The Pebble Casserole

Lego Animation Workshop brought to you by ASIFA-Colorado

2011-08-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

This August ASIFA-Colorado and Ones & Zeros hosted a four hour Lego Workshop at the Mamie Daud Broomfield Library. The turnout was impressive, with around 70 families showing up at the door. Unfortunately, we only had space for about 40 of them. Together, the children split into teams and concepted an epic battle between Earthlings, Pirates and Martian Dinosaurs! Each team shot an scene and the entire short was edited and projected on site. What a fantastic experience for event planners and participants alike. Thanks to all the parents who stuck around and helped, and all the kids who mustered great attitudes especially when sharing their beloved toys with strangers. Check out the video!

ASIFA-Colorado brings Bill Plympton to Denver, Colorado!

2011-05-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

What an amazing weekend spent with legendary independent animator, Mr. Bill Plympton! Since the days of MTV's Liquid Television, Bill Plympton has been a hero of mine. Friday and Saturday, ASIFA-Colorado and Dylan Krider hosted Bill as he presented his latest animations, as well as works in progress. Bill was kind enough to answer all our questions about the business of animation, as well hang out with us after each show. Everyone who interacted with him got a hand drawn cartoon character. Thanks to everyone who made this happen!

Faculty Artshow Features Two Medical Illustrations

2011-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the opening for the Art in Education Faculty art show featuring works, both new and old, by Wes Price. One called "The Extensors of the Forearm" was a cadaver muscle study rendered in watercolor and gouache on illustration board, an old technique. The other also originated as a cadaver sketch, "Posterior Scapular and Brachial Anatomy", yet was rendered using the wacom pen and pressure sensitive tablet with Adobe Illustrator. The Culinary Department catered the event with an assortment of smoked salmon, shrimp and other delectables from the sea! The show will be up in the John Jellico Gallery on the first floor of the Art Institute at 12th and Lincoln until June 12th.

Wes Price named "Faculty of the Year 2011" by the Art Institute of Colorado

2011-05-09T12:34:00.001-07:00

At the all school meeting at the Denver Art Museum on Wednesday, May 4th, the Staff and Faculty of the Year awards were presented. Frank Varney, Chair of the Photography Department, and Wes Price, Full-time Faculty Media Arts and Animation, were this year's recipients. Being faculty and/or staff is ALWAYS a team effort.

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this prestigious award possible!!

Wes Price appears in HD.net's Kid's Scene Animation

2011-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

I am a Board Member for ASIFA-Colorado, the local chapter of international animation association. We are responsible for providing animation programming for kids, teens and adults all along the Front Range of Colorado. Recently we completed an animation workshop for kids, called Animation Station, delivered as part of the annual Starz Denver Film Festival. This year we were shadowed by HD.net as they were filming kids doing creative activities in Colorado.

Check out the final movie at HD.NET here!

Scroll ALL the way to the bottom and we are one of the featured trailers....

Wes Price submits his portfolio for medical illustration certification

2011-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

One of the many requirements to receive certification as a medical illustrator is to submit a portfolio containing 8 pieces of medical art and/or animation.

Featured here from that portfolio is an animatic produced as a collaboration with Dr. Maizels of the CEVL group. This is a work in progress that utilizes a unique, stop motion animation created during the 2010 AMI conference in Portland Oregon.

Check out the other pieces, plus a detailed narrative, from this link.

Posted a little late, Dragon Tattoo created by Wes Price for Halloween

2010-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

I thought it worth posting. My medical illustration colleague Annie Gough entrusted me with crafting a custom dragon tattoo for her Halloween costume, of course, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! She drew the original and I used black and red sharpies to emulate and elaborate on her original design.

Wes Price featured on the Boulder Digital Arts Website

2010-11-22T18:21:00.001-08:00

I'm also a freelance teacher all along the Front Range of Colorado. Some of my clients include Photographers, Videographers, Stylists, and Illustrators who are looking for specific, custom training in various artistic software. For Instance, you could take one day class in Adobe Illustrator or Adobe AfterEffects with me at the Boulder Digital Arts center located in Boulder, Colorado. Check out my colleagues and their interviews here. Mine is about three-quarters of the way down the page, we're listed in alphabetical order.

New Logo Design by Wes Price for a children's Tipi company

2010-11-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Just wrapping up the freelance year here in Colorado. I got a call from an old friend who needed a logo designed for her new venture in children's tipis called "Little Turtle's Tipi" based out of Bozeman, Montana. As always, I started with a page of thumbnail sketches, then we narrowed it down to certain idea in which we added type and then color. Check out the website at www.littleturtlestipi.com.

New ASIFA-CO site!

2010-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

ASIFA-Colorado has a brand new website!

Check out the all new asifa-colorado.org, brought to you by members of the Pebble Casserole. We hope to be adding a lot more content and features in the coming weeks. Also, rumor has it that Casserolers will be terrorizing the Starz Denver Film Festival for the next two weeks or so. Sightings are highly possible at the Animation Station workshops & competition, hanging out with Johnnie Walker at the Filmmakers' Lounge, late night showings of avant garde films about hallways, and possibly even the world premiere of Not Your Typical Bigfoot II: The Legend of Curly's Gold. At this time these are only rumors...you'll have to show up to find out for yourself.

GI JOE STOP MOTION!

