I'm an animator with a strong background in design and broadcast. I collaborate with architects here and there, and enjoy creating interactive spaces. Currently undertaking my PhD in Animation at UTS, and working with art collective tranSTURM on a range of public animation installation projects. Supervisors: Andrew Taylor
Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Re... more Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Renaissance, reconfiguring how we perceive information on a global scale (Frankel 2012). In shedding representational form and meaning, abstraction presents an evocative sensuality that transcends language and culture. This sensuality provides a strong foothold in commercial visual communications, which has persisted over time. While modern perceptions of the genre demarcate between ‘artistic’ and ‘commercial’ forms of abstraction, the formative period of the genre saw little distinction between art and consumer cultures. Artists such as Len Lye articulate the commercial versatility of abstract animation. Works such as Colour Flight (1956) and Rainbow Dance (1936) exist simultaneously as advertising and art. Fast-forwarding to our modern media experience, abstract animation has faded from the public eye. It has become both an obscure art form and a commercial cipher. Is it possible to brin...
"When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been... more "When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been designed with great care, and are employed frame after frame by a multitude of animators. The characters are drawn off a style sheet or guide; which defines what that character looks like, how it moves and reacts, and this is in most cases adhered to strictly. However, there are certain genres of animation where deviation from the styleguide is used to create an emphasised sense of the uncanny. Breaking away from the normal styleguide has become a common practice for some, and still isn’t on the cards for others. And while it’s less common than not, the usage of intentionally ‘messing with’ the style, proportion and perceived physical/articular capabilities of the animated character – is on the rise. The paper aims to disclose the power of this comedic device."
""There is a very definite gap in marketplace when it comes to therapy ... more ""There is a very definite gap in marketplace when it comes to therapy toys and edutainment for persons with special needs. The requirements for disability groups can vary, but are not impossible to address. An approach that involves sensory play, game calibration, and adapted interfaces needs to be considered in design. If managed properly, edutainment could be created to suit a variety of special needs groups – without creating a variety of programs. With the market for ‘mainstream’ early learning edutainment waning, there is no reason to shy away from developing interactive solutions that may be implemented in educational and domestic environments. Commonplace conventions of what edutainment means, and what its goals are, must be redefined. The purpose of this paper is to assist with that first – yet essential – step.""
BACKGROUND Although Aboriginal health and social issues are receiving increasing attention from p... more BACKGROUND Although Aboriginal health and social issues are receiving increasing attention from policy and decision makers, very little thought has been given to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities, especially as it relates to ...
The interrogation of diaspora, disaporic nostalgia, and disaporic reconstruction are intertwined ... more The interrogation of diaspora, disaporic nostalgia, and disaporic reconstruction are intertwined in films such as The Incredibles (2004), Wall-E (2008), Fritz the Cat (1972), and Allegro non Troppo (1976). In each of these works, extremely dark and subtle explorations are made into diaspora, its mechanisms, and its fallout. These strikingly different films are purport a happy ending for mankind, even when that happy ending is annihilation. These films share a playful sense of the inevitable; a joy in complete obliteration. This paper details the use of diaspora as a comedic device
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Re... more Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Renaissance, reconfiguring how we perceive information on a global scale (Frankel 2012). In shedding representational form and meaning, abstraction presents an evocative sensuality that transcends language and culture. This sensuality provides a strong foothold in commercial visual communications, which has persisted over time. While modern perceptions of the genre demarcate between ‘artistic’ and ‘commercial’ forms of abstraction, the formative period of the genre saw little distinction between art and consumer cultures. Artists such as Len Lye articulate the commercial versatility of abstract animation. Works such as Colour Flight (1956) and Rainbow Dance (1936) exist simultaneously as advertising and art. Fast-forwarding to our modern media experience, abstract animation has faded from the public eye. It has become both an obscure art form and a commercial cipher. Is it possible to bring this vital art form into a more prominent position? In order to address this question, this paper adopts Inclusive Design as a paradigm in order to develop a case for the modern presentation and creation of abstract animation. It considers the disappearance of abstraction as a design problem – which implies that a solution may be considered.
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
Rachel Walls, Lyndal Millikan, Catherine Bridge and Laura Davy. Home Modifications Information Clearinghouse (HMInfo) Occasional Paper, 2013
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Re... more Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Renaissance, reconfiguring how we perceive information on a global scale (Frankel 2012). In shedding representational form and meaning, abstraction presents an evocative sensuality that transcends language and culture. This sensuality provides a strong foothold in commercial visual communications, which has persisted over time. While modern perceptions of the genre demarcate between ‘artistic’ and ‘commercial’ forms of abstraction, the formative period of the genre saw little distinction between art and consumer cultures. Artists such as Len Lye articulate the commercial versatility of abstract animation. Works such as Colour Flight (1956) and Rainbow Dance (1936) exist simultaneously as advertising and art. Fast-forwarding to our modern media experience, abstract animation has faded from the public eye. It has become both an obscure art form and a commercial cipher. Is it possible to brin...
"When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been... more "When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been designed with great care, and are employed frame after frame by a multitude of animators. The characters are drawn off a style sheet or guide; which defines what that character looks like, how it moves and reacts, and this is in most cases adhered to strictly. However, there are certain genres of animation where deviation from the styleguide is used to create an emphasised sense of the uncanny. Breaking away from the normal styleguide has become a common practice for some, and still isn’t on the cards for others. And while it’s less common than not, the usage of intentionally ‘messing with’ the style, proportion and perceived physical/articular capabilities of the animated character – is on the rise. The paper aims to disclose the power of this comedic device."
