Having been
enthralled by the animated cartoon since early childhood, it seemed only
fitting and natural for me to take up its style as form of expression. I have
long admired the variety of color and shape found in the animated cartoon’s
layout and background design, from detailed to exceedingly sparse, (think-Nizo
Yamamoto, Philip De Guard, Maurice Noble, Mary Blair, Paul Julian, Eyvind
Earle, Gene Deitch).
Further, the animated cartoon’s character designs, either
anthropomorphic or humanoid, allow me a humorous approach to my work’s
narrative. (some favs, WB’s Bugs Bunny, MGM’s Screwy Squirrel, Fleischer’s
Popeye and Superman, and the wonderfully simplistic Gerald McBoing-Boing and
Tom Terrific from UPA.)
My Father and Son series explores
the relationship of family in multiple panels linked together (diptych,
triptych and quadriptych) to tell a variety of stories. And like many animated
cartoons, these “stories” are meant to be both humorous and deliberate. Further,
the relationship of family is enhanced by a “cast of characters” whose identity
and actions are meant to deliver nuance to the particular narrative of each
“Father and Son” piece, (think relatives and friends).
My Husband and Wife series, also multiple
panels, explores the dynamics when two individuals who are physically attracted
to one another decide to consummate their relationship, get married, and live
together. Like many animated cartoons, these “stories” are also meant to be
humorous and deliberate. And, they also have a “cast of characters” whose
identity and actions are meant to deliver nuance to the particular narrative of
each piece, (but with this series, think subconscious ulterior).
WB- Warner
Brothers, MGM- Metro Goldwyn Meyer, UPA- United Productions of America
