Portland, Portland Art Museum Sunday, April 8, 2018 1PM – 3PM
Animating Life
The crew posing with the giant skeleton from Kubo and the Two Strings. (Photo Courtesy of LAIKA)
This fall, the Portland Art Museum and the Northwest Film Center celebrate Animating Life: The Art, Science, and Wonder of LAIKA, a groundbreaking view into the visionary artistry and technology of the globally renowned animation studio. Sarah Spink and Tommy Schatz-Thompson are two of the Evergreen alumni who have worked for LAIKA, and I had a moment to speak with them and learn how Evergreen prepared them for LAIKA.
Sara Spink ‘05
Sara graduated from Evergreen with an emphasis in visual art and animation. Since graduation, Sara has earned her Masters’ of Fine Arts in Animation and Digital Arts from the University of Southern California. Sara credits Evergreen for helping her land her “dream Job” at LAIKA, where she spent five years working in Rapid Prototype and as a Puppet Painter on Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and LAIKA’s Film 5. Sara recently began her new career as Animation Senior Computer Technician at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
A: LAIKA is known for pushing the boundaries of stop-motion animation. In order to bring these stories to life, you worked with a community of writers, artists, inventors, technicians, and craftspeople. How did Evergreen prepare you to work effectively with such a diverse team?
S: The learning structure at Evergreen really prepared me for LAIKA. While seminar and group projects helped sharpen my communication skills, the academic freedom taught me how to take responsibility for my work. On top of that, Evergreen attracts such an interesting and diverse mix of people.
A: Did you have a favorite professor or mentor during your time at Evergreen?
S: I had this amazing professor named Ruth Hayes. She always encouraged and challenged me to do more, and she is just such an innovative spirit. I also worked with a really professional team in the Media Lab while I was a student, and I can honestly say that nothing has prepared me for the professional world and my job at LAIKA more than my work and educational experience at Evergreen.
A: Any advice for students interested in pursuing a career in animation?
S: First, take advantage of internships. It’s a great way to explore and learn what it’s like to work in a studio. LAIKA has a great internship program, and there are so many opportunities across the country. You just have to be willing to reach out and ask for them. Over the years, I’ve learned that people are usually happy to talk to you and share their experience and advice.
Tommy Schatz-Thompson ‘10
Tommy graduated from Evergreen with a background in Media Production and Stop Motion Animation. After spending the last four years working on LAIKA’s Kubo and the Four Strings and LAIKA’s Film Five, Tommy is gearing up to begin a new job in Atlanta, Georgia with Bento Box Entertainment.
A: LAIKA is known for pushing the boundaries of stop-motion animation. In order to bring these stories to life you worked with a community of writers, artists, inventors, technicians, and craftspeople. How did Evergreen prepare you to work effectively with such a diverse team?
T: The interdisciplinary experience at Evergreen brought a number of elements into one academic program: the media work, the writing, and the opportunity to work closely with your peers. At LAIKA, we combine many different fields and skillsets into one big studio, and it is amazing to see the finished product at the end. In that way, my work at Evergreen was very similar to my experience at LAIKA.
A: Favorite Professor?
T: My favorite professor was Ruth Hayes. She taught Media Works, which was my first program, and she is actually the reason I’m at LAIKA. I originally planned to do other work such as shooting media, but Ruth introduced me to animation and changed my direction. Another mentor of mine was Peter Randlette, the Director of Electronic Media. He was a big source of guidance and emotional support during my time at Evergreen.
A: Any advice for students interested in pursuing a career in animation?
T: The number one way to break into the industry is by meeting people. Be willing to relocate and try new things. Most of the jobs that I got were from meeting people at current jobs and following the opportunities. After working in the industry, I’ve come to understand that it’s all about timing. And remember, whenever you land a new job, always work your hardest so that you can stand out.
Labor Standards
Rodrigo Valenzuela ‘10
This exhibition features two videos by Evergreen Graduate Rodrigo Valenzuela ’10 . Each explores a specific aspect of labor. Prole (2015) follows a group of Spanish-speaking men discussing the way they work, and their views on union organizing. Valenzuela’s newest work, The Unwaged (2017), debuts in this exhibition and examines the situation of the unpaid intern in today’s workplace. The video will be a compilation of interviews with people who have worked for free with the promise of a career-building experience.
Register and read more about the other stops on the Greener Road trip !
Born in Madisonville, Kentucky, Cleven James Ticeson often quips that he is “Kentucky bred, but Washington fed.” A Northwesterner through and through, Cleven is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle and The Evergreen State College in Olympia. He was recently recognized for 40 years of service to KCTS 9, where he has worked since 1974 in a variety of capacities, from copywriter, actor, and floor director to his present position of senior post-production editor.
Precious Yarborough is a Seattle native who grew up in South Seattle and the Renton/Skyway area. After having her first 3 children, she became deeply concerned with the lack of culturally appropriate birth support and educational resources available for Black and brown families. She also noticed the need for a community space that centered Black women. Fueled to fill these needs, Precious co-created 2 organizations she nurtures with passion; Puget Sound Birth Professionals of Color (PSBPoC) and Black Power Circle. After her first doula training, she and 2 other birth workers created PSBPoC as a networking and referral service that connects families of color to birth professionals of color. Black Power Circle is a support and empowerment group for Black women and children, where community news and resources are shared. After graduating from The Evergreen State College—Tacoma, Precious plans to combine her love of birth and community support with social justice initiatives to bring more birth support and resources to Black and brown families in the Pierce County area.