2010-10-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

NO, it's not Robot Chicken! It's a stop motion I'm creating for the 4th Annual GI Joe Stop Motion Film Festival based in Denver Colorado. I started creating it in conjunction with an ASIFA-Colorado workshop we delivered as part of this year's festival. Anyone who has ever used a computer to complete a complicated task should know how this hapless character feels!

Adventures in Medical Stop Motion: The Workshop!

2010-10-06T20:59:00.001-07:00

Here are the results of a successful stop motion workshop I delivered to the Association of Medical Illustrators 2010 conference in Portland, Oregon. Pay particular attention to the first animation where a surgical towel comes to life after an ill fated suture accident. This was a collaboration with Dr. Max Maizels of the Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago. We are experimenting in creating an animation that would teach good knot tying and suture habits. Others who participated in the workshop include Medical Illustration professionals and students.

Stop Motion: Geeks and Pork

2010-03-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

From my favorite guest blogger, Sarah! er...LuLu! Thanks!

It's JibJab for geeks!

My two favorite things: trying to understand entropy and watching random stop motion animation clips.

And I thought I would throw in a classic just for fun:
A Wolf Loves Pork
It says "Enjoy a connection with the world of the room and the world in the photograph."
Well, I did thoroughly enjoy it.

And of course... the commercial which spawned from the original idea:

Geeks and Pork. I love Spring Break!

2nd Quarterly 16mm Extravaganza at the Ubisububi!

2010-02-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all! to the Ubisububi room under the Thin Man Tavern! Saturday Feb 13th!

ASIFA-Colorado Presents: 16mm Cartoon Extravaganza!
February 13th Ubisububi Room, below the Thin Man Tavern
East 17th & Race Denver
5pm – 6:30pm
$5 non-members
$2 with student id
members free

Animation Enthusiasts Unite! Open to the public and everyone is invited. Come join us for this rare and fantastic screening of Vintage Saturday Morning cartoons on genuine 16 mm film. Film! And if you happen to have a gem to show, bring it along. Dig out those old dusty reels! Show your own short films even if you have to BRING THEM ON DVD. Or arrive, relax, drink a beverage and just enjoy the show!

ASIFA-Colorado is the regional arm of the International Animated Film Association headquartered in Annecy, France and was established in 2001 as a non-profit organization devoted to cultivating and promoting the art, craft, education and profession of Animation all along the Front Range. We are dedicated to connecting the general public with the awesome power, diversity, and application of animation in all media. Please join us for a night to remember!

MAA Alumni Cody Cobler Animating for a New FX Show

2010-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Simon's Cat!

2010-02-01T09:58:00.001-08:00

If you've ever owned a cat, or observed one in the wild, this animated site is for you!

enjoy...

Stop Motion TV Spot: Kindle

2010-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks Todd Debreceni!

Local Indie Film to have fundraiser this Saturday!

2010-01-29T13:11:00.001-08:00

Come on out to the Bug Theatre to party with the cast and crew of a local indie kung fu film. I am working with several students and alumni to create the opening credits, a la Napolean Dynamite..but with SUSHI!

Ellen Woodbury - Disney Animator!!

2010-01-28T12:48:00.001-08:00

I'd love to introduce to you Ellen Woodbury. She is our newest animation faculty at the Art Institute of Colorado and no less a character animator who enjoyed a thriving career at a little known studio called "Disney" :)

She now resides in Loveland and is putting on a show of her sculpture as well as pre-production art from her work on Lion King and others.

Her write up as follows:

Loveland Museum Gallery
February 27 through April 11, 2010.
"From Magic Dust to Marble Dust,"
will feature 2 of my animated scenes (one from Aladdin and one from The Lion King) along with ruffs and model sheets, gallery cels, maquettes, and thumbnails from Hercules and The Lion King. I will have a tape loop running of some of my work on a monitor along with the Disney artwork. Also featured will be my pastel life drawing and my stone sculpture.
Opening Reception March 12. from 5-6 pm
I will present a 1-hour (or so) talk on my work as an animator and how that experience has influenced my stone sculpting career. The reception will then run until 8 pm. I will also present a bouncing ball lecture on March 20 and a flipbook-making workshop on March 27.

Local Game Company NetDevil Previews its Lego Universe!

2010-01-22T15:20:00.000-08:00

Video Games | LEGO Universe | CES 10: Walkthrough Part I

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Wow...this looks fantastic. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it will be a huge hit. I love the secondary animation in gui when you are choosing your character's style of legs, torso, etc..
Great job NetDevil!

Latest Artwork by Wes Price

2010-01-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

In another act of shameless self promotion, (as well as the promotion of my Sister's new Album), I thought I'd share some of the artwork I created, still sparkling with effervescent electrical digits!!

You can hear and read more about Stacy's music and new album here. Come see a show with us if you can!

Creativity & New Media Symposium in Boulder, feat. Disney Producer Don Hahn

2010-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

An exciting new media event comes to Boulder next month, featuring Disney Producer Don Hahn and other great guests. This is part of the Boulder International Film Festival, which the Casserole understands will be hosting another big guest this year: Alec Baldwin. Here's the full press release on the Symposium:

BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 14, 2010) – The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), the Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media (COFTM) and the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) are hosting the inaugural Digital Media Convergence Symposium (DiMe) on Feb. 12 at St. Julien Hotel in downtown Boulder.

