Cephalomama 6.5.11

I read an article last week that was touching in an anthropomorphic, love-devotion-and-sacrifice sort of way. The article, by Robert Krulwich, is called “The Hardest-Working Mom on the Planet” and you can read it in full for the story that brought about this video. Below is a summary of the key points, which help the video make a little bit more sense I think.

The giant Pacific octopus lays over 50,000 eggs, which she protects from harm in a well protected underwater cave for up to six months. During that time, she basically starves herself, and with her last bit of strength, forces the hatching eggs out from the cave before (often) dying soon after. On average, from over 50,000 eggs, about 2 will survive.

So, here’s what that story looked and sounded like, through our eyes and ears. Below there’s a bit of backstory on our process.

This song and video developed with a childlike fantasy that we don’t often indulge in. Simple and delicate sounds in the music inspired us to be imaginative and out-of-body for the video, and considering the material, puppets seemed like the best and only choice for expressing this story. (Giant Pacific octopi do not make good pets, so I hear.)

Making the puppets was probably my favorite part of the process. Since we shot in time lapse, we had to move SO! SLOWLY! for most of the footage… which meant about 45 minutes of quiet and constant inch-by-inch arm movements. Before our next puppetry adventure, I think we’ll need to consult with our puppeteer friends and get some technique tips to get those motions even smoother. 🙂

Thanks for reading and for your support!

-Allie