The Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach Festival was held on August 30th this year (see links below for more information). Local Seaside resident and Digital Artist Janis Sawyer submitted a short animation which is as haunting as it is beautiful in it's exploration of contrasts and in finding edginess in simplicity. (VIEW - it is the clip showing the Prayer Flags on the bottom right) Janis' submission took home the Best Local Submission Prize of $1000! I recently caught up with Janis for a Q & A about her work and life at the beach. Enjoy!
Note: If you are interested in seeing all of the Digital Art submissions, including Janis' winning submission, attend a public showing at Fonville Press at Alys Beach (9580 E County Highway 30A, Alys Beach | (850) 213-5500) tomorrow evening, September 18, starting at 8pm. This event is free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and you are encouraged to bring a low-backed chair to enjoy the show.
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How long have you lived in South Walton? Why South Walton?
We came to South Walton 20 years ago after taking off in a small rented RV with lots of time, but no plan, no map, no agenda. We took the scenic route from Tallahassee to Grayton and camped at the state park. We were basically the only souls there save the ranger, and we were smitten with the area. How could we resist?
And why? We returned to the hustle and bustle that was Miami. What was keeping us there? Absolutely nothing. We bought in Seaside soon after we returned, built here, and since that time have been away only for hurricane evacuations.
You Won the Best Local Submission Prize for your Digital Graffiti piece titled "SpyCam Series #2". Tell us about the short clip-your inspiration, your method, etc.
I photograph what is near to me—often dear to me, gifts and such—with my SpyCam. Looking around my room, peeking into other rooms and outside through that particular lens, I see small movement and tiny motion that is there, likely unnoticed, all the time.
For Digital Graffiti (who knew what that was three months ago?) I took several series of the photos I had of Tibetan prayer flags, Thai marionettes and my ceiling fan and determined I wanted to animate them—but not smoothly, not too literally. I knew I didn't want it to look like film. I searched online and found some bad instructions for animating. Awful instructions suited me perfectly. I seem to do best when I have to figure these things out for myself. So I set my flags and puppets and fan into discrete motion and then added sound.
I do it because I love it. I do it because I have to. It's like a sickness now. Fred has hidden the SpyCam from me until further instructions or I'd be photographing right now.
How many SpyCam series have you created? Are they published online anywhere if people want to see more of your work?
No, no, don't ask that question! I have more SpyCam animations than anyone (Fred) is allowed to know exist. It's in the double digits, but I have many in varying states of completion.
My thoughts about them change over time, so my next batch is most likely to evolve and morph into something even I can't predict right now. The new things I see and photograph drive the way I work. There is a plan, but it's as malleable as the next thing I observe whether it be a shade waving in the wind or a shadow. I'm constantly struck by detail all around me, and everything takes on a life of its own through the SpyCam.
For me, it's an entirely different way of seeing. Others in the series aren't published online. They may be at some future time, but for now, they're mine to manipulate and tweak.
Will you submit more of your work in the next Digital Graffiti Festival?
I think Mike Ragsdale and company plus wild horses would be hard pressed to keep me away next year. I believe the Digital Graffiti concept to be brilliant. I'm hooked. I'm looking forward to it, anticipating it. It's nothing if not major fun.
What is your favorite thing to do in South Walton?
My favorite thing? To photograph and manipulate. To be near the gulf. I need to be near salt water and good friends, and I have those here in abundance.
Janis, it's truly been a pleasure. The world wants to see more of your work so be sure to keep SoWal Scene updated so we can share when we may be able to view more!
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