedom was refreshing, as I am in the (bad) habit of sticking to my comfort zone during most creative endeavours. More than anything, I think this theme showed me the value of embracing change in the production of a project, even during the course of creating it.