‘DiMe’ is a multi-tiered event that focuses on Colorado’s technology and entertainment industries will be held as part of the Boulder International Film Festival. The event features a panel of local and national leaders in animation, HD filmmaking, media convergence, game development, music and business.

“We are thrilled to co-host this unique event during the Boulder International Film Festival,” said Kathy Beeck, festival co-founder and director. “As long-time supporters of Colorado and its working artists, we believe that DiMe will not only spark productive conversations but also open eyes to the many creative possibilities here.”

“Colorado has a long tradition of creative resources, and in the last decade has also become a fertile landscape for new technology companies,” said Don Marostica, head of Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “DiMe will present the depth and breadth of these existing and emerging industries with an eye on keeping these coveted jobs within the Centennial state.”

The DiMe panel will include:

Moderator: Robert Reich, founder of OneRiot and Boulder-Denver Tech Meetup
Panelist: Don Hahn, Producer, Disney, (“Beauty and the Beast”, “The Lion King”)
Panelist: Michael Brown, founder of Serac Adventure Films & Film School, HD Filmmaker
Panelist: David Rolfe, VP Integrated Media, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Panelist: Brian Robbins, Founder, Riptide Games
Panelist: Jason Mendelson, Managing Director, Foundry Group, and member of Soul Patch

Also included in the ticket price is the debut screening of Don Hahn’s latest film, “Waking Sleeping Beauty,” a documentary that looks candidly at what happened in the creative ranks at Disney from 1984-1994 that lead the company from pessimism and flops to an amazing renaissance. The film will screen at 7 p.m. at the newest BIFF venue, the First United Methodist Church, at 1421 Spruce St., just north of the Boulder Theater.

Tickets for DiMe are $35 and can be purchased online at biff1.com, bouldertheater.com, or by calling the Boulder Theater at 303-786-7030. DiMe begins at 3 p.m., followed by a cash bar reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m.

For more information about DiMe, please visit www.biff1.com/dime.

OK...here's another Blog I need to be advertising...smart or not

2010-01-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hey, do you guys know John Kricfalusi?

Well, I bet you know Ren & Stimpy, and possibly The Goddamn George Liquor Program.

Wouldn't you know, this guy has his own blog just like me!? He's got doodles, sketches, and deviant drawings...called John K Stuff!

Check it out!!

The Director of the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive is on BoingBoing.net!

2010-01-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

Stephen Worth, the director of the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive is guest blogging for a couple of weeks on BoingBoing.net. It's probably not smart to advertise another famous blog on your own blog, but I know I'll be reading. Check out this interesting post.

Selected Stop-Motion Shorts from Sarah

2010-01-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

stop motion videos:

i like the movement in this one
"Life Is Editing"

i like the black and white in this one
"Que Sera Sera (is print dead?)"

i like the soundtrack to this one, and it's funny
"The 10 Commandments: No. 5 Thou Shalt Not Kill"

i like how simple and strangely entertaining this one is
"BnC_LearnWalk"

ok, i'm done... except for this one

this one is just art (not stop motion)
pretty! with cheesy words!
Check it out!

thanks Sarah!!!

Film incentive program to get another facelift

2010-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

On January 5th, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter hosted a Creative Industries Press Conference at Newell Design Studio (the professional home of Friend of the Casserole Jeffery Ryan Moody). Gov. Ritter discussed a new three bill package of legislation that would streamline efforts to assist the creative industries in Colorado.

Gov. Bill Ritter unveiling three bills designed to promote arts and film in Colorado at Newell Design, Denver Jan. 5, 2010. Photo: Richard J Schneider

The first of Ritter's proposals would relax restrictions on incentive legislation passed in 2009. From CFVA's Richard J. Schneider:

Currently, Colorado offers a 10 per cent cash rebate on eligible production budgets spent in Colorado. Out-of-state companies pass Colorado on by because other states offer richer incentive packages. Plus, Colorado's requirement that 75 per cent of the crew must be state residents and 75 per cent of the below the line budget must be spent in the state are considered too restrictive to lure outside business into the state.

Ritter's new proposal relaxes some of those restrictions, but doesn't add any additional funds to the incentive package, which receives about $300,000 a year from state gambling revenues. Also, the governor said none of the bills in the package will cost taxpayers any additional funds; the bills mostly involve reorganization and changes to make sure existing incentive revenues are paid out.

The other two bills in the package would:

Merge the Colorado Council on the Arts, Art in Public Places and the Office of Film, Television and Media into a new Colorado Creative Industry Division within the Governor's Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Clarify and strengthen the state's Arts In Public Places program that requires a one per cent set aside on certain state-funded construction projects for public art.

If you are a member of the Colorado Film and Video Association, you can view the whole article on the CFVA site. If you are not a member, the Pebble Casserole encourages you to become a member to gain full access to this and the other excellent information that CFVA offers.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

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A gem from youtube!

Discovering Ardi TONIGHT at 9pm on Discovery channel

2009-10-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Just a late heads up that tonight Discovery channel will be airing a show that I (Daev Finn) worked hard on with some former AIC students freelancing at Impossible Pictures in Denver. The show is Discovering Ardi at 9pm on Discovery channel.

The students, Jackie Evans my lead Lighter and fear less leaf wrangler. Russ Adkisson, lighter and forest ranger. Toby Cochran animator and entrepreneur extraordinaire.

