oh my goodness. it has been so long since i wrote on my blog. Please visit  once upon an eye
to find out more. This november there will also be an art installation inspired by the film.
meanwhile we await the word if we get picked for any festivals to show our film. 

 

Year of the Monkey

copyright alice muhlback

This is the year of the monkey. I researched what that means, and well, I decided to write my own version.
 Get a monkey amulet or totem. Smile, laugh and crack yourself up. It must happen alot, even though it's winter. Listen to organ grinding music, eat more bananas, organic ones. Get one of those little red caps for your head, with the strap that goes under your chin. Climb a tree and do some swinging. Take yourself less seriously than last year. Still ride that high horse, but laughing. Every nite before you go to sleep say you are healthy, wealthy and wise. Be more adorable, and channel godzilla when needed.
 I will be making monkey swag merch to boost your spirit....think about it, and happy new year.

EYE inspiring UPdates

It has been such a long while and much has happened since my last post.
I will add  images from my set design of The Wizard of Oz, as well as clips from an animation project in the works.
Here are two renderings from the film, just before the girl sees all that she will through this window...

This animation project is my heart right now because i am collaborating with many fine creatives to bring this charming and raw film to the screen.
Check this out- Our producer is Chris Holmes, animation and co-director is Pamela Tan, with music composed for us especially by Joshua Handal.

There will be a book and of course merchandise to
help fund the project.
To stay in touch please like our facebook 
page. There are a couple of short short sketch clips you can see. Of course we are holding on to the best parts till last.

L O V E Warrior

When I look out my window today, everything is white and icicles, no horizon, like a blank piece of paper.

I want to write about my Mom. I am remembering today how much she is a part of who I am, my art, and humor. She is in a world of her own, i now realize.
If I think back to my childhood days, i can see reflections of it there too. What I thought was normal...what beautiful gifts it bestowed upon me.

My dad called to tell me she was in the hospital. She wanted to know what the name of the hotel was. He said " this is not a hotel, this is a hospital." My mom still believes it is a hotel.

All of this brought me to tears, today. I have to find her, in this new place now, where hospitals can be a luxurious hotel and everything is timeless. Just like when I look out the window, all i see is white. A blank page to create something new, while I still can.

once upon an eye

 the greatest thing happened to me . i opened my email to find a letter from pamela tan, asking if i would like to make an animated short  film together. i had to read the email several times. i, as we say in the film - could not believe my eyes. we met weekly to discuss the look, feel, and type of animation. mostly we laughed.  we brainstormed the characters and story. it is because of pamela that the film became what it is. this is true collaboration, and a beautiful unfolding.
how fortunate that the title Once upon an eye was still available, no one else has yet thought of it...?
we are using an ipad mini and rigged up a top secret  private EYE animation clubhouse. 
there will also be a book, the website should be ready soon onceuponaneye.com and find us on facebook to get updates.

Monday Dragon

I went to our local historic reuse shop for some fierce inspiration. Just had to purchase this board that had so many random holes drilled into it that light peaked through some. The holes become the art. The wood is now layered with  mythic power. The moon came first, bearing wisdom, wit and learning. Dragon is fueled by imagination. I just made that up because i was surprised by what i created. Cryptic energy lead me here, i thought i was going to make a fox. A story reveals itself and this may be the start of one. The crow is arriving in a short animated film, this summer.

The Mural

Thank you to my friend http://www.jimgarmhausenart.com/ for stopping by and filming my mural progress.
I like to think i am  half way done, with my story. It's about the risk to bloom, courage, and i can not tell you everything. There are words, that can be read in either direction. Just remember it is not done yet, but how cool it is to be outside painting and see the changes with the season, it is no longer shadowed by leaves. I have been getting up in the wee hours to paint, right before the light breaks and with coffee.It is a gift to become a part of the neighborhood.