Sharing her joy in animation
View(s):By Samadhee Wijesekera
Irushi Tennekoon
“Tell your own story,” says artist, teacher and animation director, Irushi Tennekoon.
Irushi who holds an MA in Animation from the Royal College of Art, London, has always loved sharing her creations, be it on social media or other media. She believes that anyone can animate, whether you’re a pro or an amateur. In fact, her first film ‘83 A Very Short Film’ was made just using her phone in her living room – a studio and professional equipment is not always needed for the art.
The driving force behind the animation workshops she conducts over the weekends during the August and December holidays is her desire to share the joys of this medium with others.
“All you really need is an idea and some basic skills,” Irushi says, remarking that a degree or advanced knowledge aren’t necessarily required. Participants need not have excelled in drawing and sometimes they are the ones who end up making the best creations.
The workshops introduce participants to the basic principles of animation and the apps that are used for stop motion animation. Irushi states that, “the outcome is so much more than animation,” as creativity is unleashed and stories are created. She aims to dispel the myth that formal education is needed for animation.
Irushi’s workshops are for all ages. The ‘stop motion’ ones are more for ages 10 and above or 16 and above, as handling technology can be a bit complicated for children of very young ages. “Both children and adults learn from each other,” she says, adding that it is wholesome to watch the age groups interact and share new ways of thinking.
Participants who attend her workshops join to unlock a new talent or hobby, and not necessarily to make a career out of it. “Making a career out of animation, needs a long-term consistent practice and to make a career out of anything you need to be obsessed with it,” says Irushi. Instead of the idea that someone will walk out of her workshops as a professional animator, her message is that, “your potential is infinite and you can create whatever you set your mind to”.
Animation can unlock opportunities for many, especially for independent artists and animators. The animation space in Sri Lanka is still developing, she says and some choose to go overseas where the industry is well established. She not only does animation but is also a teacher and has found a balance that sustains her practice.
Some of the props Irushi uses for her animation. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Career opportunities in the field of animation, include game design animation studios and advertising firms for commercial animation. For independent animators, there are opportunities for commissions. The MMCA commissioned Irushi to work on ’88-Acres’- a project on renowned architect Minnette de Silva.
Irushi also often conducts art workshops. These are held in a beautiful outdoor setting where the participants are taught to really observe their surroundings. The takeaways vary depending on the age groups as there is always a diverse group attending.
Irushi’s animated films and information on her animation
workshops can be accessed via her website irusdedoodles.com and Instagram page @irus_dedoodles
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