|
Animator // MIKE HOOVES Title // Persevering Down the Hill Location // Bankers Hall - 315 8 Avenue SW Article // Kristy Archibald & Jenna Cavanagh Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! A: I am an artist, animator, illustrator, and filmmaker who receive my BDes from ACAD in 2016. When I am not creating art I am facilitating various classes and workshops. Q: Tell us about the work you usually do as an animator. A: I work commercially as a freelance illustrator, animator, and sometimes a graphic designer. In my free time I make zines, paintings, and crafts. Q: How would you describe your artistic “style”? A: My work is whimsical, playful and colorful. I prefer my art to be simplistic and efficient, communicating a feeling or idea. Within my practice I embrace flaws and markmaking - seeing the human and imperfect in art is important to me. Q: What is one of your most recent projects, or a project you’re most proud of working on? A: In the past year I have completed two short films titled ‘G.E.M.’ and ‘POLYMORH’. As well, I worked on a collaborative mural celebrating Canada 150 with Canadian youth. It is outside of the Calgary Municipal building. Q: What was the inspiration or story behind Persevering Down the Hill? A: I took inspiration from the loveable 1988 Olympian Eddie the Eagle. I thought the clumsy, cute penguin paired with sleek skis was interesting thematically and visually. Penguins are not able to naturally fly, but have instead decided to achieve flight through skiing. Q. How did the AR aspect of this exhibition influence how you animated Persevering Down the Hill? A: As augmented reality is universally engaging I wanted to create work that spoke to everyone. In terms of simple narrative/content, skiing penguins works instantly and is easy to understand. Q: In your opinion, what makes Calgary a special place to be in the wintertime? A: There are still relics of the 1988 Olympics throughout the year, but for me they become more relevant and alive in the season they were made for - winter. My favorite is Olympic Plaza, which becomes a skating rink in the centre of the city. Q: What would you say to convince Calgarians to come downtown and interact with the Northern Reflections Window Exhibition? A: You can reach most of these windows from the +15! Come explore calgary and indulge in Canadian art. Twitter: @mikehooves Instagram: @mikehooves |