APS (Aqueous Polymeric Suspension) Technique for Stop-Motion Research Project
Project Lead, Principal Investigator
Kayla Dearman
Animator, Research Assistant
Reagan Power
Project Abstract
Stop motion animation has long been a driving force for novel innovations - which often marvel the world for their unique ability to meld together seemingly disparate disciplines. One environment that has yet to be successfully emulated by stop motion without considerable digital manipulation is that of the sea. Few modern productions have attempted to tackle this feat; those that have are unable to capture the complex movement of the sea-life and aquatic environment because of the unpredictability of the water surrounding them. Animators are forced to painstakingly move each animated item how they intuitively feel it would move underwater. This process requires costly motion rigging devices that give the illusion of weightlessness to objects being animated and a considerable amount of post-production digital manipulation. The effort and cost put into this process doesn't often yield the desired results, which has discouraged many stop motion animators from attempting underwater animation. However, by using a simple solution of super-absorbent polymer beads and water in a transparent vessel, an artificial aquatic environment with imperceptible suspension is created. This study examines the efficacy of this medium for use in animation to evaluate how this method compares to other attempts at emulating aquatic environments. Various materials, sealants, and puppet prototypes were tested to identify the uses and limits of the medium. Though this project focuses on portraying an aqueous environment, the methods investigated here have further implications for making stop motion animation more cost-effective and accessible in a way that is environmentally friendly.