Captain's Log : Final Entry

Firstly, a bit about the thematic underpinnings of my final animation, entitled Beacon.


Beacon is a counterpoint to my previous project, Jumbleton, and is also a resolution. Where Jumbleton was about a chaotic mind and the resulting distorted perspective, Beacon is about arriving at a place of order, tranquility and understanding. I say arriving, because the ghostly and form-adaptive ship that steadily pilots its way toward the light is representing the concious thought of the person who's mind this is, and it has been a long journey through chaos (with a two night stop-over at Jumbleton to take on supplies). The beacon itself is the point of realisation, epiphany or truth that allows for the serenity that follows.

I have chosen the likeness of a ship rather than something more 'creaturely' because it speaks of long journeys and adventures, and also because I think the ship-lighthouse relationship is quickly readable without as much explanation. It's ghostly and adaptive nature is a clue that this symbol embodies thought and life, and is far from being a literal ship. Again, this being the realm of the mind, things are familiar yet distinctly strange, like dreams.

The environment is an adaptation of Jumbleton, using its furniture pieces to create an orderly space instead. The chairs being randomly placed on top of the table or underneath it helps to break it up a bit and look more natural and interesting, while also adding a metaphorical quiet to the scene. Chairs being put away on tables like that says to me that everyone is gone for the day, it is deserted and silent here. I have tried to strike a balance to maintain the ethereal strangeness without letting it become creepy, which would go against the intended mood.

Secondly, credit for the music track goes to Anzeigen, whose wonderful ambient works I found on Soundcloud. The track used is Eternals.


Lastly, a big hearty thanks to JP, Richard and Elle for making this paper as fun, engaging and challenging as they could. Putting aside the stuffy academic trappings of university teaching in favour of a more personal approach takes guts, and the class surely benefited. I hope to collaborate with you all in the future, if fate allows.

Luke