There is a story behind the story of the Ardi that only my team will know for sure, put succinctly we pulled off in six weeks a project with incredible challenges and hurdles. Our work is Ardipithecus (Ardi for short) whenever she appears in the jungle, including the environments.

So my congratulations to my AIC alumni team for pulling off such a high profile job, under truly challenging circumstances.

Daev

http://www.daevfinnstudio.com/

16mm Cartoon Extravaganza at the Ubisububi Room, Thin Man Tavern!

2009-10-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

ASIFA-Colorado Presents: 16mm Cartoon Extravaganza!

October 24th Ubisububi Room, below the Thin Man Tavern

East 17th & Race Denver

5pm – 6:30pm

$5 non-members

$2 with student id

members free

Animation Enthusiasts Unite! Open to the public and everyone is invited. Come join us for this rare and fantastic screening of Vintage Saturday Morning cartoons on genuine 16 mm film. Film! And if you happen to have a gem to show, bring it along. Dig out those old dusty reels! Or just show up, relax, drink a beverage and enjoy the show!

ASIFA-Colorado is the regional arm of the International Animated Film Association headquartered in Annecy, France and was established in 2001 as a non-profit organization devoted to cultivating and promoting the art, craft, education and profession of Animation all along the Front Range. We are dedicated to connecting the general public with the awesome power, diversity, and application of animation in all media. Please join us for a night to remember!

And the Winner is!!! Brian Adams

2009-10-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Brian has been a student of mine over the last few years. He's a highly creative animator and it shows in this award winning piece. Every quarter we are giving out a free ASIFA-Colorado membership to the student who submits a fantastic stopmotion or alternative animation short to the Art Institute's REEL thing. Brian completed several shorts for my class, and this one is very imaginitive, and its hard not to notice a strong influence by Don Hertzfeldt's stick figure animations. Congratulations Brian!

Joey Gasiorek's Almost Winning Piece at Reel Thing

2009-10-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

This was the original selection for the ASIFA-Colorado membership award. Joey did a fine job reinterpreting and paying homage to Norman McClaren's classic ant-war pixilation piece entitled "Neighbors". One hitch though, Joey submitted THE WRONG FILE! Oh well, I wanted to show off this piece anyway...better luck next time!

Join The Pebble Casserole for First Friday (tomorrow!)

2009-10-01T14:46:00.001-07:00

The Pebble Casserole proudly presents a night to remember. Wes Price (along with Joey Buhrer and Emily Moyer) will be joining forces with Andrew Madison and Rob Rebitzke at the alternative art galleries at 1280 Sherman Street. We are on the outskirts of the Golden Triangle, a veritable outpost of creativity not to be ignored. But if you know where 12 and Sherman is, we are located above City O' City, Moxie Hairstyling Salon and Pandora Jewelry...Come Join us FRIDAY OCT. 2nd from 6 - 10pm! Featuring the lastest paintings and projected animation, you will not be sorry you made the trek. There's a possibility that the Art Bus will serve us as well. Refreshments provided! See you there!

Look OUT here they come!!!

2009-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Meet the new graduates of the Media Arts and Animation department, portfolio winners! Joel Smart, Diana Connolly and Matt Campbell were schmoozing it up at the Convention center, no doubt ready to get out of their monkey suits and celebrate three years of very hard work. Congratulations! (and who is that checking out Matt Campbell's work? None other than Matt Bellows, AiC alumni and medical animator at eTrinsic based out of LoDo) I had a chance to do some freelance work with eTrinsic, on a gastric band project. Check it out here!

360 iDev: iPhone Developers Conference

2009-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sept 27-30, the iDev iPhone Developers Conference is happening in Denver. This conference features workshops and sessions on all things iPhone app development, including 2D and 3D animation and OpenGL.

"Bringing together the best and brightest of the iPhone development community! This 3-day event will take place September 27 to 30, 2009 @ The Curtis Hotel in Denver, CO."

The Curtis Hotel
1405 Curtis Street
Denver, CO 8020

http://www.360idev.com/

This event will feature some of the best iPhone App developers in the world (including 2 of the top 3 paid app developers!). Plenty of great speakers, presentations and workshops. We are lucky to have this event in Denver, so make sure to check it out.

This just in...

2009-09-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

The '09 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships (popularly known as the "MacArthur Genius Grants") were announced today. Camille Utterback isn't technically an animator, she's more of a multimedia installation artist, but her work does include animation and she is the closest thing to an animator that has won a Mac fellowship in a long time. Check it out:

http://www.camilleutterback.com/index.html

Thanks Joey!

The 2009 Summer REEL THING at the STARZ Tivoli Theatre!

2009-09-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

It is that time again folks, the Art Institute proudly presents it's quarterly REEL Thing, an animated showcase of student and faculty work. Come one, come all to this totally free event at the Starz Tivoli Theatre, on the Auraria Campus in the Tivoli Student Union this Thursday, September 24th from 7 to 10pm. This projection features 3D, 2D and even stopmotion work, such at this little ditty by student Moses Guardado. See you there!

GhostBandit unveiled at iTunes Store!

