Finding sunshine, and inspiration

March is wrapping up, so here's s note from the Paris front.
It seems like I have been here a very long time.
I've been here long enough to have memories about arriving, my first month, my first feelings here. It's strange to have memories about a place you haven't left yet.
So, going on over 3 months, things are starting to look up. This weekend Spring hit Paris without warning, pouring tanning-strength sunlight on the frowning city. Immedietly everyone cheered up, cafes moved all their tables outdoors and picnic baskets were packed at warp speed. I couldn't get enough of just strolling along the river with the sun on my face. It's raining again today, but people seem more hopeful now that they've gotten a taste of the season ahead.
The film goes as always, making the daylight hours blur by one drawing at a time. The characters are actually looking like I planned them to look, which makes me happy, and keeps the style I wanted. But I won't know if it's the film I wanted till I put all these pieces together, many days from now.
A few weeks ago Glen Keane gave an animation lecture at Gobelins, and left everyone excited and inspired. I've now heard him in english, and in french, but his drawings communicate without any words at all. Also checked out a big Miyazaki/Mobeius exibit in central Paris. It's great to see master comikers/animators publicly recognised as the artists that they are, something currently rare stateside. The Miyazaki work was beautiful, I don't know how he draws such strong and clear compositions and characters with such a light hand.
Soon I will see CalArtians! And Family! And more Spring!
To my precious friends who are animating in the dark little cubes right now, I send all of my love and encouragement. Gofightwin. Nothing can stop you. It is easier to animate knowing that I am not doing it alone.
~kelly

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