""There is a very definite gap in marketplace when it comes to therapy ... more ""There is a very definite gap in marketplace when it comes to therapy toys and edutainment for persons with special needs. The requirements for disability groups can vary, but are not impossible to address. An approach that involves sensory play, game calibration, and adapted interfaces needs to be considered in design. If managed properly, edutainment could be created to suit a variety of special needs groups – without creating a variety of programs. With the market for ‘mainstream’ early learning edutainment waning, there is no reason to shy away from developing interactive solutions that may be implemented in educational and domestic environments. Commonplace conventions of what edutainment means, and what its goals are, must be redefined. The purpose of this paper is to assist with that first – yet essential – step.""
BACKGROUND Although Aboriginal health and social issues are receiving increasing attention from p... more BACKGROUND Although Aboriginal health and social issues are receiving increasing attention from policy and decision makers, very little thought has been given to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities, especially as it relates to ...
The interrogation of diaspora, disaporic nostalgia, and disaporic reconstruction are intertwined ... more The interrogation of diaspora, disaporic nostalgia, and disaporic reconstruction are intertwined in films such as The Incredibles (2004), Wall-E (2008), Fritz the Cat (1972), and Allegro non Troppo (1976). In each of these works, extremely dark and subtle explorations are made into diaspora, its mechanisms, and its fallout. These strikingly different films are purport a happy ending for mankind, even when that happy ending is annihilation. These films share a playful sense of the inevitable; a joy in complete obliteration. This paper details the use of diaspora as a comedic device
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Re... more Abstraction, as an art movement, represents the largest modernisation of visual arts since the Renaissance, reconfiguring how we perceive information on a global scale (Frankel 2012). In shedding representational form and meaning, abstraction presents an evocative sensuality that transcends language and culture. This sensuality provides a strong foothold in commercial visual communications, which has persisted over time. While modern perceptions of the genre demarcate between ‘artistic’ and ‘commercial’ forms of abstraction, the formative period of the genre saw little distinction between art and consumer cultures. Artists such as Len Lye articulate the commercial versatility of abstract animation. Works such as Colour Flight (1956) and Rainbow Dance (1936) exist simultaneously as advertising and art. Fast-forwarding to our modern media experience, abstract animation has faded from the public eye. It has become both an obscure art form and a commercial cipher. Is it possible to bring this vital art form into a more prominent position? In order to address this question, this paper adopts Inclusive Design as a paradigm in order to develop a case for the modern presentation and creation of abstract animation. It considers the disappearance of abstraction as a design problem – which implies that a solution may be considered.
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
Rachel Walls, Lyndal Millikan, Catherine Bridge and Laura Davy. Home Modifications Information Clearinghouse (HMInfo) Occasional Paper, 2013
Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural rele... more Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.
The paper discusses the process of interaction between German art entity blackhole factory and tr... more The paper discusses the process of interaction between German art entity blackhole factory and tranSTURM in the creation of animations for Waterline (2015). The intuitive collaboration of artists across architecture, design, animation and interactive installation will be detailed, work in progress shown, and reflections on process and meaning exchange are discussed.
The paper details both tranSTURM and blackhole-factory through examples of work. It further details the Waterline project practice-led research, and moves into works created by both art groups directly after the research project. The benefits of collaboration are explored in the presentation.
Abstract animation is commonly positioned as a conceptual modern art genre. The cognitive demand ... more Abstract animation is commonly positioned as a conceptual modern art genre. The cognitive demand of this media – from this position – is one of exclusivity; demanding an informed consumer. When considered from an inclusive perspective, however, it becomes a more accessible set of media. The consideration of potential user engagement as opposed to the intentions of the artist is typical to Inclusive Design. Targeting accessibility, it is commonly applied in areas such as Industrial Design and Architecture. Use in other areas, such as animation, permits considered perception and practice. In creating a new methodology for analysis and creation of media, a new genre is also possible – one of inclusion. As example, this paper will incorporate studies of works in abstract and visual music genres by creators such as Norman McLaren, Oskar Fischinger, and Mary Ellen Bute. This interrogation targets a set of qualities that permit accessible viewing. These attributes are then ready for application in creating accessible media, whilst functioning within abstract genres. This is the conceptual foundation for practice by the artist, and process will be discussed.
When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been desig... more When we watch animated serials and films, we view characters and backgrounds that have been designed with great care, and are employed frame after frame by a multitude of animators. The characters are drawn off a style sheet or guide; which defines what that character looks like, how it moves and reacts, and this is in most cases adhered to strictly. However, there are certain genres of animation where deviation from the styleguide is used to create an emphasised sense of the uncanny.
Breaking away from the normal styleguide has become a common practice for some, and still isn’t on the cards for others. And while it’s less common than not, the usage of intentionally ‘messing with’ the style, proportion and perceived physical/articular capabilities of the animated character – is on the rise.
The paper aims to disclose the power of this comedic device.
Work on the themes of the film project, exhibited Sydney, Australia 2012.
For more information, ... more Work on the themes of the film project, exhibited Sydney, Australia 2012.
For more information, exhibition inquiries please feel free to contact me.
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Papers by Rachel Walls
The paper details both tranSTURM and blackhole-factory through examples of work. It further details the Waterline project practice-led research, and moves into works created by both art groups directly after the research project. The benefits of collaboration are explored in the presentation.
Breaking away from the normal styleguide has become a common practice for some, and still isn’t on the cards for others. And while it’s less common than not, the usage of intentionally ‘messing with’ the style, proportion and perceived physical/articular capabilities of the animated character – is on the rise.
The paper aims to disclose the power of this comedic device.
For more information, exhibition inquiries please feel free to contact me.