Film
The Amabie - 2020
This eco-friendly film was made for the @amabie_project and is a result of sustaining art practice at home through creative mindfulness as a coping mechanism for anxieties brought on by the co-vid pandemic and lockdown.
The Japanese yokai spirit Amabie is a psychic mermaid who foretells of bountiful harvests and deadly pandemics. Sharing her image is said to offer protection from and quell the spread of illness. Many artists around the world have responded to our current situation by creating and sharing the Amabie's image.
Similar to the rainbow icon, the Amabie is now a multi-cultural talisman for protection and hope.
The first ever recorded sighting of an Amabie was by a government official in 1846. He spread her prophecies far and wide and her image was printed in the newspapers. This is a retelling of their story.
The sculptural puppets used in the film are made from 100% recycled and repurposed materials.
The soundtrack is created by @xaviermcmusic, a Catalan musician based in Belfast. His main instrument is electric guitar and his play style is inspired by genres such as blues, rock, funk and extreme metal. He has a passion for discovering new ways to experiment with music and this song is his approach to Japanese inspired guitar.
The Children of Lir - Skewbald Theatre "Digitales" - 2020
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During the lockdown I have been working on a project for Skewbald Theatre company named 'Digitales' alongside two fellow artists Noel Andrew Harron and Xavier Mercadé Costa. We have created a safe online children's theatre experience which can be enjoyed in our current climate. The film is based on Irish folklore and has a positive environmental message. These puppets were made using readily available, eco-friendly and recycled materials.
The film has been supported by @aceagrams and @artscouncilni and is free to watch.
Press Release -
Meet Fiachra, Conn, Aodhn and Fionnghula the children of the great sea god Lir. Lir has remarried and their new stepmother isn’t too keen on her new husband’s brood. With every passing day she grows more and more jealous. Watch the story unfold as the children become prey to their stepmother’s envy. With ‘Magical Mystical Irishy Sorcery’ the children begin a transformative quest and journey among a strange land with even stranger inhabitants.
Our Tiny Epically, Fantastical, magical journey interweaves storytelling, puppetry, original song/music, and zany characters to bring young audiences a message of caring for the environment, as well as introducing them to some of the famous myths of Ireland.
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This film was produced using recycled and repurposed materials. Suitable for 5+ and with some moments of flashing lights
Created by Noel Andrew Harron, Aimee Magee, Xavier Marcade Costa with Skewbald Theatre
Supported by Arts Council England and Arts Council Northern Ireland
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@aimeemagee_art
@xaviermcmusic
@noellyboy
Part 1 Trailer
The Children of Lir - "Fairyland" exerpt
The Children of Lir Part 1
“The Children of Lir” - Part 2 -Press Realease
Continuing their quest, join the now swan transformed children of Lir as they meet a ‘Giant’ of a fisherman with a quest of his own, journey through the land of shadow and meet a helpful Selkie who could hold the key to transform the swans back into human form... Can they reverse Aoife’s curse? Will Aoife’s Howling Wild Winds destroy more of the land? Will the children be reunited with their father?
Our Tiny Epically, Fantastical, magical journey interweaves storytelling, puppetry, original song/music, and zany characters to bring young audiences a message of caring for the environment, as well as introducing them to some of the famous myths of Ireland.
This film was produced using recycled and repurposed materials.
Created and performed by Noel Andrew Harron, Amiee Magee and Xavier Macadé Costa Supported by Arts Council England and Arts Council Northern Ireland
The Children of Lir Part 2
Experiments
Wobbly Cats - bread sculpture animation sketch 2020
Newspaper Skeleton - large scale newspaper sculpture animation sketch 2020