Welcome to the Animated Spirit Blog! This is the new home of the original Animated Spirit Website which was created in 2015. It was and continues to be my gift to the artist community.
I’m an animator, painter, teacher and free spirit. I’ve worked on various educational, game, television and feature film projects, having taken various turns as Animator, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Head of animation and Director. I’ve been part of big studios like Disney (where I received my training), Lucas, Blue Sky, and Sony as well as independent studios like One Animation, where I served as Creative Director and Head of Animation (and the co-creator/original director of Oddbods). I’ve also lectured internationally and trained artists, both student and professional, many of which have gone on towards sparkling careers. Art and animation are in my blood.
But this blog isn’t about me. It’s about creative living. I created this site with the originally focus on Film and Animation but it has since evolved to talk about so much more. It’s inspired by my favourite art teacher Robert Henri and his magnum opus “The Art Spirit” a collection of lectures and essays first published in 1923.
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
Today, this site serves as a place to discuss and be inspired by visual art of all kinds — animation, film, drawing and painting, even sculpture and dance. It’s about art that moves us as well as related disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, poetry and history, for not only are these my extended interests but they’re deeply intertwined with contemplative living. As we continue to live in a more and more mechanical age, one which pushes us further and further away from the tangible and human way of living and creating, I can not think of a time where art made with human hands and genuine passion is more important.
Although I have retired from the animation industry, I continue to paint and exhibit my work in galleries, I still consult with professionals and I also continue to write. My hope is that you will enjoy being here and visit often. I’ve spend thousands of dollars and just as many hours over the years building the archive of articles you see here.
Ultimately, this blog is free and all its content is free and advertisement free*. The wealth is in the material and the people who create and share.
