Playing with Pattern

10 October 2013 Journal Page

One of the many things that I love to do on my pages is to play with pattern. Pattern from papers, stamps, stencils, rub-ons and marks that I make. I love putting pen to paper and making my own little repetitive patterns onto a page like I did here with the raindrops using water based Sharpie and Molotow paint markers. 

 

Speaking of pattern, David, Tristan and I went to the Academy last night for an incredibly rare chance (it was the first time that this print has ever been shown to the public) to see a 1992 reconstructed work print of Richard Williams' "The Thief and the Cobbler." The story as to what happened to this twenty eight years in the making, animated exclusively by hand film is heartbreaking. Williams teased about the screening in October when he was at The Academy. We jumped online when the tickets went on sale. Last night did not disappoint. 

 

The evening started with a screening of one of our favorites, A Christmas Carol. It was stunning on the big screen. Before The Thief began, Richard introduced the film. This is the second time we've seen him in person. His passion for what he does is quite evident. He's fun to watch (especially from the front row.) We've been to several Academy screenings and both Richard Williams (80 years young) and Jackie Chan are the only two directors that we've seen who preferred to stand rather than sit as they spoke. It was as if you couldn't harness the amount of energy, passion and drive that they have for their work.

What can I say about how I felt as I watched The Thief and the Cobbler? It's a film that I've heard my husband speak about for many, many years. It was one of his Holy Grails of Animation. I lost myself in the film. Pattern, timing, character, color, story telling and every bit drawn by hand. It really was an animation masterpiece. I'm still having a hard time putting my feelings into words. 

 

We are planning on going back to The Academy before the Richard Williams: Master of Animation exhibit (in the lobby) ends on December 22nd. It is always nice to catch the lobby exhibits when they're quieter. 

 

The Thief and the Cobbler Link Love:
The Thief and the Cobbler tumblr page
Wiki Page 
 Fan Page
Bleeding Cool 
Watch the "recobbled" version here