2023-2024
Created while on residence in Cunningham Falls State Park, this experimental short film explores the interdependence of the natural world through careful observation.
Camping on-site with a makeshift studio in the woods, I was able to respond directly, but slowly, to the environment. This project invited chance encounters, deep listening, and entangled collaboration.
Imbedded in Nature
Animations were drawn from life and often painted with handmade inks and charcoal created on site.
Working with rangers, I identified and harvested unwanted botanicals on-site, making ink from invasive honeysuckle and charcoal from its strangling vines. I made note of the insects that visited me over the weeks, drawing their passage across the site. Sound was later composed by Rachel Wetzel – who shared time on-site with me under the stars.
Workshops
While in Maryland, I hosted several drawing and ink-making workshops.
At a local library, in the visitors center, these multigenerational, free workshops focused on the concept of windfall and observation.
Thurmont Public Library Workshop
Flickering Shadows Screening
One year after the residency, I organized an outdoor screening in the park, featuring international short nature films.
I was able to debut my short film on the site that inspired it – coming full circle – in the company of other experimental filmmakers. You can learn more about them on the screening site.
Shadow Puppets
After the screening, we hosted a shadow puppet interactive in the amphitheater.
Acknowledgements:
Rachel Wetzel, Sound
Claudia Padilla, Lead Park Ranger
Catoctin Forest Alliance, Residency Support and Coordination
Mark Stockton, AV Support
Iona and Otto Stockton, Animation Support