March 23, 2008
Disney Claymation Story About A Mom and Her Son
Animation Film Director for Disney's "Brother Bear" Production, Discovers Polymer Clay:
Well I don't know if she'll be the next Disney claymation expert or not, but I just got the greatest letter from one of my subscribers that I'd love to share.
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for the wonderful knowledge that you share with all of the budding "Artists" out there.
I have to tell you, my son is really proud of his mom for doing something with the talent that god gave me and I am glad to have you to help me along and teach a great bunch of mini courses.
My son's name is Aaron Blaise and he is an animation film director for Disney. He directed "Brother Bear" and is now working on a computer-animated film about Elves.
He is a gifted Artist and what is so ironic is I went to California and while I was out there I taught Aaron and my grandchildren how to work with Polymer clay.
It was so enjoyable to teach him something he didn't know about and I have to thank you for the guidance.
I guess I have been long winded with this letter but I wanted to share this with you. Keep up the good work and keep in touch. Have a peaceful and wonderful Easter.
Sincerely,
Christine Maher
How cool is that! Christine is not only excited about learning more about polymer clay, but she is also sharing what she has learned with her grandchildren and her Disney Animation Director son, Aaron Blaise!
Wow, Christine! I Googled Aaron and found this informative Disney interview article done by Anwar Brett of the BBC. You must be very proud of him!
Beginning his Disney career with Roller Coaster Rabbit and The Rescuers Down Under, Blaise became a supervising animator on such films as Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan. Brother Bear marks his debut as director.
I can see how it would be enjoyable to teach your son some tricks with polymer clay that he didn't know about. Now you can can add Disney Claymation Consultant to your list of life's accomplishments :)
Thank you so much for sharing your letter and that story Christine.
Spread the Word!
Filed under 12: Inspiration, 13: Musings-News by Cindy Lietz
Comments on Disney Claymation Story About A Mom and Her Son »
I am thrilled to have you share the letter I wrote you but I neglected to add there was one other person who I taught while I was at Aaron's home. It was his beautiful wife,Karen who was battling breast cancer at the time .She also sat down for"lessons"and as weak and frail as she was,loved working with her hands creating some neat beads. She lost her battle shortly after my visit and the Lord took her home March 11th of last year.Aaron and the children are still healing but they remember the day mom took lessons from grandma and it puts a smile on their faces. I have a great picture of all of them working together.
Cindy thanks for shareing this story.
Your friend,
Christine Maher
Oh Christine… I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that your son and your grandchidren hold those memories of you all creating polymer clay beads together, very close to their hearts. The beads they made will always be a reminder of that special day. May you all heal swiftly. Cindy
Cindy,
I appreciate you printing my letter on my daughter-in-law,Karen.She was an acomplished artist and she also incouraged me to use my talents.Aaron and Karen met at Ringling School of Art and both continued on after graduation–Aaron with Disney and Karen, being the free spirit that she was,enjoyed working with glass,mosaics,jewlery making and just a variety of different mediums.She absolutely loved Dragonflies and I now make dragonfly pins in polymer clay in rememberance of Karen.I will always cherish the time I had "Teaching" the crew.
Christine
That is so interesting hearing you talk about Karen's artistic endeavours and your continuing on with her passion for dragonflies. I have also worked with mosaics, jewelry, a multitude of other mediums and have a great love of dragonflies. I have made them in mosaic, in metal and paper. I have twisted them from wire and painted them on glass. I too have combined polymer clay with dragonflies but instead of pins I have made beads. We may just be kindred spirits, you and I.
If anyone else has any polymer clay sculpture or claymation stories to share, I'd love to hear them too. Cindy's last blog post..Storing Polymer Clay - Plastic Wraps To Avoid