2009-09-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'm both an illustrator and an animator. My bread and butter is illustration and I've often been asked to do a wide variety of graphic design elements, from GUI design for videogames to logos for business cards. One of my most recent published designs was something i created for Six Dozen Studio, headed up by one of my great colleagues from undergrad Tom White. Tom has been a trusted "partner in crime" since being a neighbor in the dorms at the University of Georgia. He has hired me to do logo design for programs he's engineered from way back in the day. I was fortunate enough to assist in his software presentation at Siggraph in LA '95. Tom is a computer genius to say the least and I am honored he hired me to collaborate and create a character/logo for his new iPhone app called "GhostBandit".

This handy little gadget will shred or scramble any photo you want with the flick of the finger on your iPhone screen. You can easily de-shred as well. But more practical, you can apply a reversible shred on any photo that can be unlocked with an embedded password. (Note to all you sexters out there who've accidently sent a pic to the wrong recipient...embarrassing!) I thought it might be interesting for you to see my thought process in the design of the little guy. Above are some of the plates I submitted to Tom & Six Dozen Studio for their approval. To buy this app follow the link to the iTunes store here, or to the GhostBandit website here.

Griddleville on BoingBoing!

2009-09-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey, check out the write up on this animation posted on BoingBoing today.

On a scale from 1 - 10, I give "9" a "7"

2009-09-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

So, Randy Buckle and I payed a visit to the UA Pavilions on the 16th the street mall the other day to see the much anticipated "9". I'm sure you have read similar reviews. I had no idea what to expect, I had only watched the preview before Coraline. The only thing that bothered me about the movie 9 was it's STRICT adherence to the mythic structure of Joseph Campbell, because it didn't stray at all from the time tested (and now a little stale) interpretation of the hero's journey. Also, I could tell that the creators were big fans of The Animatrix, whereby machines with evil red jewels for eyes terrorize the post-apocalyptic "free world" (They could've claimed their own color instead, red was taken). But the steampunk style, design and execution was incredibly beautiful and fascinating. I say, go pay money to see it, because it's beautiful and it supports indie animators like Shane Acker who have brought their stories to a larger audience (with a little help from Tim Burton & Co.)

6th Annual Denver 24 Hour Comics Challenge

2009-09-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

What: The CAI is proud to present this year’s 24 Hour Comics Challenge

Where: Enchanted Grounds at 8800 S. Colorado Blvd., in Highlands Ranch

When: 2 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2009 to 2 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2009

Registration: While spectators are free, the registration fee for participating is $25, and registration will be limited to the first 32 people. EVENT IS FULL, but spectators are welcome to come. Click here for more information.

Etc.: Those completing stories will be welcome to contribute their stories to the official 2009 Denver 24 Hour Comic Challenge anthology published by the Squid Works. Registration costs and sponsorships will defray printing costs for each contributing artist and each sponsor receiving a copy of the book. Additional copies can be obtained at full wholesale or retail cost directly from the Squid Works (available after the event).

Ringling College Admission Event

2009-09-15T21:46:00.001-07:00

"Admissions Information Sessions
Meet admissions staff, and learn about Ringling College, how to apply, portfolio preparation, and more!"

Thursday, September 24, 2009
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Marriott Denver Tech Center
4900 S. Syracuse Street
Denver, Colo. 80237
RSVP by September 20, to ekaster@ringling.edu or call 941-351-5100

National Portfolio Day (A national event that RMCAD is participating in this year)

2009-09-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

"National Portfolio Days are educational events for young artists held at host colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada. Portfolio Days bring together students and experienced college representatives, who review artwork, offer critique, discuss college plans, and share information about their schools."

http://www.portfolioday.net/
http://www.rmcad.edu/student-life/portfolio-review-day-2009-09-27

Today is the release of "9"!!!

2009-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the student oscar nominated film that made it all possible!

A New Wes Anderson Movie IN STOP MOTION!!!

2009-09-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Jason Bennett, who resides in Brooklyn, turned me on to this trailer. I don't know much about the film, but it looks fantastic!

Instructor Steve Smith give free seminar on Stereoscopic viewing for animation

2009-09-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hi all, on Wednesday September 9th from 11:45 – 12:15 in the Penthouse (which is the 10th floor) of the Art Institute of Colorado at 1200 Lincoln Street, AiC instructor Steve Smith will be presenting "A Practical Guide to Stereography for Stills and Motion"
This is research from his recent Sabbatical
Some topics to be discussed:
- Use of Print and Computers for Viewing Stereo Images
- Inexpensive viewing methods for Animation and 3D
- Tips for Creating Stereo Stills and Motion Images

Should be a hoot! Hope to see you there.

BTW, I personally visited Steve's house in the mountains a few weeks ago and saw his studio. He's been graphics artist longer than I've been alive, and his interest in computer graphics came at a time when very few considered it "art". But that didn't stop Steve, he completed a master's thesis on replicating tiled patterns and some of the results are absolutely astonishing. (This is not all that he's capable of!)

For more information about Steve Smith and his work, check out his website here!

AiC Grads Jameson Weaver and Mike Wilson Compete at ANIBOOM!

2009-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

HEY KIDS!!! (THIS JUST IN FROM JAMESON WEAVER)

Well we almost didn't make it, but if you haven't heard ANIBOOM.COM is hosting "The FOX Holiday Animation Challenge". Mike Wilson and myself have worked long and hard to create our short for the contest entitled- "Holiday Holdem"! The short features the likes of such holiday celebrities as Santa, Easter Bunny, Cupid, Leprechaun and many more!! What's even more sweet is that YOU have the POWER OF THE VOTE!! You can vote for your favorite cartoon by signing up with ANIBOOM.COM and become a part of animation history!!

