Magic

R.I.P. Roy Disney

Today marked the passing of Roy Disney, Walt's nephew, and the last truly great man (as far as I'm concerned) to carry Walt's legacy. I had the great privilege of meeting the man, several times actually, during my 8 years working at Walt Disney Feature Animation. I first met him back in 1994, when I had just started working for Disney, moving to Florida after living in Ireland for three years. Since Roy owned a house in Ireland where he spent time each year, we had something in common, and we talked for a while about life in Ireland, and also about the history of animation. He was extremely humble, warm and engaging, and I liked him a great deal. The fact that he looked a lot like Walt, made it that much more interesting to talk to him. But what made the greatest impression was the complete and utter lack of bullshit that came through. He took a genuine interest in every artist that worked at Disney, and he made it abundantly clear that he admired and respected any artist who made it into the Disney studio. Read on and I will tell you who Roy Disney really was....

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Cover for 'Elemental Magic Volume II'

Here a a few possible designs I've come up with for my next book, Elemental Magic Volume II 'The Technique of Special Effects Animation'

I'd like to get as much feedback as possible, so please, tell me your favourite picks, tell me which ones you hate, or fresh ideas!
You can leave a note here, or email me at joegilland@shaw.ca with your 'vote'.

I have no problem filling the inside of the book with animation goodies, but designing a cover is really hard. It's what everybody sees, and it should make an impression. I got very mixed reviews on the cover of the first 'Elemental Magic' book, some love it, some hate it. Of course I'll never make everyone happy, but you all matter to me, and I'd love to hear what you think of these. They are just preliminary designs, and I might end up going in a completely different direction, but the size and title and the font is pretty much the way it will look....So, send your thoughts, OK? Thanks!

Click on an image to see a full-sized version

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I've been fishing.....

Lately, I've been fishing a lot. What does this have to do with Elemental Magic? Everything, I think. I am drawn to the water like a moth to the flame, I am drawn to rivers, lakes and streams, the ocean. Early morning at the lake, two loons cry out to each other, and then meet in the middle of the lake. They dance together and celebrate the morning. Another day, another lake, a hail storm blows through, and afterwards, when the sun hits the side of the mountain, incredible tendrils of steam clouds rise up from the dense forest on the steep cliffs. Eagles glide over, looking. A huge bald eagle circles and lands on a floating log on the lake. A kingfisher darts down from a tree and strikes the water, making off with a tiny, wriggling fish.

Comox Lake

I bring a small trout to the shore, and gently remove the hook. He is too small to eat, and so I am extra careful, and I let him go in the shallow water, watching as he regains his composure, and then heads back to deeper water. Fish, so beautiful and sleek, each a perfect hydrodynamic miracle, flashing every colour of the rainbow. I make a small fire, and watch as the smoke from the damp wood rises and gets caught up in the convections of the lake's temperature. The smell of damp forest and wood smoke, the sound of wind coming across the mountains, through the trees, and then spraying sweeping patterns of ripples across the lake's mirror like surface.

Comox Lake

I meditate by the water, in the forest. Each moment is that perfect moment, when I allow it to be. Whether or not I actually catch a fish is secondary, although it's always nice to eat fresh trout for dinner or breakfast. But the essence of the experience is absorbing the divine perfection of nature into myself, allowing myself to be one with it and thus perfect, for once. The internal dialogue, the self-effacing chatter of un-consciousness, is quelled and quieted. Feeling and knowing that I am actually one and the same with this natural beauty.....

Maple Lake

It is Living Elemental Magic. It is all there, in every moment, when I am fishing....

Wolf Lake

Beautiful Cutthroat Trout, Wolf Lake, April 9th, 2010

All photos were taken near my home in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island. (believe it or not, all these photos were taken with my crappy cell phone!)

Steelhead Trout, Puntledge River, October 2010

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Life Drawing in Cumberland

A big part of my Elemental Magic philosophy, is to draw as much as possible, regardless of what kind of animation you do. In fact I think that so called 'digital' artists, and CGI artists, should practice this as much as possible. We work in a visual medium, regardless of what technique we use, therefore we need to develop a visual vocabulary, and always practice communicating ideas visually. Without drawing skills, it is almost impossible to communicate a visual idea that could be quickly and easily explained with a simple sketch. And all you animators out there who started out drawing, but now work with CG, or Flash or Harmony, DON'T FORGET TO KEEP DRAWING!! Use it or LOSE it!!

I decided to put my money where my mouth is, and get back into as much life drawing as I can. Here are a few drawings I've done since I started up again. Definitely a little rusty, but it is fun and I can feel myself loosening up and drawing better and better again!

30 minute drawing

15 minute drawing

10 minute drawing

I can't urge you enough to get out there and draw as much as possible! Everything you do creatively will improve, even music, dance, you name it. Drawing from life is the very soul of the creative experience, let's not toss it out and get lost in a digital illusion of creativity!

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Workshop at Algonquin College

I am back home after another extremely successful Elemental Magic workshop. Ottawa was snowy and wet, but the welcome I received there was warm and wonderful.

I spoke to a group of over 150 people, mostly students, but there were also a lot of professionals from local Ottawa animation studios who were able to attend. Kudos to the great folks at Algonquin College for getting the word out to the studio community and opening their doors to them!

The lecture ran for about two and a half hours, and afterwards folks lined up to have me sign their books and add a quick special effects sketch in each one. Every single book that Algonquin and I had on hand sold out in a hurry! I'm not sure how many, but in hindsight I wish we'd had quite a few more. The response to the book and my short workshop/lecture presentation, was once again, almost overwhelming.

I'd like to thank Neil Hunter at Algonquin for his assistance in putting the visit together. He was gracious and a wonderful host. Thanks to Derek Bond too, for taking great care of me and shuttling me through the horrendous wet, snowy weather and traffic! I would also like to send a special thank you out there to all the students who attended, and were so enthusiastic about Elemental Magic. It is incredibly rewarding, when I see that I have created something that energizes and excites you all. When a young animation student comes up to me clutching a copy of Elemental Magic and exclaiming how much it has helped them, I feel 100% fulfilled and all is as it should be in the universe! Thank you. You give me back more energy than you can every know, and you make it all worthwhile.

On another note, I was also able to visit with my family while I was in Ottawa, and it was so special to meet my new great nephew Spencer! Congratulations to my beautiful niece Amanda and her husband Nick!

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Another workshop, back in Ottawa today!

This Thursday, I'll be doing a 2 hour presentation of my Elemental Magic workshop, followed by a book signing session. This is taking place at Algonquin College, in Ottawa. Apparently they have publicized it well in the Ottawa animation community, and we're expecting a really jam packed full house! Many thanks to Neil Hunter and the folks at Algonquin for putting this together! I will re-post here when it's done, with photos and film clips too!