My generation converted the high school's woodshop class into a computer lab that I didn't get to use. About 10 years ago, I was asked by my friend Jim Hart if I was interested in computer animation and I really wasn't. Then when some friends started making music using Ableton Live, it really excited me. I dove in completely, selling off lots of guitar pedals, analog synths, lost interest in drawing on paper and got sucked into the Internet.
Over the past year, the computer has become somewhat stagnant for me. When I saw this image, it was like the Matrix had been revealed:
Don't get it twisted, I REALLY enjoy working as an animator and making electronic music. I enjoy computers and the Internet for the convenience and possibilities they provide. They've changed human progress. It's an exciting age. However, if all things modern disappeared, I would be perfectly happy hunting for food with a bow and arrow, building shelter and memorizing stars instead of my cellphone memorizing numbers.
So, I have decided to move back into things I used to love, tactile creations instead of touch screens! It comes as no surprise the Zeitgeist is ready with inspiration via computer.
"I Dream of Wires"
This makes me want to ditch my laptop for music and really nerd out on some analogue goodness. I recently bought a VHS editing machine to record so I could get the signature coloring characteristics that only such media provides. I like the results because it's not the 'standard' in quality which helps my music stand out from the mediocrity of mass production. It has a bit more authenticity.
"ParaNorman Ad"
When I saw this clip recently I really bugged out. This is an amazing demonstration of harmonizing the digital and analog eras of animation. The crew at Laika is taking stop motion to a whole new level that is just beautiful to watch.
I'm not one of those people that go around talking about "how great things used to be," like some old man who cant cope with the ebb and flow of generations. I want to see people using our current technology to showcase what is so great about pre-digital formats. I think we did that with The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. I'd like to see us do that times a million!
I'll leave you with this as a reminder to enjoy all things around you while you stare into your iPhones in the company of good friends.
P.S. If Ray Kurzweil finds a way to convert consciousness into a digital format allowing everlasting life, I will be on board, sharing in his optimism in spite of the naysayers casting negative worries into the ether.
This changed my life. Seriously.
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