Five Finalists will be selected and one grand prize winner will be chosen to create a super awesome Holiday Special for FOX network television!!! Help us spread the word and holiday animation cheer all over the world!!

Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at Aniboom

I speak for Wilson and myself when I say THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUPPORT, Love Ya!!!!

Direct Link to our toon!!- http://www.aniboom.com/competitions/Fox/393568/Holiday-Holdem/

Jameson Weaver

ANIMATION STATION at the Erie Library!

2009-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago ASIFA-Colorado was asked to come deliver a workshop to the kids in the Erie community.

We took over their community space at the public library, and spent all day experimenting with different styles and techniques.

It always blows me away when we get the results back. Kids of all ages are natural animators and can come up with the most intriguing frames on a

Saturday afternoon. Helping out was Evert Brown, Joey Buhrer, Ed Desroches and Wes Price. We had a lot of fun that day - thanks to everyone involved!

Animation Resources for All!

2009-09-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ed Desroches, one of our ASIFA board members, was kind enough to collect some vital resources for the beginning independent 2D animator. Here are some links for your future endeavors:

Light Table Directions:

CARDBOARD - http://www.asifa-colorado.org/Workshops/images/ltTblCrdbrd.jpg

WOOD - http://www.asifa-colorado.org/Workshops/images/ltTblWood.jpg

Or you can search for one pre-made and get other animation supplies at:

http://www.lightfootltd.com/index.php

Free animation software can be found at:

MONKEY JAM - http://www.giantscreamingrobotmonkeys.com/monkeyjam/index.html

ANASAZI - http://www.animateclay.com/index.php?module=Pages&func=display&pageid=24

Just hook up a webcam and you’re ready to animate! Thanks ED!

"STUBBORN MAN" resists the burn in Black Rock City

2009-09-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to write about Burningman because everything I can say seems cliched and overrated. I first made a pilgrimage to the Black Rock Desert of Nevada in 1999 and have struggled ever since to explain what I've seen there. I often try to correct those who claim that Burningman is merely Hedonism for its own sake, or "just a bunch of hippies" getting off in the desert. I say, sure it's sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, but you also can find that anywhere. What happens at Burningman is entirely unique yet common to all. I try to relate it to the ongoingSIGGRAPHcomputer graphics conference where emerging technologies applied to art have a venue with like-minding, tech-savvy global (and often geeky) brethren. Sure neo-hippies swarm at this alternative art conference in the desert, but they are not the only tribe that descend. They are joined by all walks of life, from grandmothers to children to bikers, programmers, lawyers, medics, musicians, rednecks, christians, native americans, farmers, politicians, writers, transvestites, football players, and maybe even your average Joe the plumbers. There's plumbers out there, I guarantee it. As well as a growing number of people from distant lands: Israel, Japan, Scotland, Fiji, France, England, you name it. And yet this continues to be an American phenomenon. Brazil has it's Carnival, and New Orleans has it's Mardi Gras even, but America has Burningman. "To those who ask: What is American Culture? Where is it? What does it look like? Their heads should point this way" exclaimed a participant on BMIR radiolast night. Another participant said it like this, "You can dismiss what is happening here. You can say its just a party, who cares!? But there are people here who are good caretakers of the human imagination as it unfolds." In fact, another said, "There is no describing it as much as living it. It is now a Global Event, a conference of the human imagination!" The symbolic burning of the man was streamed live from a webcam in the center of the action. Constructed of approximately 12 to 14 miles of board and 9.5 million nails, the Man refused to fall. I captured this screenshot time lapse animation of the event last night off the live feed from the Burningman website. Please enjoy!

Turtle Cam!

2009-09-05T16:46:00.001-07:00

First Friday was a success. Thanks to all who joined us for a fantastic evening.

Also successful, the monstrous, prehistoric BOB performed for the big screen!

Wes Price opens his studio for First Friday tonight!

2009-09-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I am opening my studio for the monthly First Friday Art Walk. We are located at 1280 Sherman, on the corner of 13th and Sherman above Moxie, City O' City and Pandora Jewelry. My studio mates, Madison and Rob, will be showing their newest paintings. I am going to project some ASIFA animations as well as my own work. Also, tonight will be the debut of "Turtle Cam!" A feeding in front of the camera for projection with one of our resident box turtles, the mighty BOB! Hope to see you there!

ASIFA is making the rounds...

2009-09-03T17:35:00.001-07:00

So as board member of our regional International Animation Association, I have been asked to promote our organization all over Denver.
This week I participated in the Resource Fair at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. The night before, I completed what I call "The Zoetroprototype"...a mockup of a large zoetrope made from bicycle parts, cardboard and a wooden stool. The frames were made in illustrator and rotoscoped from Edweard Muybridge's famous Animal Locomotion studies. It works pretty well in the dark with a bright spotlight, not so well under the ambient light of the sun. Those interested in ASIFA-Colorado should visit our website here.

The Pebble Casserole LIVES!!!

