Jandiga K Holmes
William Clarke College
WHERE THE HEARTS HIDE
Time-Based Forms
Unreal Engine, Blender, QuickMagic
My body of work represents a small being with a glowing stone heart. As it ventures from the safety of its underground home to the unknown surface above, it wrestles with rejection, betrayal and the urge to hide its true self. The character's heart glows uncontrollably with emotion, conveying the pressure many feel to suppress their individuality in order to 'fit in'. My intention was for my work to examine how important connection and emotional expression are to us as human beings. I invite audiences to think about what we hide, what we share, and what it means to feel.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Brian Froud; Max Hay; Alexander Ostrowski; John Constable; Jim Henson, The Dark Crystal.
Marker's Commentary
Where the Hearts Hide is a time-based, 3D animation that explores the importance of connection and community. This sophisticated body of work represents a highly restrained approach to narrative filmmaking through the choice of claymation models, no dialogue, and gestural interactions. Set in a pre-industrial jungle, a figure with a glowing stone heart leaves the sanctuary of their cave to explore the outside world but is met with rejection, confusion, loss, and eventually redemption. The film’s themes are made accessible through the refinement of character development, shot choices, sound design, environments, and audio effects. These components form an immediately relatable story that connects with audiences and communicates intrinsically human concerns in compelling, emotional and symbolic ways.