Norman McLaren: 'I have tried to preserve in my relationship to the film the same closeness and intimacy that exists between a painter and his canvas.'

I have tried to preserve in my relationship to the film the same closeness and intimacy that exists between a painter and his canvas.

In his powerful statement, Canadian animator Norman McLaren encapsulates the essence of his creative approach, likening his connection to film to that which a painter shares with their canvas. McLaren's quote emphasizes the depth of intimacy and closeness that he tries to maintain in his relationship with the film medium, marking an essential aspect of his artistic process. Through this connection, he is able to express his ideas, emotions, and visions, just as a painter does on a canvas.McLaren's choice to draw a parallel between film and painting holds profound significance in understanding his artistic philosophy. By comparing himself to a painter, McLaren highlights the level of control and personal expression that he seeks to achieve in his filmmaking. Like a painter, he meticulously crafts each frame, adding strokes of movement, color, and texture to the canvas of film. Every element, be it a line, a shape, or a movement, contributes to the overall artistic vision McLaren seeks to convey.This analogy also invites us to explore a fascinating philosophical concept — the distinction between two different artistic mediums and their creative processes. On one hand, the traditional art of painting allows the artist to directly manipulate the medium, yielding complete control over every brushstroke. On the other hand, filmmaking involves capturing reality through a camera lens, requiring a more complex process of creation that involves cinematography, editing, and post-production.Despite these differences, McLaren's quote challenges us to rethink the boundaries between painting and film, highlighting the potential for a cross-pollination of creativity. It suggests that filmmakers can adopt the intimate and personal approach of painters, even in the realm of a technologically driven medium like film. McLaren's desire to preserve this painterly connection with film can be seen as an attempt to impart a tangible sense of emotion and individuality into his work.By delving into this unexpected philosophical concept, we gain a deeper appreciation for McLaren's unique perspective. His quote encourages us to reconsider the complex relationship between art forms and to explore the possibility of applying techniques across diverse disciplines. It challenges us to embrace a more holistic understanding of artistic expression, in which boundaries become blurry and innovation thrives.In conclusion, Norman McLaren's statement brings to light the significance of maintaining intimacy and closeness with the film medium, drawing a parallel between his approach as a filmmaker and that of a painter with their canvas. This notion prompts us to reflect on the relationship between different art forms and the potential for creative cross-pollination. McLaren's quote stands as a testament to his artistic vision and his desire to infuse his films with the same level of personal expression and control that a painter possesses over their canvas. It serves as an invitation for us to explore new horizons in our own creative endeavors, breaking free from the limitations imposed by traditional categorizations and embracing the possibilities of artistic exploration.