2009-09-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Goals - The Pebble Casserole is a dynamic team of local artists, animators and musicians whose common aspiration is to create a community dedicated to the Art of Animation. Deriving its name from the classic Brothers’ Grimm Stone Soup story, our team will coax tasty bits of hoarded talent from each participant to make a meal that satisfies the community soul. The concept is that by working together, and with everyone pitching in what they can, a greater good is discovered. We hope to complete animated shorts as well as generate storyboards, test animation frames, music and ideas for future productions. During the process, we hope to develop relationships and foster community with both our youth at one end of the spectrum and at the other, local business owners who are interested in the use of animation to create funky commercials and shorts featuring their products and services. One way or another, we will have fun and provide inspiration to the next generation of Denver storytellers.

Hear, Hear! and here is a movie made with Post -it Notes!

2009-06-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

My good friend Tom White, who graduated from MIT's infamous Media Lab, sent me this link.
I had talked to Emily and Joey about getting us all together for a night of shooting and editing some frames (plus food and drink!), and this is inspiring for what I want to accomplish that night, although I was thinking of using Legos as the actors. I would like to make a simple stop motion teaching pixel resolution, and this seems to show me the way, maybe you'll see what I saw in this short film.

Check it out!

stop-motion variant

2009-06-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love how many different ways there are to tell stories! This is a great example of a truly creative method, I understand that there were more than 700 scenes knitted for this piece.

2009-06-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! So sometimes I cruise the interwebs, watching for interesting or innovative animations, seeking inspirations and ideas. I recently encountered an artist named Stefan Nadelman, whose webpage is located at http://www.touristpictures.com/ . This guy is really inspired, and uses many different techniques as part of his storytelling process. In particular, I saw that in some of his short films, he utilizes actual photographs or real footage of real world places as backgrounds, sometimes even as the principle characters. I am inclined to think that we may benefit from this kind of technique as well, meaning that we could use actual photos or film of real places in Denver as the settings for our animated characters. Using some simple methods, we could apply these images as "skins" for three-dimensional shapes created in 3D Studio Max or some other whiz-bang program. I believe this could be a time-saving process, decreasing the amount of time needed to physically build environments, as well as adding a level of "verisimilitude" or suspension of disbelief to the entire feature. I encourage you to take a look at Nadelman's works to get a better idea of what I mean, as well as to simply enjoy this guy's creative process.

Miniature in CG: A Possible Direction

2009-06-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Randy! You snooze you lose! I'm posting your email before you can blog it again:

"Hiya Wes, I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow for your tour of my studio, but I just came across a video that made me think of something, and I wanted to see what you thought. There's this guy that does some really innovative animation, name's Stefan Nadelman. He's got some really good stuff. BUT, this link that I'm including uses a sort of composite animation style, using actual photographs as the environments for his animated characters. So, my question is about how easy it is to use this method versus going through the process of building elaborate sets for the stop motion we're planning. We'd still have to use the Forum for the primary character animations, but we might be able to save some time by compositing our characters on top of photos or footage, adding more "realism" to the whole endeavor. What do you think? I don't know how you feel about having to do so much work in computer to finish our piece, but do you think it might be easier or faster? Just throwing this one out there for us all to consider."

Randy's Tour of Cooper & Cunningham

2009-06-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

The animation crew of The Pebble Casserole had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Cooper & Cunningham studio tonight as a guest of Randy Buckle, the studio's manager.

The studio space is part of a warehouse complex north of Sheridan, (also home to a slaughterhouse, limo rental, HVAC) and from the outside you would never guess what beings are brought to life inside. Among the miniatures, is an enormous humanoid piece being sculpted for the city of Thornton. This is to be cast in bronze (mirrored and duplicated to be exact) and installed on site, in this case, as a gateway to the city.

But the miniatures are equally impressive. Everywhere you look, there are fantastical creatures, some animal, vegetable, mineral or a combination of all three. There are re-evolutions of projects past and my favorite, as you can possibly tell, is the "Bloager", a bloated yet jolly hot air balloon with a castle on it's back. Also appearing: accidental summoned dragons, and the occasional Ferrari. Thanks for a great tour Randy!

Ideas for the Shrine

2009-06-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

When I first attended the Burningman Art Festival in Nevada, I stumbled across one of the strangest installations ever, the solid sculpture zoetrope. Just watch this video and you'll see what I mean.

Later on, in Tokyo, I took my animation students to the Studio Ghibli Museum. They had the same thing going on and it blew me away. I thought to myself, now here is a "shrine" to the art of animation.

For me, I'd like to emulate, if not top, something like this at the PlatteForum. I hear that we will have to enjoy the public, who will visit us often. I envision the shrine as a distraction from our real "work", not a barrier, but a pleasant, entertaining distraction.

See a stealth video here:

Aerial Stop Motion

2009-06-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Please check out this stop motion my friend Sarah Knowley showed me the other night. It is brilliant in its simplicity, and inspiring for what we are going to do.

It's called Her Morning Elegance, a music video by Oren Lavie. Enjoy!

Wes Price, Animator, Casserole Chef

2009-05-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wes has over 12 years professional experience in illustration and animation with a track record of producing extraordinary results for more than 20 national and community-based organizations. He is a life long student of anatomy and animation, and in 1996 was awarded a Master of Science degree in Medical Illustration by the Medical College of Georgia, one of only four accredited graduate programs of its kind across North America. Currently, Wes is a contributing medical illustrator to Amirsys Inc. as well as a full time faculty member at the Art Institute of Colorado teaching under the Media Arts and Animation Department.

