ANNA YAO ARTIST STATEMENT I create digital animations that revolve around the wonder of nature with a twist of surrealism. Additionally, I produce my own music and sound effects to complete the piece. Digital animation amazes me because of its ability to actually show movement within an artwork, bringing it to life in a way that would be impossible on paper. In my animations, I love playing with reality - things that could never occur in real life but so vividly happen in front of the audience brings me joy, allowing me to create my own world of sorts. To me, a work is finished when the story is complete: in the case of my work, it could be when a plant withers or when the subject ceases their movement. I find nature an interesting topic to revolve around as there are so many wondrous aspects to it that are taken as normal in today’s world. My work takes these aspects and expands them, creating these surreal events that root from natural things found all around us. Additionally, my work seems to focus on small things or objects, aiding the concept of subtlety in movement. When people see my work, I would love to see them laugh at the lightheartedness surrounding it, but also feel curious and want to know more about the piece. Currently, I am attempting to dig deeper into the present concept I have given myself. Although I am content with the foundations of it, I would like to find new and creative ways to express each and every subconcept that I am making my piece on. This work in animation stems from my relatively new experience with digital art, using more modern material to get a rather primitive topic through.