Michael Sporn Animation – Splog

A relatively recent addition to the world of blogs and websites is Cartoon Modern, Amid Amidi’s third site. Cartoon Modern is my choice for #3 in my “Best of . . .” list of films, sites, books or works of art which in the past year inspired me or caused me to at least think in a new way about animation.

To any interested animation enthusiast, I suspect I don’t have to point out Amid’s three sites (they’ve all been influential): Cartoon Brew is his co-production with Jerry Beck and offers first-hand news, important links, and up-to-date information;
Animation Blast, Amid’s original site, centers around the magazine he also produces (an invaluable magazine with the feel of Funnyworld with a different focus and viewpoint); and his most recent site, Cartoon Modern.

This blog was started primarily to add to the information in Amid’s forthcoming book, CARTOON MODERN: STYLE AND DESIGN IN FIFTIES ANIMATION. Having seen bits of the book, I can only say I was overwhelmed. The artwork was smashing, the writing was tight and direct, and the obvious hole in animation history was being filled. Animation historians have, for the most part, focused entirely on the “golden age” of animation – the 30’s & 40’s.

The site is every bit as important as the book. Almost on a daily basis we’re treated to luscious art from a group of artists who grew up in that classical period and moved on to create their own 20th century world in the 50’s. These artists have been ignored in the recent pass almost as much as they were praised in their day.

Of course, Amid shows us work by the likes of the big guys, John Hubley, Jules Engel and Ward Kimball. But he also gives us information about such artists as Sterling Sturtevant, Charles McElmurry, John Sutherland and Tom Oreb . This site is invaluable to anyone dedicated to the art form, and yet, here it is: not just short, tight, encapsulated information but magnificent graphics illustrating the art of these people.

Cartoon Modern has truly been an inspiration for me, and it’s a place I stop at several times a day – even though it doesn’t change that often. I have the need to see some of the art again and again.

This site is an inspiration in itself.

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