The magic potential of discarded objects

This is one of my favorite subjects, so to make my point, and to make it more interesting I decided to explain the idea behind this post via the evolution of humankind. Most of us (with the exception of avid Bible readers) agree that the first cellular life originated in the water, within the slimy mud, where a pile of dead matter layered upon it and gave it all those complex organic molecules needed for a proper kick-start. So just as all that fallen biochemistry made life explode from deep or shallow waters, I think there is a hidden treasure in the piles of trash and dirt that we reject and accumulate in remote earth holes far away from us, like a ghosted ex-lover that we want to bury alive. And, it is only a matter of time before we uncover the secret wealth of that former lover. Because when you think about it a lot of the objects that we reject are still alive and kicking. They are just not new. And new is better. So, the old has to be replaced fast. This is becoming quite a big trend in human relationships as well. We want a new start, we don’t want to go back and fix the old non-functioning chaos over and over again, because it is exhausting. 

Orgiastic Hyper-Plastic - A Film by Paul Bush

But what if there is a hidden pearl beneath all that filth? What if the ugly, grey duckling grows up to become a graceful and beautiful swan? I am aiming towards a lovely utopia here so bear with me… I am wondering… let’s try and entertain the idea that there could be a global referendum where all artists decide unanimously that they will make art only by means of found objects. I know, a lot of Duchamps and Man Ray duplicates but, ultimately isn’t it possible that we could perhaps end up cleaning the mess that we made? Or at least find a creative way to dress Earth up in some great post-apocalyptic superhero costume? Some of you might be laughing, some of you are nodding your head in a quandary, but most probably think I am a bit green. And I admit, I am probably guilty of being naïve, which is not a bad thing when living in a bleak reality. 

In a nutshell - A film by Fabio Friedli

I might be losing all my animation crowd because I am wandering, but I think it’s important to take a look at the bigger picture here. We are producing a lot of unnecessary replicas of future trash and if at one point there is no demand for it, it will probably not be produced anymore. They will undoubtedly find a new way to sell it again, but we can also reinvent our position. It’s what we do with each new film. My suggestion is simple, so just try this as an exercise: next time before going into your regular cheap construction equipment store, or your expensive stylish art shop go to the local waste for a change and try to get all your necessary supplies there. If you weren’t in one already here is a spoiler: it is like Disneyland for artists, and if you make a habit of buying there regularly, the friendly people who work there (depending on the country) might give you most of the stuff for free or for a very low price. Moreover, go to flea markets, explore second-hand stores, and use whatever it is in your grandpa’s garage because these objects are dying to be in your film. Not to mention your granddad, who will be so joyful that someone is finally reviving his forgotten souvenirs, that he will make you a star in your family circle.

A clip from Unsubscribe #4: The Saddest Song in the World - A film by Jodie Mack

And this topic is not applied to stop-motion only, because we do the same thing with digital materials. Even more so. Because we think that at least we are not polluting anyone by it, thus we generate loads of pixels guilt-free. But this is still unused potential forgotten in some dusty archive like a diamond in the rough, waiting to be polished and shine bright. So, I encourage all artists working digitally, to revisit the cut-out materials from time to time. There might be a great dream sequence for your next film. Or, yet better if you have a lot, put it in a charming omnibus, a crazy collage, or a non-linear parallel universe story. If you put your mind to it, and you are sincere, it will be one of your best, and I say that without a shadow of a doubt. I’ve seen one and I am absolutely in love with it.