artist + designer + human

DIY Animation Table

There are some really nice animation discs and tables out there. Like this one, for example, by Alan Gordon Enterprises (click me). But for someone like me, who is getting ready to start their first animation or for those who are amateurs and aren’t willing to spend big bucks quite yet, this DIY project should get you started on the cheap.

1. Buy a commercial light from a hardware store and wire a toggle switch to it. (For this you’ll need to wire an extension cord to the light along with the switch so you can plug it into a standard outlet)

2. Replace the glass with a piece of laminated glass from a local shop who can cut it to size. This helps dissipate the light and creates a light-box. 

3. Using a 12” lazy-susan bearing set, create the rotating disc element by adhering it to the light-box. I used double-sided foam tape in case I want to remove it later.

4. With a piece of 1/4” plexiglass, adhere the drawing surface to the disc. 

5. Using three 5/16” flat-head bolts, create a registration (peg bar) for 3-hole punched copy paper to use for the animation. 

6. Place your ‘peg bar’ where you need it and you’re set! 

(I also recommend masking the part of the light-box not being used with newsprint to save your eyes and have a place to take notes as you go)

Nothing beats quality professional equipment, I confess, but this simple animation table should have you up and going with under 100 bucks. Easily.

If all goes well, my next posts will be the process and then the film! I only have two weeks to complete this, so I better get started…

Posted at 11:03pm.

Rooftop Garden Design for James Madison University:

During the 2010-2011 academic year at James Madison University (JMU), renowned artist and designer Michael Singer was Scholar-In-Residence. Having worked previously with Michael during a workshop with Center for Creative Solutions and Marlboro Graduate School in Brattleboro, Vermont, he asked me to assist him with his projects while at JMU. I was honored to and learned a great deal.

A professor named Wayne Teel had been wanting to utilize the School of Integrated Science and Technology’s (ISAT) rooftop patio to grow plants for use in his courses for a hands-on learning environment and I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

After working out many designs based on square footage, accessibility, drainage, multi-purpose, sun mapping, weight, cost, etc.— the design, pictured, was finalized. The north side of the space receives the most sunlight for the plants, so the design was based on that half of the patio. I studied the shadows created during the day from the rooftops and tower and based the flow of the forms around that. I wanted this to be well thought out and as in sync with the earth as possible.

Once funding was approved and material lists were produced, Dr. Teel and his students worked hard to build the structures and carefully line them with the correct membrane and drainage system. As you can see, the plants are flourishing in their environment and the project was a success. 

Besides the aesthetic and learning benefits, rooftop gardens provide food, habitat, temperature control, hydrological benefits and many others. It’s a great thing to do with a space like this and I hope to be involved with more in the future.

Posted at 9:55am.