The animated short film Ruffled confronts the subjects of Feminism and Femininity through the after-hour musings of a young seamstress. Sewing to patterns and working from their papered paradigms she discovers her unique voice that is both referential of the past while remaining distinctly modern. The struggle twenty-first century Feminists may encounter when determining their place within a history rich with prejudice, confrontation, and triumph is metaphorically represented in each of the character’s attempts at garment creation. Within the film, not only does this clothing harken back to vintage apparel but whimsically transforms her surroundings to reflect three visually distinct decades important to twentieth century Feminist theory.
Finding herself in microcosms of the past she comes to realize they must be both integrated and expanded upon to fashion a future anew. Only in pulling elements from each vintage outfit, adding a few stitches of her own, and creating something altogether original is she satisfied and ready to leave the shop. Ruffled is a hybrid animation that utilizes both 2D and 3D techniques to contrast design aesthetics and symbolically divide the past and present. 2D planar props dress each dated era like that of a stage set and play into the notion of performative femininity; the juxtaposition between each perceived experience and the 3D physical realm are thus emphasized. Ruffled uses the medium of animation to address the notion that ingenuity and self-exploration are strengthened and made clear through examination of the past.
Outline of Studies:
MFA Emerging Media – Animation and Visual Effects track
Educational Career:
BFA Emerging Media – Character Animation track
Thesis Committee:
Chair: Jo Anne Adams, Lecturer, Chair
Committee Members: Cheryl Briggs,
Professor and Michael Cabrera, Lecturer
The public is welcome to attend.
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