Oak Leaf: A Life Story - The Production Journal

Watching falling leaves is one of my great pleasures in life. Who would have ever guessed something so simple could be so mesmerizing. If I choose to analyse it, I'd say it is the complete abandon with which they "accept" their fate that I find so intriguing. That might suggest that I can tell a happy leaf from one in distress....interesting idea but I can't. I am guessing.

I am pleased to be returning to my LIfe Cycle series of animated short with this current project Oak Leaf: A Life Story. Yes, I did a short about the life cycle of an acorn but this new project is leaf specific. Why?

Pin Oak, gesture 1

I am totally awed by these solar factories that perform such important work in concert with each other. A mature oak tree can have 700,00 leaves and they all work together. Add to that the beauty of their varied shapes and sizes and I want to learn more.

A book and a documentary have energized my interest in the story of the wisdom on Mother Nature, what we can learn and in fact what we must impliment.  Going Circular is an inspiring documentary about the natural world as one living system that has supported itself for millennia until we upset the balance. Nature does not produce waste. Everything is used and reused in a balance we have upset. Nature has no landfills. The book is Douglas W. Tallamy's The Nature of Oaks. I will reference both of these resources often.

PIn Oak, gesture 2

In addition to my research, I am warming up for this project with gesture drawings I will use for my final artwork. 

PIn Oak, gesture 3

Stay with me on this journey and marvel with me as we explore the ingenuity of our living Earth and Mother Nature.

The New Storytelling: 101

The Old Storytelling

Lots of talk about storytelling these days. Of course humans have been telling stories as long as we have existed, it's part of our DNA. What I am finding fascinating is how my long career as a producer of preschool media prepares me for the current brand storytelling we are hearing so much about and our work at Anim8Nature.

Kristin Reiber Harris

6 Lessons I Learned Searching for Grants

I am an animator/media producer and educator. I am developing Anim8Nature to promote environmental stewardship by exploring science with art and careful observation of the natural world. I have received a seed grant but I am seeking additional funding.

Anim8Nature.com  InMotion: Squirrel

Are you also running around looking for money and trying to find that golden stash of acorns? This is what I have learned as a newbie after almost two years researching and applying for grants.

Grant writing is universally acknowledged as being a pain in the neck.However, I am finding that it really can be "fun" and transformative. Here's why.

1. Foundations Need You as Much as You Need Them

Charitable organizations are tasked with giving away 5% of their net investment assets each year. That's good news for those of us looking for a small piece of that money. 

2. Lots of Help Out There: Databases and Webinars

There are many resources/databases online. Google searches have introduced me to the Foundation Center as well as Foundant, GrantWatch and more. 

After over a year of taking advantage of the Foundation Center's online database, I finally made it to their offices in Washington, DC. When I queried them on the phone why onsite visits are preferable, I was informed it was their knowledgable staff. That is an understatement. I was so grateful for the assistance I got at the Foundation Center, at least 30 minutes of one-on-one when I first arrived and then answers to many questions during my visit. I am working to get my local library here in Lynchburg, VA to join their network.