I can't stop sharing how much I enjoyed watching it. I was also so pleasantly surprised! Being in the animation industry I am always critical of things like that. I'm not saying I'm the end all be all of animation, but I'd like to think I know what I'm doing/saying!
This is a film that everyone can enjoy. It can also be said it is this years Iron Giant. I feel traditonal animation will always be around. Maybe not as prevalent as it used to be, but it is an art form that everyone will always appreciate and enjoy.
To go back to the film, the way that Anderson made this film to not be strictly "by the book" but something Dahl would completely agree he did it justice. The props, maquettes, the writing, the pacing, the colors, the effort, the 4+ years was just all there on screen. Mind you this is not a blockbuster, but a classic for years to come.
In the New York Magazine they feature the Fox family front and center. The article covers a short interview with Anderson and the work that went into making the film. Such an endeavor will always get noticed. For example each maquette has levers/pedals inside the face to create close up expressions, and highly detailed armature that is composed of Allen joints, pipes, silicone, stockings, goat fur and much much more. You can understand the love and care that went into each figure. I would have loved to work on this film personally. -sigh-
Someday I am determined to have my own animation company and I hope to produce at least one stop-motion/animated feature. I don't see it happening anytime soon, but it will happen mind you! XD
Back to Fantastic Mr Fox! I also picked up the The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox: A Film by Wes Anderson Based on the Book by Roald Dahl. This is a great book to have. It has every little thing you would be interested in knowing about the film. It has interviews, details of how each character was made, the process of working with Anderson overseas, storyboards, sketches, notes, illustrations, concept art, etc etc etc. If you are looking for a gift to give someone who loves animation, is artsy, or would like to get into the whole world of animation I would purchase this book for them. The best deals can be found online for future reference. hehe.
Anywho, I'm hoping my friend Ceci bothers me to see this film so I have an excuse to see it for the third time.
SUPPORT GREAT FILMS!
XOXO
For GirlsDrawinGirls
Soon to be blogged after I get some sleep.girlsdrawingirls.blogspot.com
All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
This year I am thankful for my wonderful husband who has supported me and my artistic endeavors. He has made me feel appreciated, loved, respected, and most of all helped me believe in myself in whatever I do. I am thankful for my friends who were there for me in times of need. Need it be for someone to talk to, help with projects, or just a time to get together and chat I love that they are there at a moments notice. I am thankful for my cats. They're cute, and always there to comfort me when I think I don't need anyone to comfort me. I am thankful for my parents. They are my rock. They will always be there during the hardest times in my life. Always forgiving and a constant reminder that nothing can compare to family. Lastly, I am thankful for all the people who has shaped my life. Teachers, neighbors, and random people I have lost touch with who from time to time I think about and wonder if they too are having a lovely Thanksgiving day.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
*gobble gobble!*
Winter is coming upon us in San Francisco. That and the holidays. My winters in comparison to my husband sound terribly boring! I do get the saying that California doesn't have seasons. Well, that maybe true but it depends on what part of California you go to. I've also never had a snow day, I've never had weather so bad that I couldn't go anywhere, and I've never had a time where I had to put chains on my tires or throw litter on the ground to get traction. Then again, I've never owned a car.
Winter for me starts when we have to adjust for daylight savings time. I feel it is safe to say, at least for San Franciscans, that's when it starts. Though, some will say winter for them starts when they have to put their coats on. Whichever you prefer the COLD is coming! I do have to add, we do get spurts of warmth on certain times of the year. Also, we do get heavy rains from time to time. Eventually highways and certain areas of the city get flooded, but not to the point where we couldn't get around.
The first time I saw snow was on a trip to Tahoe. I think I was 18. It was the first time I was on skis and the first time I was outside for a long period of time. If anyone knows me, I don't do well outside unless I am forced to. To be honest, all I wanted to do was make a snow man and do all the kid-like things you do on TV for a snow day. That didn't really happen, but I enjoyed myself anyways. The second time I was around snow was with my friend Heather. We went snowboarding with her Mom. Well, her mom mostly drove us up to wherever we went and we practiced, fell, and practiced more. I think I enjoyed snowboarding more than skiing. Most definitely.
This winter we're traveling to Ohio to see Kyle's parents for Christmas. I'm told it will be cold, but not snowing. A little disappointing, but it will be nice to catch up with Kyle's family. We'll do the usual holiday exchange, dinner and family get together. Really simple, and nothing extravagant. If you've been reading my blog, you'll understand how refreshing this is for me. After the holidays we'll be in SF again enjoying the countdown to the New Year and staying warm in our little apartment. or that's the plan. hehe.
The holidays to everyone is different. My holidays I can honestly say has always been some what special. When I think of it, I cringe. I have never experienced a good Christmas till I met my husband. What made the difference? We simply did nothing.
