The Meaning of My Work

Originally, there was a conceptual desire to simply practice a unique technique of character design and creation which was considered “Furry”, or the creation of anthropomorphic characters that are a cross between the human and the animal. When not fully explored, the results are quite basic, a simple practice with character illustration. However, when the desire to cross this work into the digit media scene and put it to animation and conceptual creation the idea was pushed farther. Delving more into the mindset of the work, and attempting to break down the mentality of the genre and also the mere acknowledgment that a genre does indeed exist.

The dramatic lack of information of the subject drove the concept to turn more towards official descriptions, definitions, and documentary style productions which helped to explain and show the genre where it matters the most – the people. However, the documentary styles productions are an ever present evolution, growing and developing along with the artist. As they develop, there exists the desire to once again explore with the media and the idea of mixing the human and the animal. Not simply on the basis of sheer character design favoritism, but to explore possibilities of not only relaying ideas but to also try to capture the spirit of peace going beyond mere limits of illustration.

Digital media and animation allow for greater possibilities, transforming works into living, breathing representations not only of the artist, but also of the work itself. If done properly, the work can take on a mind of its own and develop new and interesting ideas. This was put to practice on a minor scale by using Flash media, by presenting characters in a familiar and lovable cartoon style in a story book setting. Yet the message that was told was far more deeper and adult than the characters themselves, yet they were necessary to capture the essence of 'there is more than what one may first assume' to the piece.

The goal of my future work would be to expand upon this idea, hoping to try and bring all the work I've done so far together, and turn into a more meaningful production that grows. A solid, single piece that consists of various parts that are in essence the projects I will be working out throughout the semester and beyond. I desire to the get meaning of the work across, without having stop and explain everything the user sees. In the end, when the projects conclude, I do not wish to have the viewer sharing my mind set, but I intend to bring them closer to it. Even if that means making them uncomfortable in the process.