Style Frames

I developed a few style frames to capture the mood and style I'm hoping to achieve in Living Without. These frames are based on possible images from the film. They also demonstrate the subtraction drawing technique I will use in the animation.

Letting your mind wander

My Pre-Thesis advisor Christine Panushka was such a great influence in developing my idea. She allowed my classmates and me to let go and explore our ideas thoroughly before settling down. Here are a few sketches from my exploration.

Film References

Several films have inspired me in developing the look of my film. These filmmakers know how to create wonderful films with compelling stories, elegant compositions, and strong emotions.

I also looked at William Kentridge for his impressive technique with charcoal. He is a real master of additive hand-drawn animation and an artistic genius.

When the Day Breaks - Amanda Forbis, Wendy Tilby

 Two Sisters - Caroline Leaf

William Kentridge

Black Soul - Martine Chartrand

Frederic Back

Overview of My Film

Living Without will follow the story of an old man thinking of his late wife who has recently passed  away from cancer. He is going through his lonely, daily routine while memories of their former life continually cloud his thoughts.

Hall's poem "A Letter in Autumn" will serve as the voice over narration of the old man. The film will be created through subtraction hand-drawn animation.


PAST PERSONAL ART INFLUENCE
The visual style of my animation is directly related to the artistic style I have developed through my career. Simplification of composition and creating implied forms has been a theme in my work. Light has also been a beautiful and important element to me. I will try to use light to create mood and tone in my animation.

Below are a few of my past drawings that demonstrate my interest in light and the style I will be using in my film.

Introduction to "Living Without"

This blog is dedicated to my process of developing Living Without, my MFA Thesis film. My film is based on the poem "A Letter in Autumn" from the book Without by Donald Hall, Poet Laureate of the United States in 2006. I chose this poem because it embodies the feeling of loss and grief that comes when losing a loved one.

I first read the poems in Hall's Without after the death of my dear aunt and uncle. His poems touched me so deeply and helped me get through that difficult time in my life. I always wanted to create a film to honor my late family members and this is my chance to do so.