Art In Motion – Stop Motion

// March 25th, 2009 // Art in Motion

Art is often thought of in the paradigm of static things, in the way that painting, sculpture, and architecture often fit into our classical interpretation of “Art”. Over time we have expanded our concept of art to include things like performance theater, photography, and even the movies. However with the perpetuation of the mass media the lines between art and reality begin to blur. We are bombarded with advertisements, music, and television shows on a daily basis. Where do we now draw the line between what is, and is not art? Is something only art if it hangs in the Louvre, or the National Galleries? I think most would agree that art is all around us, I would further argue that art is, for the most part, simply a function of design. In the series Art in Motion I would like to begin exploring how art is being shaped by new mediums, and some of the developing trends perpetuated by mass media. The series will examine the aesthetic beauty created in combining both new and old artistic movements with the wonders of modern technology.

Stop Motion

Stop motion is in many ways is the basis for all video, as video is really nothing more than a series of continuous pictures linked together. The beauty of stop motion is its ability to bring life to inanimate objects. It gained popularity in claymation as a way to bring three dimensional clay figures into life. Today, the same stop motion techniques are used to add artistic styling to animation, or to make the mundane seem surreal. Below are examples of stop motion video in various different styles, some use more fluid movement while other chose a more jerky effect. Each slight variation in stop motion technique lends its self to diffrent artistic styles.

Her Morning Elegance

This is a music video created for Oren Lavie’s song “Her Morning Elegance”. Just really classic stop motion techniques, and excellent photography by Eyal Landesman.

Pancakes For Your Face

This stop motion was created by James Provan, it consists of 2500 frames and took over 90 hours to create.

Abstract Thoughts

Stop motion animations of sand art an a paint by Darryn James.

How We Met

A touching tale of how two lovers found their heart! Aaw… But this is actually a viral marketing campaign by www.zoomintosee.com, 9 million Youtube views later I would say it worked.

I Met The Walrus

I can’t find any information on who made this video, but the audio is a 1969 interview of John Lennon by 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan who broke into his hotel room. At any rate this is an awesome abstract stop motion animation.

Hitchhiker’s Choice

Created by Ljudbilden & Piloten this is just a simple stop motion animation put to music in a unique way.

One Week Of Artwork

One week, one wall, watch as this wall painted and repainted over the course of a week. Created in Japan by Daisuke Yamamoto and Noiz-Davi

Room

Same concept as above. One bedroom is transformed over the course of a week. Daisuke Yamamoto and Noiz-Davi

L’homme 100 têtes

Playing off the theme of a recent video contest, « Transformation : Live and React », Julien Lassort and Matthieu Burlot (France) explored the human face, the most exposed and personal part of the human body. Their dynamic portrayal of 100 and one faces is a mosaic of portraits and emotions that plays off of the power of faces seen close up. Julien Fargo composed the melody that encapsulates the film.

A Short Love Story In Stop Motion

A couple of pencil-outlined birds escape from a little girl´s drawing, leading us through the life she dreams of. Created by Carlos Lascano

Noah

Noah Kalina takes a picture of himself everyday for 6 years. Music by Carly Comando.

Rejected

This is an internet classic by Don Hertzfeldt.

The Art of Motion

Created by Russell Wyner

Between You and Me

Award winning short crated with over 2000 stills. By Patryk Rebsiz.

Additional Resources

♦ How to Make Stop-Motion Video Shorts with Your Digital Camera

♦ 50 Incredible Stop Motion Videos

♦ Istopmotion – Mac based stop motion software.

♦ JPGVideo – Free PC based stop motion software.

♦ How to Create a Stop Motion Animation