I am an environmental animator: but was not always so.……

Before this life change I had a good business creating inlaid marquetry. But.….. sticking pieces of rare rainforest veneer onto MDF to make someone else’s life ‘prettier’ became ‘soul destroying’ and seemed pointless and very environmentally damaging.

In 2004 a Joanna Macy workshop ‘The Work that Reconnects” was my saviour. At the end of a few days I just knew I had to work for the betterment of this beautiful planet! I knew I wanted to be creative and make something non polluting, something that I could put my heart and soul into. Animations are a great way to get a message out, as they are seen and discussed by many.

The first animation was very much from my heart. It was called “Home Sweet Home”. At that time not many of my friends believed in global warming, so I did not feel part of a growing movement.… just isolated. I wondered how I could put together an animation that would be understood without words and that would have a positive end.

Actually Ö.at that point I hardly knew anything about making animations!

I taught myself through internet videos, tutorials and books.…. trial and error, just me and my mistakes, a strong message, a camera, computer, plasticine, paper and pens and a great deal of screaming!!!!

I believe in “intention”. I believed that if I somehow imagined my animation sufficiently, it would sort of happen and any technical mistakes somehow wouldn’t matter too much. The message was more important than the technique.

I have now completed several eco-animations and e-cards, and have ideas for many more including an eco music video!

Although they take time, I am getting faster, and I believe my messages are getting out, as I get lovely quotes from people Ö..and that keeps me going.… surely I AM making a difference.

Images courtesy of Anita Sancha from some of her latest animations.