Final: Research and Proposal - Merlee Vergara

 Merlee Vergara: Paper Pigeon Boy

Among his Kin, Pigeon Boy Concept Art, BFA Show

    During our preparations for an exhibition, we always get asked: What is next on our agenda? How will we use this experience to pursue future projects? To that, I’ll say, that what I finished for my BFA exhibition is not the end of this vision. For my BFA project, I visualized and designed a story surrounding themes of abandonment and expected social roles in the guise of a whimsical adventure of a bird boy named Pidge. I had drawn out several pieces of conceptual art to visualize and communicate my story to others, each piece being a small part of a puzzle that is the finished animated product. I want to expand upon this idea into a future project for the summer, going far beyond what I’ve currently done, containing both enhanced versions of my visual work and a variety of animated pieces. To achieve such a feat, it would require a deeper understanding of the current themes this story embodies. In addition, I would have to practice new methods to enhance my abilities and learn new techniques.  

Carrier Pigeon Pencil Illustration

    

To start off, looking at the roots of this project, much of the plot revolves around themes of ostracism; the protagonist being part of a group that was cast away, technically condemned from society. It may not seem like it, but this childlike tale draws parallels between newsboys and pigeons, both treated as nuisances during their time, one being still present today. Both were overpopulating the streets to such a high degree, to the point they were considered a disease that swept all of New York City. Furthermore, there would be a discussion regarding Identity and forced roles, delving into the corruption of hierarchies in our society.  The mistreatment of these children and animals and the history it carries is something I wish to incorporate better in these future projects, through both static images and motion. The remaining steps involve practicing and studying animation techniques taught by the masters. As a starting point, short clips conveying key scenes would be ideal and simpler (around 5-15 secs each) for a beginner like me. 

 

NYC Newsboys strike photograph, 1899

    Despite the heavy topics, it won’t necessarily take away from the whimsy and fun the story as a whole is meant to emanate. In the end, the story of Pidge is meant to be a memorable tale to entertain the masses regardless of age group. As I envision this future project, it is my intention to collect the necessary research and practice and use it to achieve the desired results before the summer ends. 

Character concepts, BFA show

                                                        Research and Purposal Presentation