With the T-Rex at Downtown Disney.

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A former Disney Feature Animation background painter was having a show at one of the Disney Stores at the Downtown Disney.The invite was wrong however and he wasn’t in the store when I stopped by to say hello. Since I was there, I walked around to find something to sketch. The Marketplace is a hectic place to sketch. Everyone seems to be in a rush to make last minute purchases before they head home. The eye catching Dinosaur bones stop tourists in their tracks for a brief photo opportunity. The Dinosaurs are part of a themed restaurant Called T-Rex Cafe, (1676 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL) that is always jam packed. They serve adventures rather than ordinary meals. American eats plus animatronic dinosaurs and an underwater aquarium draw crowds in Downtown Disney.

Loves First Kiss.

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Rusty Pliers returned to Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 E Winter Park Rd, Orlando, Fl) to read a short story entitled “Love’s First Kiss” at an open mic night.  I worked with Rusty Pliers back when Disney Feature Animation created films the old school way with millions of drawings done by hand. A small army of artists were required to make the films. I’m fascinated at how the many talented artists re-invented themselves after animated films turned to computers rather than drawings. Rusty Pliers took up the pen an started writing. At the first reading he explained the his alias Rusty Pliers came from a sideline career as a porn star. There were some rusty pliers on the set and they were used in ways that are probably better left unsaid.

This second reading on Memorial Day was much softer and innocent, recalling his first love in high school. She loved horses and although he considered horses to be monstrous beasts, he told her that he adored horses to get close to her in the barn. Their first kiss was tender and sweet and it stirred feelings below the belt that he didn’t expect. It was abruptly cut short by the girl’s father however. The young pair drifted apart and never rekindled that moment.

Another author told a story that resonated for Memorial Day. She had a career in the military and was good at he job. She got married and was starting he new life. Her husband was in the military as well, and they were not always stationed together. Life was good, but then she got news that changed everything. She had Multiple Sclerosis and this would take away her mobility. She eventually got medical disability. She moved and open boxes lay everywhere. She didn’t know what to do with the rest of her life.

What made he story so compelling is that she would occasionally stop reading and just relate her story from memory. The point of her story was that although her life was upended she needed to find a way to restore order. She started with a task that many overlook. She began organizing her spice rack in her apartment filled with unopened boxes. She cried as she worked, but with that one task done she could move on to the next. She was a brave veteran who had found a way to reinvent her life after all the structure and discipline of the military and she wouldn’t let MS define her life. Clearly as a writer she had rediscovered a way to let her spirit sour.

Rusty Pliers shocked the crowd at Stardust Video and Coffee.

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Saw Ewing was a lead cleanup artist at Disney Feature Animation. I worked under his guidance on the character Koda in Brother Bear. After Disney closed the Florida animation studio, I started work at Full Sail University and I worked closely with Sam as we taught college students the principles of animation using traditional pencils and paper. Sam had a dream of someday becoming a writer. He left Full Sail to follow that dream. I was happy to hear that Sam started a blog titled “Rusty Pliers.”

Soon everyone referred to Sam as Rusty Pliers. I wondered what the moniker meant. My thought was that each artist that worked for Disney was a tool. For the duration we were tools with a set purpose, to create ageless films. When the studio was shut down there was little need for Animators who draw. We were discarded tools left to rust (rusty pliers) until we found new outlets for our talents. The Florida humidity has caused all the tools in my tool chest to rust. It is unavoidable with age.

This reading at Stardust Video and Coffee set the record straight. When Rusty Pliers got on the stage, he had an eye patch that made him look a bit like a pirate. He started reading tentatively at first outlining his early dreams of becoming an animator.  Half way into the reading he took a moment to adjust his eye patch. He moved it from his left eye to his right eye which caused laughter to erupt. “That’s so much better.” he said. “I didn’t realize there were so many of you out there.” It was a full house. Standing room only.

Rusty then read about his next career move into the porn industry. This is apparently a hard industry to break into. It was during the filming of a hot kitchen sex scene where rusty earned his name. He discovered some pliers on the set and he worked them into the scene in kinky ways best left to the imagination. When the scene had reached it’s climax the director shouted, “You are going to be a star!” He wasn’t referring to the actors however. He was referring to the rusty pliers.

