ZoMotion: Zoetrope Animation Workshop

Learn how to be an animator in this hands-on creative workshop with artist, sculptor and animator Karl Wilby.

Karl Wilby’s ZoMotion Zoetropes are light-based animated sculptures. Sequences of individual 3D models rotate and are illuminated to create live 3D animations; a moving sculpture in front of your eyes.

Become an Animator

In this workshop you will:

• Explore 3D and 2D techniques to create your own amazing zoetrope animations.
• Draw a series of images to produce a smooth animation. Attach your strip to the inside of a zoetrope, give it a spin and look through the slits in the side to see your animation.
• Make a set of simple 3D models and place them inside the zoetrope. Give it a spin and watch as your 3d shape comes to life.
• Make a recording on your smartphone or camera device and save a video of your animations.

What is a Zoetrope?

The first Zoetrope was invented in 1834 by William George Horner. They were first used with hand drawn strips but in 1878 Eadweard Muybridge developed a technique for photographing fast motion that could create photographic strips. Animators break movement down into a series of poses and shoot one or two frames of each pose. The frames are made into rolls of film that are played on cinema and television screens at 24 or 25 frames per second. The viewing slits in a zoetrope flash the poses before your eyes and create the illusion of movement.

This workshop is supported by Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity, Nottingham City Council and using public funding by Arts Council England.

Suitable for ages 7-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT MAY CONTAIN FLASHING LIGHTS.