In which Chris Robinson asks animation professionals profoundly inane questions about the inner workings of their existence. Today's guests is the legendary American indie animator and writer, George Griffin.
'Head' by George Griffin
George Griffin is an acclaimed American experimental animator based in New York. Graduated with a degree in political science in Dartmouth, came to New York City and began working on commercial studios in 1967. He built his own camera and was inspired by the works of Robert Breer, Stan Vanderbeek and John Hubley; made his first film in 1969. His many notable works include Head (1975), The Club (1975), Ko-Ko (1988) and A Little Routine (1994)
George agreed to meet me on a Sunday afternoon to watch aquaducks mount an offensive again the lineage of block print makers infesting the steps of Greenwich Village private clubs. It was pouring snow.
I get the greatest pleasure from having a satisfactory bowel movement seated on my warm Japanese toilet seat, while completing the NY Times crossword puzzle.
The name of my autobiography would be KaKa Phony
My most beloved possession is a delicate pencil drawing my nice father made of his ferocious-looking father.
George Griffin
A (non-family member) person I have high respect for is Bernie Sanders
The song that makes me tingle is, "Tingle" as in terrified shriek would be the The Magic Flute's Queen of the Night's aria, Der Hölle Rache ("Hell's vengeance boils in my heart").
The funniest thing that happened to me….
My fall term first grade report card teacher's comment, "George draws too much in class." Her second term comment, "Still drawing!"
I’d like to be remembered as….
When I was the youngest kid on the block, wearing my first Halloween costume, I thought I really was a polar bear. The other kids howled in derision, "No Griffin, you're just a panda!" I took it as a mark of shame, mixed with defiant pride. So maybe that character trait is something like contrariness. Drives my wife crazy!
A well-known figure in the world of independent animation, writer, author & curator Chris Robinson is the Artistic Director of the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
