Claymation Experimentation | Research and Trial-runs

I have decided as this is an animation project and my final outcome has to be an animation based on Identity, I am going to explore Claymation. It should allow me to create an interesting and abstract take on Identity and what it means to me. The art of claymation dates back to 1897 and is probably the most laboring form of animation. However I find it to give the figures a lot more character, making the audience more captivated by the story and what will happen. Below you will find a short clip of my own experimentation using clay, and my first time using it in a stop-motion form.


Before I began I found myself stuck and confused on how to start and how I could make the clay move and form without it looking strange. However, I decided to start with a random shape of clay and see where it would take me and what it would look like. I chose a simple background that I had on hand as I knew this would only be an experimentation, so I was not too interested in thinking about that part too much. However, watching back I realize that moving forward I am going to use a much more plain background in order for it to not distract so much from the actual animation. When I began actually animating, the more I did it the more enjoyment I got out of it and got the hang of going from frame to frame. Making random shapes allowed me to take an abstract approach and gave me more ideas as to how I could represent the theme of identity, more specifically the theme of masculinity and femininity. I think this abstract theme will be a focus of mine when I begin my final outcome as it will give me more creative freedom. The only issues I came across when experimenting was the transitions between the scenes and making them all connect, rather than it looking like separate animation compiled into one video. To overcome this I need to think of a common theme that I can include throughout the stop-motion in order for it to connect and flow properly. My first idea is to always include two characters/objects, that could represent both masculinity and femininity. As that is the main focus of the animation and needs to be recognized. In addition to this, what I have found from trialing this method (claymation) is the more I do it and go with whatever comes to mind, the better the outcome I get. As for an abstract this technique works well because you are allowing your immediate thought and ideas to take over and produce something unique and charming.

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