Wes has an ongoing interest in children’s art education and has achieved several accomplishments. Upon moving to Colorado, Wes has volunteered for several community organizations, one example being the annual Procession of the River Species in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Procession culminates in a parade, often 300 “species” strong, to bring awareness of the importance of biodiversity to local watersheds. In the weeks preceding the Procession, Wes facilitated a free art studio for children and parents, assisting them in making masks and costumes of their favorite river species from recyclable materials to be worn during the parade. More recently, Wes has organized animation workshops for the Denver Public School system, delivered successful workshops for the 6th, 7th and 8th graders at Dora Moore School as well as crafted a “Mesa Murder Mysteries” animation workshop for juniors and seniors at the Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts. During the summer of 2008, Wes delivered a three week animation workshop entitled “Stop the Madness” to middle schoolers at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Shop, an after school tutoring center managed by the prolific educational non-profit 826NYC. He was also instrumental in delivering the Animation Station workshop during the 2008 Denver International Film Festival, cultivating original animations by both children and adults alike. Many of these works have been projected at the Starz Tivoli in Denver and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s (BAM) Theater in New York. He consistently coaches his college students to enter original work in the Art Institute’s quarterly animation and video showcase, the REEL Thing. Wes is a board member of ASIFA-Colorado, the regional arm of the “Association Internationale du Film d’ Animation”, and continues to create opportunities for young people to express their ideas through the animated medium.

Current résumé

Medical Illustration and Animation portfolio

Concept Art portfolio

Animation and Illustration Demo Reel:

Randy Buckle, Assistant Animator (Miniature Sets)

2009-05-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Randy is Studio Manager for Cooper & Cunningham, a multimedia art studio which specializes in educational interpretives, environmental design, and public art. Although currently dedicated to sculpture at his studio, Randy has worked in a myriad of theatrical productions and in a variety of functions for 15 years. Not only an actor for an audience or camera, he has also worked in several temporary and permanent scene shops building sets, designing special effects, script writing and editing, or applying make-up. The hobby he has pursued from a very young age is working in miniature. Tiny environments, similar to model train sets, serve as the background for small vignettes incorporating highly detail-painted characters from various time periods. Storytelling is the focus in all of his works, from character illustrations to improvisational theater. Randy has worked as an assistant teacher to Wes Price on occasion, introducing stop-motion techniques and animation history to local schoolchildren at Dora Moore Middle School and the Mapleton Expeditionary School for the Arts. Randy’s interest in working with underserved youth actually stems from personal experience. As a Little Brother in the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program, and having graduated from an alternative high school in Aurora, CO, he is no stranger to the difficulties young people face when not given the same opportunities as other children, both financially and emotionally. Given the chance to potentially inspire people to see beyond their hardships and realize their own capability to positively affect the world, is quite an honor.

Here is an original animation created by Wes Price, Christine Wise and Randy Buckle, as an homage to Edweard Muybridge's motion studies, Jann Svankmajer and The Verve's remix of "Just One of Those Things":

Emily Moyer, Assistant Animator (The Shrine to Animation)

2009-05-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Emily received a BA in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Colorado in 2006. After graduating with top honors in her class, she immediately began working in the art department for National Cinemedia, a company that owns several theater chains nationwide. While working as a computer animator for National Cinemedia, Emily helped create animated pre-show entertainment, often directed towards an audience of younger viewers under the age of 18. Emily is currently pursuing a Teaching Certificate at Metro State College of Denver, and hopes to find work as an art educator as soon as her certification is complete. In her spare time, she participates in art shows at the Art Students League of Denver and volunteers for ASIFA-Colorado.

check out some of her artwork here!

Joey Buhrer, Assistant Animator (Establishing Shots)

2009-05-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Joey graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado in the Spring of 2006 and received the Portfolio Par Excellence Award for crafting the best portfolio in his class. He accepted a position with a small visual effects company in Los Angeles called Two Headed Monster, where he contributed animation for music videos and commercials, including work for Columbia Records recording artists The Decemberists. Recently he has relocated back to Denver and has been working for Masque Publishing, creating animation and illustrations for PC games as well as projects for AOL and Apple. One of Joey’s main interests is in working with children and the underserved, in hopes of introducing others to the fulfilling and enriching aspects of art. He believes that there is great benefit in encouraging and dignifying the work of those who may not have many outlets for their creativity. He has enjoyed finding many opportunities to do so, including 1-on-1 mentorships with school children through Community Resources, Inc., participating in children’s animation workshops with the Denver Film Festival, and working as a Peer Mentor while studying at the Art Institute of Colorado. Currently, Joey serves on the Board of Directors of ASIFA-Colorado.

Check out some of his artwork here.

Stacy Price, Musician

2009-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Stacy currently works with youth at the Denver School of Rock, The Music and Arts Centers, and Castle Rock Music empowering her students to achieve their goals in becoming young musicians and whole-persons. She has 8 years of experience under her belt and enjoys teaching Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, and a little bit of country. Stacy earned her BA in Classical Guitar and her MA in Education. Stacy is currently recording her debut album with a producer who works from time to time with the nationally acclaimed Denver band, The Fray.

Hear a sample of her music!