Friday, January 1, 2010

I shot a little video of some birds on the wires outside our daughter's home over Christmas. I messed around with it a little in Windows Movie Maker, and here's the result. The music is a piece from Ólafur Arnald's Found Songs.

23 comments:

Art By Erika said...

Don you have talent in film making! Wonderful delivery! The simple images were engaging and the music was a little haunting and sad - I loved the music so much! Thank you! Wishing you your best year of art yet! Cheers!

DALSING said...

BIRDS ON A WIRE....I loved it. Something peaceful and sincere about it especially when compared to our complicated world and lives. Had not heard this music, will search for Arnald's "Found Songs."

Elizabeth Elgin said...

What a beautiful New Years Gift. Thank you. Make more videos-very artistically done! Also thank you for introducing me to Arnald's music. Pandora here I come.

Dean Grey said...

Happy New Year, Don!!!

-Dean

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Erika. My filmmaking abilities are elementary, at best, but it is so much fun. Yes, Arnald's music is melancholy but beautiful. He's from Iceland and very young--only about 22 or 23, I think.

I hope 2010 is a great, creative year for you!

Don Gray said...

Happy New Year, Betty and thanks. My post has a link to "Found Songs."

Don Gray said...

Thank YOU Elizabeth and Happy New Year! Thanks, too for referencing my work on your blog. I enjoy your work and writing.

Don Gray said...

Happy 2010 to you, Dean! I hope this year brings you inner peace.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Don for sharing your exploration in a different medium. The haunting music added another dimension to the bird images.
Anne Thrower

Don Gray said...

I appreciate it Anne--glad you enjoyed it.

Don Gray said...

Thanks Inkpunk--Happy 2010.

spiritvessel said...

It is interesting how each new generation comes to the foreground while past generations seem to fade until they dissolve into the background clouds. We don't even realize it's happening. Then a foreground bird flies off. We think we're ready for it, but when it happens, it still surprises us. Then we realize that it's only a matter of time before the entire wire of birds will fade....That's the cycle. It can make you feel alone....

Don Gray said...

A thoughtful interpretation, Spiritvessel. The music has a melancholic quality, and I suppose I made it feel lonely by ending with the single bird. But, as you say, it is a cycle. I watched the birds fly off, then return again and again.

cedar chests said...

You have a talent! Film making is a tough work to do but you mailed it! I wish you will have more to make this 2010!

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Cedar. It's fun to play with the movie maker, but I don't think I'm making Spielberg very nervous yet. :^)

Anonymous said...

ok, when did these plans to venture into becoming a director in Hollywood or becoming a bird trainer in a circus exactly start? :)r.

Katherine said...

Don I love this video. Beautifully done. I felt it had a rather existential quality. I loved how the way the birds were represented varied from bird to spirit-like entity. The coming and going. It felt related to the series of prints you did at Crows Shadow to me.
Happy New Year Don.

Don Gray said...

I just thought it would be good to have a backup career or two, Rahina--in case the painting gig fell through. :^)

Don Gray said...

I'm glad you liked it, Katherine--thanks. It was just fun playing with all the video effects that Movie Maker has. The music lends it a more sober, elegaic quality. It makes me realize the importance of music in movies.

Happy New Year to you!

Unknown said...

Something about the simplicity of the music and the video touched a place inside me... brought tears! I really don't know why but it was a good feeling. I'd say that is every artist dream, to touch emotions inside the viewer. Well you, my friend, accomplished it today! Please do some more of these from time to time. I can envision a DVD of "Don Gray's Select Sounds!"

Leah Waichulis said...

Hi Don, I love your video. It's very beautiful and moving. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Don Gray said...

Thanks for writing,Doug. I'm delighted the video had that powerful effect on you. I think it is mostly the music--Arnald's melodies are so haunting...sad but lovely...they evoke a strong reaction in me too.

Yes, "Don's Select Sounds"--coming soon to your local music store! :)

Don Gray said...

Hi Leah, thanks a lot. Happy 2010 to you as well!