When the reading was over, my sketch was done. Back by the bar, there was a table full of former Disney colleagues. John Pierro has been doing a painting a day of his quirky and somewhat sinister intertwining figures. Merritt Andrews has been working for Universal Studios the past few years. Pam Darley turned me on to a bar her husband loves called the Brass Tap and I hope to go there on a Drink And Draw outing soon. Darko Cesar and his wife Mirjana were there as well. Darko is discovering how to use TV Paint which is the industry standard for producing traditional animation using a digital tablet. Kathy Blacmore is still teaching art to kids and illustrating children’s books. It was awesome to see Rusty Pliers laughing with friends. I had one grapefruit flavored beer and since I’m a light weight drinker, I laughed at even the simplest jokes. I was just happy to be surrounded by so much talent.

Nick Paul’s Impossible Feats of Fake Magic offered comedy and Magic.

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Nick Paul’s Impossible Feats of Fake Magic in the Fringe bronze venue inside the Orlando Museum of Art was a highly entertaining hour of magic. Nick is an Orlando native and this was the first time I had to sketch his act. A helium balloon was suspended in the middle of the stage. Nick eyed the balloon and with a flourish decided to cut the ribbon that held the balloon to the stage. Amazingly the balloon remained hovering where it was rather than floating to the ceiling. He then waved his hands around the balloon to show that there were no rods or supports holding the balloon in place. Next he tried to move the balloon by pushing and pulling it with no effect. I actually used to show a YouTube clip to my Full Sail students in which a mime tried to move a helium balloon. Darko Cesar, a former Disney Animator turned me on to this entertaining piece. We used it to show students how an animators job is to imply stress and strain by using exaggerated poses. When done right the unbelievable becomes plausible.

Nick asked an audience member to pick out a long word in the Fringe program. An envelope taped to the back of the trunk was opened and somehow that work was written on the sheet of paper inside. I tried to figure out the trick but in the end enjoyed simply being amazed. Nick’s wife joined him at the end of the show and somehow she was quickly transported inside a small box when behind a curtain for a minute. Her hand waved from a small hole in the box and that was the end of the show. People didn’t know if they should leave. At the exit several audience members approached Nick, concerned that his wife was still locked away in the box.  I don’t know if she ever got out. Of course all magic is fake, but Nicks physical comedy and audience participation made it a fun and entertaining show. He performs magic regularly at Walt Disney World where magic is expected.

Venue: Bronze

Length: 50 minutes

Rating: 13+

Tickets: $10 (+service charge)

Remaining Show Times:

Wednesday May 20, 2015  5:30pm to 6:20pm

Sunday May 24, 2015        8:15pm to 9:05pm

AADW work on view at Maxine’s on Shine.

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Sketches from Analog Artist Digital World are now on display at Maxine’s on Shine (337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL), through mid-April. Maxine’s was recently voted the best neighborhood restaurant and also best place for a date night. The opening for the exhibition was on April 12th. Complimentary cheese, crackers, fruit and vegetables were in a private quaint back room that resembles a mini temple. I was told that wedding ceremonies were indeed once held there.On the 2nd Thursday of every month guests are invited to “Meet the Artist, Meet the Winery, Meet the Brewery” as part of
Thornton Park’s Art and Wine Walk.

Friends came out to share their support. I had a small table set up outside with some books, cards and information about the art. Jessica Pawli was set up beside me offering free samples of wines. The white wine had a faint scent of oak that I rather liked. Sam Ewing, a former Disney Feature Animation, and Full Sail colleague came out to check out the show. He might be helping out by teaching my Elite Animation students while I travel to Turkey this year. Wendy Wallenberg posed by the doorway several times. That part of the sketch was already finished however. I joked with her that she was blocking my view of the dog.

When the sketch was done, I joined a large group of artists, authors and musicians who were gathered at a large round table outside. Maxine pointed out that this is how she always envisioned this place being a melting pot for the arts. Michael McLeod, came up with the catch phrase that this was the “Max Scene.” Maura Lucchese, had her work on the walls of Maxine’s the month before my show. She was taking down her pieces as I put mine up. It was like a whirlwind, Grand Central Station day as we rushed in and out the front door. Maura’s work is bright and sensual being created from thousands of bits of magazines assembled onto canvas. We traded cards. I did a sketch of her show and she gave me a sensual nude in greys, reds and blues. Some of her work showed couples kissing. The pieces are large and bold, and come together seamlessly from a distance.I’m a fan of her work now.