Growing up my sister and I were required to take our yearly photo with a man dressed up as Santa Claus. Which I immediately cried the whole time. I knew it wasn't Jolly Old St. Nick. I don't even think I understood the idea of Santa. If you look back to all our photos, my sister is usually the one smiling and I'm the one that is red, puffy faced, and choking back tears. Why would my mother do this to me? Because well, she loves photos. Or is obsessed with photos to the point that my feelings didn't matter. This was the start of a pattern where I actually fear cameras.
After the photos, we would do our holiday shopping in the mall. Then on Christmas Eve/Day we would go to a hotel to celebrate my parents anniversary. My sister and I would dress up, wear things we usually wouldn't like wearing, and eat adult food. These hotel restaurants never had children sized portions, or food that children would like. My sister and I were always bored and I personally hated being there. I remember just sitting in the restaurant and just stared vacantly out the window or sat in the lobby just staring at water fixtures that bubbled across the room.
On Christmas Day we would open our presents. Now, you may say "Oh presents! There can't be anything wrong with that!" You say that till I explain further. My mom would always ask what we wanted, and she would get it and immediately wrap the presents in front of us. I always knew what I was going to get. There were never surprises. I do admit I don't regret knowing what we got, but it would've been nice to get a surprise gift. This included birthdays and other gift giving events. There weren't many surprises in my life growing up.
Holidays to me will always be "special."
www.craigmccracken.net/
I am so gleefully/nerdily/squeeingly happy to have met him. We talked shop, animation and he drew me MADAME FOSTER!! I was in heaven! What a great guy. Please support his new work!
Just got in today and went to the Expo.
Here is a photo of some of our free stuff/swag. Met some really great people, and saw really awesome stuff! They had a display of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland Maquettes. I couldn't photograph them, but they were amazing!!!!
Got to meetup with the girls @ GirlsDrawin'Girls, chatted a little with Damon Bard (whom I think is stalking me, or am I stalking him? We keep running into each other!). Damon Bard is the gentleman who did the maquettes for Coraline. REALLY GREAT STUFF! Go support his work!!!!
There are more photos and people to list, but I'll do that later.
Having a great time in L.A.!!!
XOXO
All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights
So this morning I was doing my usual eat breakfast, read the news and then research stuff for work. Then I stumble upon some interesting information. I find out that someone I used to know very well worked on a game that my husband is currently playing. Not that this is very interesting to other people, but this particular person I was very close to for a very long time. I do admit that I am very happy one of their dreams of working on game music finally came true.
I then started to think about all the other people I used to know, and I began wondering what they were doing. Not just random people but close friends I lost touch with, people I used to go to school with and etc. I guess that is what Myspace and Facebook is for. All my classmates are now scattered all over the world and the internet is slowly bringing us back together. Many people look the same, but are obviously a little more worldly. I can't also help feel a little jealous because well, for example one of my best friends Heather lives across the country and I don't talk to her at all now. Before we use to talk at least every month and see each other once a year. I get a random text a couple weeks ago with a message saying she is now engaged. In shock I text back, "WHAT????" I think back and wonder if she got my text or if she didn't like my response since i haven't heard back from her since. I worry, but I know she can take care of herself.
People do change and move on, but it is nice to know that some of them are still pursuing their dreams and are happy.
Time for another Holiday Blythe meet!
We're planning on having it on DEC 19th 2009, 11:30-4pm (I think) With Henry's awesome friend hosting @ her event space.
TIB: www.thisisblythe.com/newforum/viewtopic.php?t=102584
FB: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167181069218
Please confirm at one of these sites.
Thank you and hope to see you there!
XOXO
-Cat
Today is my dad's birthday. At 79, he has been through so much and he still has something important to say. If you've met my father, you know that he is a big people person. He isn't biased and has always been the most easy-going, fair, man that anyone would know. He will also talk to anyone. Even if you aren't paying attention, he'll still talk to you!
To continue, my dad is the most fascinating person. Not that I know very many people, but he has so much to say and so much wisdom behind it. People can sense that my dad has experienced so much. To note, when he was young, he went through WWII. He would tell me stories of his family coping and what he did see and hear to survive. As a young boy you can only imagine how this type of experience would affect him. Thankfully it only made him a stronger person for his future family.
He was always there for his family and friends. He would work hard, be home for the holidays and special events, and be readily available to give his advice/support to help people in time of need. I truly began to know who my father was when our house caught on fire in an accident. This fire caused 3rd degree burns on some of his body while he was trying to save us. Immediately, our friends and family came together to support him. I never knew how much people respected my dad till that day. They all had stories to share and how they wouldn't be there right now if it weren't for him.
I am so terribly grateful that such a person raised me. My humor, my sensibilities, and even my artistic ability I would credit to my dad. He taught me math with chewing gum, he showed me how to build giant lantern stars for the holidays, the proper way to write and to draw, to understand others without bias and so much more. If I listed every single thing my father has instilled in me, I would have to write my own autobiography.
