ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY ALYSSA THORNE
As a child, my fascination with small, intricate objects was insatiable. I spent hours poring over American Girl doll catalogs, marveling at the minuscule treasures. I started collecting miniature versions of everyday objects, and even drew tiny pictures that I carefully cut out and kept in a collection. Looking back, I realize that this early interest in detail and composition has greatly influenced my current work.
When I discovered the magic of stop-motion animation with The Nightmare Before Christmas in the 90s, I was immediately captivated. The film was full of tiny, extraordinary and almost unbelievable details, which served to bring the characters and worlds to life. I didn’t even know how the movies were made at the time, but it was somehow inherently obvious that painstaking craftsmanship went into every movement and expression.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the MOPOP in Seattle, and view the brand new exhibit “Hidden Worlds”, which featured the movie props and behind-the-scenes looks into Laika's films. As a long-time admirer of their work, I was thrilled to be invited to the opening by Studio Laika.
Laika has a rich history in the stop-motion field. Originally known as Will Vinton Studios, the company rebranded in 2005 and was named after the famous dog sent to space by the Soviet Union. It was during this time that Nike, Inc. owner Phil Knight acquired the studio and provided the funding needed to produce feature-length films. Henry Selick - the director of my beloved childhood favorite, The Nightmare Before Christmas - later joined the studio as a supervising director, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the stop-motion animation industry.
Walking through the exhibit, I was transported to the enchanting worlds of Laika's films. There is even a glowing hallway inspired by the one in Coraline to walk through! The intricate details of the puppets and sets were breathtaking, and it was fascinating to witness the entire process behind the making of these movies. From initial sketches to finished products, each piece was a testament to the remarkable creativity and hard work that goes into producing a stop-motion film.
As I left the exhibit, I was filled with a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The films of Studio Laika have always held a special place in my heart, and being able to see the movie props up close was an absolute dream come true. I left feeling grateful for the immense talent and commitment of the studio's artists and technicians, who bring these extraordinary stories to life with such precision and care, and a renewed sense of inspiration and wonder to take home with me.
