Frame by Frame: Visual Storytelling With Stop-Motion Animator Jessie Rodriguez

What motivates an artist to choose one of the most painstaking visual storytelling methods available? In today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2024 NOT REAL ART grant winner Jessie Rodriguez to discuss the meticulous craftsmanship behind her stop-motion movies. The Denver-based artist specializes in animated shorts created from linocuts, carefully carving and assembling every visual element of her "hand-printed movies."Her animations, selected for film festivals in Denver, Portugal, and Germany, explore themes such as grief, insomnia, and emotional resilience, balancing playful visuals with poignant narratives. Inspired by women filmmakers like silhouette animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, Jessie’s hands-on approach reflects her commitment to experimentation and storytelling. Join us as Jessie shares insight into her creative process, discusses the deeply personal themes in her films, and reflects on the significance of winning the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant. We also delve into her community-driven work with the Denver Tool Library and her multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Listen to our conversation with Jessie Rodriguez to hear her unique perspective on resilience, innovation, and the beauty of imperfection.For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/animator-jessie-rodriguez