Artist Statement
My research focuses on abstract narrative, hand drawn experimental animation. Following in the history of abstract film and visual music my installations suggest an endless universe in which the passage of the audience is but a brief encounter. My work embraces indeterminacy and the unpredictability of mediums like ink and watercolour. I investigate the physicality and tangibility of materials and their transformation into motion.
My films communicate human emotion in a visceral, unmediated way in a desire for a primal form of communication. Approaching film as sensation I examine physiological bodily responses which are deeper than reason.
Creating both the image and the sound I emphasize the presence and physical intervention of the artist. My exploration of sound includes field/studio recordings and creative compositing. I see music as a manifestation of the transformation of emotions and seek to question the audiovisual relationship by performing visual improvisations live with musicians and working with composers. The performances are spontaneous and expressionist giving me the opportunity to create collaborative, unique, ephemeral works.
Fingerprinting a Spirit
Work in progress, coming soon!
From séances to screenings, you don’t need a ghost to experience a haunting. Abstract black and white film created by inked fingerprints on transparent 16mm film. Intimately close enlarged details explore scratches, pores and dust particles.
A Little Loopy
A Little Loopy is a piece of visual music hand drawn using colour inks on transparent 16mm film. The musical composition by Frank Horvat gives the sense of a constant beginning and looping. This sensation is sometimes mirrored, sometimes juxtaposed by the visual treatment creating a dialogue between the image and the sound.
Desire on the Surface of the Skin
Abstract visual poem exploring desire and touch. The images focus on the viscosity of ink staining paper, flowing and troubling the clarity of water. The film compares paper to the surface of skin and studies the textural experience of touch by the bursting of colour. The extreme enlargement in the animation creates an intimate relationship with the pigment and textures. The soundtrack includes field recordings done by the artist.
On my mind
Abstract animated film that guides the audience on a journey through emotions and feelings. It portrays an inner world where private time rushes devilishly. On My Mind explores the luscious landscapes that we all live with, hidden under the surface. Using colours, sound and brush strokes, the director paints time creating musical imagery that gives the audience a synesthetic experience.
Touch
Loop animation of digital particle fields colliding and swarming in 3D space. The work explores the paradox of impossibility of touch on an atomic level and the strive for closeness, connection and intimacy. Touch presents an invisible world driven by electricity.
Lumière Anémique
Short animated loop created by capturing long exposure photographs of a harmonograph drawing with LED lights.
Gone
Hand drawn ink on paper animation dealing with the gaze, ephemerality and expectations. Exhibited as a peep show installation.
Let’s work together!
I love collaborating with musicians, composers and performers. Feel free to contact me regarding any potential future projects.
Bio
Sunny Stanila is an artist and experimental animation filmmaker based in Montreal. She was born in Bulgaria and completed a MFA Studio Art in Film Production at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada and a BA in Studio Art at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, USA with a focus on graphic design and motion graphics. Stanila’s work has been exhibited and screened globally including Ottawa International Animation Festival, Festival International du Film sur l’Art and Punto Y Raya. She has collaborated on live audio-visual performances with musicians and composers internationally. In her professional career projects that she has contributed to were awarded a Silver Lion at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
