The Joy of Books

Inspirational

Found this video by viewing it in class, thanks to Professor Franci Duran 

 

 

Written by Nicole Wilk

The Joy of Books

The Joy of Books is a beautiful one-and-a-half minute stop-motion video.  This video was shown during my year three animations class at McMaster campus and was recorded by a friend of my professor, Sean Ohlenkamp, who used a class of helpers to assist in the making of this multifaceted work.

The animation begins in an eerily Harry Potter feeling (magical) wide-shot of the scene-location. The music picks up speed as more and more books and motion occur within. From the outside, you see a normal bookstore, but once inside the store is alive. Books shift, move, organize themselves by colour, move around, and fleet over the floor. Extra buy items also come alive and provide a stable focus-point from the motion and color-calamity of the books.   

The sheer amount of work that has gone into this production (and in such a small space) is amazing. The mood is delightful, and creates a magical but eerie feeling whim from the books. I think this video is a beautiful example of what possibilities asking for permission to do animation can provide, as well as demonstrate the advantages of teamwork and co-operation.  

Information Provided by the Creators of The Bicycle Animation

After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago (http://youtu.be/zhRT-PM7vpA), my wife and I (Sean Ohlenkamp) decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973).


Everything you see here can be purchased at Type Books.


Grayson Matthews (http://www.graysonmatthews.com/) generously composed the beautiful, custom music. You can download it here: http://itunes.apple.com/album/awakenings-single/id496796623


But none of it could have been done without all the volunteer hands who shelved and reshelved books all night, every night. A special thanks goes out to:


Lisa Blonder Ohlenkamp
Mike Takasaki
Hannah Charlick
Liz Walker
Andrew Carty
Filipe Da Luz
Ruth Ann Cachero
Justin Turco
Adam Tuck
Michael Groppo
Curtis Denomme
Shannon Farrell
Steffi Raike
Jean Marc Douville
Mikhail Ferrara
Clayton Vrenjak
Rob Sturch
Marie Rupolo
Nery Orellana
Mike Greco
William Chong
Terri Vegso
Michael Leishman
Emma Leishman
Mike Kolberg
Ryan Speziale
Natalie Mathers




So who wants to help us do the Library of Congress next? :)