Magic : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Magic is an online collection of eight digital hand drawn animated short films focusing on small, ordinary moments. Made through the repeated production of animated shorts, these films fuse fantasy, nostalgia, and experiences of my everyday life. Navigating a raw visual language, these sketchy lines, low frame counts, minimal colour, and soundscape have rekindled a love for my creative work, myself, and for my transition process. Imaginary creatures that interact with their worlds have formed the basis to explore my own identity, the world around me, and to tell the story of this process. It has resulted in films with mundane, yet resonant narratives and the kind of stories that evoke the ineffable and compelling stuff of my life. Together, they offer a subtle guide to other people and creatures who are experiencing similar transitions in their life, and to re-finding one's voice.