When it comes to stop motion, clay and silicone aren’t the only things that are molded. Stop Motion animator Katie Maren reflects on how her childhood experiences with stop motion animation helped form both her and her career; “My childhood experiences have made me who I am today and it reflects how I handle my work. I have an interest in understanding the mind and how actions speak louder than words.”

Growing up in the midst of three brothers – two older, one younger – Katie never had rights to the remote control. This, however, proved providential as Katie soaked up the stop motion videos that ran rampant on MTV during the late 80’s and early 90’s – videos that left an impression on young Katie; “I love the look and the feel of Stop Motion animation as opposed to the other mediums of animation. I feel like the characters have a soul; it’s like they are right there with me.”

Perhaps because of her own experience with and introduction to stop motion, Katie enjoys animating for younger viewers: “I think it is a challenge for me to find what keeps kids connected to animation.” After finishing “Baby Layne,” an animation inspired by her 1 ½ year old nephew, Katie realized how much the real Baby Layne connected with the animation: “His reaction was more exciting than the animation itself…It was great seeing his eyes light up like that.”

Katie thrives on hearing and seeing this kind of emotional reaction in the audience. “When I showed “Baby Layne” at the KidsFilmFest in Brooklyn, my very first film festival experience, I heard children laughing and talking with the baby – it was crazy. Then, just as the dog was revealed, I heard a father happily sigh a few seats down. It was amazing! Not only did it reach the younger audience, but the parents were identifying with it as well. Just seeing their excitement made me know why I create animation and why it is worth is to keep making stop motion animation.”

This drive proves effective – current works include pre-production of a Circus animation based on conquering fear and the completion of a grant project, “The Adventures of Super Puff.” Also on the to-do list, Katie once again returns to the younger demographic, aiming to use her animation to help children in need; “I want to give my animation a greater purpose.”

This entry was posted on Monday, March 24th, 2008 at 3:47 pm and is filed under Meet the Artist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.