Technique and Impulse-

In the pursuit of animation study, we often look to techniques and principles. And yes, we do need a bit of that, but the essence lies just beneath what can be described and written into equation. Here, there is no principle or textbook, but a sense of how one relate to this life on Earth.

Interestingly, techniques and instincts are like reflection of the two sides of mind- reasons and emotions.

Techniques are governed by proven guidelines and principles, derived from past experiences. Instinct is impulse, without reason at point of origin.

There is no mystery to technique (they are meant to be clear and precise); but beyond technique lies the ‘mysterious’, and for lack of a better word- something ‘transcendence’.

In this particular path of bringing ‘life’ to animation, there is very little how-to, but a driven heighten sense of awareness; and the journey is highly personal.

For me, animating life is reflecting life; and that organic life at point of origin, feels like impulse, can’t really be explain or set into equation, elusive yet can clearly be felt and experience through inner senses.

Beautiful animated expression requires a delicate balance of both, but with impulse toward the mystery comes first; technique comes second.

(Above, a scene from first year in college; I was up all night trying to complete the scene. At certain point, I was exhausted; the mind stopped being analytical and instinct took hold. By morning, I didn’t know how I’ve arrived at such result; it’s clearer to me now.)