Hello there!
It’s Friday again! I really can’t believe it! Even though it has been a bit of short week with our return from a weekend trip, it still feels like “it’s like a cup of coffee” (remember that from Seinfeld?). My morning filled up quickly today, so just now am I getting the chance to write this post and share with you the very funny animation that I found. The title of this animated short, Something Left, Something Taken, started me thinking about other instances (apart from the one you’ll see in the short) in which those four words apply. In fact, it seems to me that in every human interaction “something left, something taken” is part of the deal. I don’t mean that in terms of material goods, but rather in terms of what we bring (and then leave) to a relationship/exchange (no matter how brief) and what we take away (or is given to us by the other person). At the risk of sounding the slightest bit philosophical, I’ll stop right there, but I like thinking about it…
I have two images as examples of things that are more literal in their “something left, something taken” nature. The first is from my little 4-year-old friend Dallas (remember him? He’s the boy who inspired me to quickly find a high degree of deranged over-confidence regarding cake decorating–and for whom I created a tiger cake and three dozen monkey cupcakes?!). What he “left” were these awesome marks on paper that Thom, his parents and I are amazed by how they represent almost a “shorthand” for drawing animals. When doing his drawings for his Mom to use as gift wrap his birthday party favors, he did this drawing titled: a mother giraffe & a baby giraffe. Look for yourself…it’s just great. So, Thank You Dallas! There’s so much I love about your drawings and your titles…and since your mom sends them to me, I’m happy to “take” them!
"a mother giraffe & a baby giraffe", 2011 by dallas, age 4
The other image is a photo I took yesterday while walking with my parents in New York City. We were on Lexington walking back to the car, when I spotted this Flower on the wall, which I immediately recognized as having been done by street artist Michael De Feo (a.k.a. The Flower Guy). This is the second time I have seen one of the Flowers Michael has left behind (the other I saw in Newport, RI), and I can imagine all the great feelings children and their families (as well as the rest of the neighborhood) take away with them when they see his artwork brightening up that part of the street. I know I sure experienced it. Way to go Michael!
michael de feo flower on 130 East 101st Street (at Lexington Avenue) (photo by carolina pedraza)
So now, the animation that has spurred all these “deep thoughts” in me for today (not exactly the Jack Handey type, but maybe a little–sorry about yet another TV anecdote). Something Left, Something Taken was made by Tiny Inventions from Brooklyn, NY. Tiny Inventions is made up of Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, and I just learned on their vimeo channel that what they are known for is their playful and humorous mixed-media animations–I can see why. I really enjoyed the combination of animation techniques they used to make this short–and love the use of sewn fabric, felt and so many other things made out of cardboard! The humor is right up my alley (the characters’ voices are great too), the story is dark but fun, and the animation is just wonderful! Hope you’ll enjoy it as well! ( I can’t wait to see more of their stuff on their site!)
Something Left, Something Taken- Full Version from Tiny Inventions on Vimeo.
Have a great weekend! Draw lots!