There was a long conversation about a live action feature film that featured angry chickens. The chickens were Hollywood executives who would pray on the innocent souls who sought fortune and fame. The puppet chickens were based on real life characters whose rude behaviors were exaggerated. It sounds like this is a film I should see. There seemed to be just one degree of separation between each person at the table. For instance Maura’s friend had worked on the sound track for Carl Knickerbocker‘s latest film. She had done the sound effects and yet this was the first time that they met in person. Wendy mentioned that Maxine had once been Miss New York State. I’m always amazed at peoples brilliant histories.

Donna Dowless spoke to everyone at the table, saying that we are the core group of people who always show up at events. Each of us contribute to the arts scene in our unique way. It is through the dedication of our efforts and the efforts of others that this city is becoming an exciting place to live. It was a heart warming thought, coming from Orlando’s Ambassador of Love. Her heart shaped pendant necklace caught the evening light. I felt the love on this warm southern night and felt grateful to be among such amazing artists.

Mysty Forest Becomes an Animation Studio

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Travis Blaise, a former Disney Animator offered a class at Misty Forest (N Hyer Ave, Orlando, FL) which had the students working towards completing an animated short. The story was called “Rosalie and the Bottle Tree“. A bottle tree is simply empty bottles put on the end of tree limbs and a bottle tree can bring good fortune. The narration was complete and the children’s drawings were used as the story boards.

What Misty Forest lacked in terms of cameras and light tables, it made up in the children’s enthusiasm. I don’t believe the film was ever completed, but the kids had a great time getting to collaborate on  what might one day become an inspired little film. All it takes is on determined soul to reignite the spark and take on the Herculean task of finishing the animation.

Travis Blaise Works on His Cintique

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Travis Blaise worked with students at Misty Forest to help create storyboards for a short animated film titled “Rosalie and the Bottle Tree.” As I sketched Travis, he told me about the equipment he was using, and I decided to purchase the same scanner and printer he was using. The Epson has been serving me well. Misty Forest is a small private school that offers kids creative courses after regular school hours. A bottle tree consists of bottles stuck onto branches and they are created to bring good luck. Travis had the kids create all the storyboards and he was using the Cintique to edit together the images along with the sound track.

Travis is an amazing animator that worked at Disney Feature Animation when hand drawn animation was in it’s hay day. He is a master at working straight ahead, letting the scene develop organically.  He showed me how he uses the Cintique to animate using Flash. I was amazed that the program could be used to create organically drawn animation. I always assumed that Flash created flat, cut out type characters that were then moved like puppets.

Travis ended up leaving Orlando to work at Digital Domain, a computer animation studio. Digital Domain then closed down and I’m not sure where Travis went after that. Working in the animation industry is like tap dancing on quick sand.

Santiago’s Bodega

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I had an hour to kill before getting to The Venue to sketch a rehearsal, so I decided to stop at Santiago’s Bodega (802 Virginia Drive Orlando FL) to try their tapas. Right after the collapse of Disney Feature Animation, Kathy Schoeppner a feature animation artist decided to rent this space as a gallery. For a while this space exhibited the art from some of the most talented artists from the studio. Kathy would suggest a different theme each month and artists would create work inspired by that theme. I was proud to exhibit my work being surrounded by so much talent. Unfortunately an art gallery on Virginia drive wasn’t a profitable business venture at the time, and Kathy had to let the gallery go. She moved to Los Angeles following the talent and money that flooded out of Orlando at the time.

Anyway, back to the Bodega. The art on the walls was less than inspired. A sad theatrical mask painting behind the maîtra d’ station greeted people as the entered. I ordered a beer and some tapas all of which tasted great. I’m not much of a foodie, so I didn’t take note of the delicate tastes. I just wanted a quick munch before heading out to sketch. I can say that I’d gladly go back and this place is within walking distance from the Fringe so I will be doing just that quite soon. The entry area had a few chairs where people could sit while waiting for their significant other, or a table.

The waiter at my table took quite an interest in the sketch and he kept inviting more staff over to take a look. A commotion broke out at the table next to me. A bee had flown through the open entry door and it was buzzing and accosting the women. The braver of the two was swatting the bee with her menu while the other woman screamed and laughed. The bee just wouldn’t die. She finally trapped it in her napkin and handed it to the waiter who had run over to help. She warned him that the bee was still squirming inside the napkin. He walked away with the trapped bee and I choose to believe he set it free.

