Short Film: Yarn

I watched this terrific documentary on a plane from Reykjavik to Seattle yesterday.

It’s about four fibre artists who work in very different ways to create really cool art.

Now That’s a Balloon Animal

Masayoshi Matsumoto makes the most impressive balloon animals I’ve ever seen.

More balloon animals on the artist’s website.

Short Film: Dear Henri

Rick and I have seen screenings of 23 of the short films at this year’s Seattle International Film Festival. So far, our favorite was Dear Henri, directed by Matthew Sandager, one of the family-friendly selections.

It’s the story of a little girl grieving the death of her grandfather, and it’s told through lovely, colorful live action and animations that reflect the little girl’s own art and materials. It’s remarkably thoughtful and complete for a film only 14 minutes long. See it if you get a chance.

Short Film: The Bucket

What a delightful, very short documentary.

Courtesy of The Field Lab.

How’s Your Day? Podcast

I’m enjoying How’s Your Day, a new podcast from KUOW, my local public radio station.

It takes an important day in recent history and interviews people about their memories of that day, often unrelated to the larger events. Which sounds like a dull idea, but it turns out it’s really fascinating. My favorite episode so far is Whales and 9/11, interviewing whale scientists who were working off the Atlantic coast on September 11, 2001.

 

 

Here’s the audio:

Animation: Charles Bukowski’s Crappy Life

The spoiled old toad Charles Bukowski talks about how he writes about his crappy life.

An animated interview from Quoted Studios.

 

Glen Campbell: Wichita Lineman

Today is Glen Campbell‘s birthday.

I grew up next door to a house full of linemen. This was their favorite song. I love it, too. An homage to a hard and honorable job.

More Glen Campbell.

The Gregory Brothers: Chicken Attack

I think this is the best chicken yodeling I’ve ever heard.