Chuck Jones is one of the animation directors who gave us the golden age of
Warner Bros. animated short films. His textural line has inspired me ever since I watched Road Runner cartoons before reluctantly wandering off to school in the mornings. If you're not sure who I'm talking about, Mr Jones was the guy who invented Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd and on and on. To see what the man thought about drama and the art of animation watch this clip from the Charlie Rose TV show. He's 82 in this interview and gives a
demonstration of cartooning that is humbling to watch. He makes a comment that you cannot name yourself an Animator, your peers gift you with that title. For me he speaks of a history of craft and effort that we are all a part of. We should perhaps not be too quick to title ourselves with anything but the most humble of monikers. In my case, my dad is "Mister Retry", I'm just Retry.
Watch the Interview (I've had some problems with the link, Jones starts halfway through. )(via Drawn!)
July 2009 