John Mahoney

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I met John Mahoney way back in 1994. We were both interns at Disney Feature Animation, going through a six month training session. John always had a rebellious streak and the work he produced was inspired and only a loose interpretation of the projects. For instance, one assignment involved doing the inbetween drawings for an old Goofy animated scene. All the keys were supplied as xeroxes and we just had to add drawings to smooth out the action. It was mind numbing simple work. John created drawings under the animation camera making it seem like the drawings were spontaneously creating themselves.

We both ended up working at Disney but John made his way into the creative development department because of his uncompromising ways. I didn’t realize that he had been forced to work in the effects department, a position that he despised. He essentially began his own private sit down strike, allowing scenes to pile up on his desk. Rather than getting fired, he was given an office in creative development. A perk of the job was that he could order any art supplies he needed. If he wanted to do some watercolors, he could order a complete deluxe set. If he decided to use gouache the next day, the he would order a complete deluxe gouache set.

He did development work for the film “Kingdom in the Sun” which would later be called “The Emperors New Grove.” The film was being pitched to Michael Eisner, Aka Darth Vader. Don Hahn, the films producer gave an amazing in depth story pitch.  Michael wasn’t impressed. He said the film felt like a National Geographic documentary and he said the film couldn’t be made. John had been throwing together a short two minute animation that sort of explained the Mayan Creation myths using spontaneous drawings and loose brushwork. Michael saw that short and the film was saved. It is a shame the final film became so watered down.

John is now deeply committed to using Z-Brush to create fanciful and dark imagery. His quirky sensibility affects every project he tackles. Although he is an amazing draftsman, he is drawn to sculpting which he feels is a more pure and convincing way to portray form. He collects immense loose leaf folders full of artist work that he is inspired by. When he works, he surrounds himself with these inspiring images. When discussing how to pick a color palette, he said he likes to look at how ancient civilizations have used color. These cultures developed their color sensitivities over many centuries so the colors have become established. I am amazed and inspired by his drawings done on location.

Wednesday Open Words

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Every Wednesday at Austin’s Coffee, (929 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park FL) Curtis Meyer hosts an Open Mic called “Wednesday Open Words.” The evening starts at 8pm but I was in Winter Park and decided to go to Austin’s Coffee early to grab some diner. Students sat on the makeshift stage immersed in their laptops. The young woman seated across from me lounged on the couch intently reading a real paper bound book. I watched her expression as the read and at times she was visibly upset. Something horrible was going on in those pages. I imagined she might be reading “The Catcher in the Rye.” As I recall it had a red cover. When she got up to leave she noticed my sketch. I had to ask her what she was reading. It turned out that “The Hunger Games” was required reading for one of her classes.

Curtis arrived and gradually he cleared the stage and set up a microphone. The theme for the evening was Disney Animated Films. Having worked at Feature Animation, I had to be a bit of an expert on the decade of films I worked on. Curtis was very stoked about the film “Saving Mr. Banks” which stars Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. He insisted I go see it. To warm up the crowd, Curtis had everyone repeat, “Pink pajamas, penguins on the bottom.” It is a tongue twister which is rather fun to repeat again and again in succession. There were trivia questions between readers and I managed to guess the name of the dog in Disney Pixar’s “Up.” The dogs name was Dug. I won an odd green feathery pin with a yellow skull from “The Princess and the Frog.” It is now partially stained with black ink from one of my pens.

One particularly fun poem used all of the Disney made up words. It turns out that besides Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus, there are many others that are just as strange. Curtis wanted to find one word that defines each Disney film plot. For instance Rapunzel, the word is Tangled. For Snow Queen the word is Frozen. For Little Mermaid the word might be pants. For Beauty and the Beast the word would be Stockholmed. This might make a good drinking game to whittle each film down to one word. One line from someones poem stuck with me, “The beauty of the world makes demands on us.

Curtis was great about being sure the audience respected how brave all the speakers were. Public speaking is a universal fear. Snapping fingers were encouraged when the poems were profound. Seda Gay spoke about four grown women who returned to the Disney theme parks together. Two of those women were now divorced but they all stepped back to their childhood relationships discovering where they left off. One poet was accompanied by a guitar player. He said most of his creative ideas were formed by the age of 11. He imagined flying being an everyday occurrence to get through our heavy Earth bound days. He was of course speaking as Peter Pan. Curtis chimed in, “All you got to do is believe.”