Joan Hui Ko is a stop motion artist who specializes in fabricating armature puppets and miniature sets from scratch. She utilizes natural materials such as wood, leaves, husk, wool, and clay in her art practice. Joan values the role of material—the most fundamental element of fabrication—in storytelling. To Joan, texture is like a soft-spoken whisper. It is a form of nonverbal language that can only be perceived by touch. Joan not only embraces the tender quality of tactile material, but also amplifies its gentle characteristic through subtle movements when animating. The texture itself, the slight jitter it creates when lightly brushed on the surface frame by frame, quietly yet vitally breathes, vibrates, speaks, and comes to life in Joan’s work.
Thank you for joining us, Joan. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me. My name is Joan. As an animator, my expertise spans various techniques, including stop motion and hand-crafted 2D and 3D modeling. My true passion lies in exploring innovative narrative approaches, with a particular fascination for stop motion. While the ultimate goal of crafting miniature figures and environments is to create animated shorts, I find immense satisfaction in experimenting with synthetic and organic materials.
In my artistic pursuits, I place great importance on the mediums chosen for my stop-motion projects. The inherent qualities of these materials contribute significantly to the depth and significance of my narratives. I often gravitate towards wool, felt, and plush textiles, as they help evoke a dreamlike, sentimental ambiance—perfect for portraying cherished memories, a recurring theme in my work.
Experimentation forms the core of my creative approach. By blending diverse elements and methods, I frequently stumble upon unexpected outcomes that pave the way for fresh artistic directions, keeping my projects lively and groundbreaking. As I continue on my artistic journey, I want to explore ways to enhance tactile experiences and leverage them as powerful storytelling devices in stop motion. My objective is to shed light on overlooked narratives, enriching them through tangible, sensory encounters.
What are your favorite materials to work with, and why?
In my stop motion work, I employ a diverse and experimental approach in my material choice, embracing a wide range of options from traditional art supplies to unconventional natural elements. This openness to “all materials” allows me to select the perfect medium for each project, enhancing the emotional impact of my work.
Among my favorites are wool, felt, and plush textiles. These soft, tactile materials are particularly valuable in my practice because they help create a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere that aligns perfectly with my focus on childhood memories and sentimental narratives. The gentle textures and warm qualities of these fabrics contribute to a sense of comfort and familiarity, inviting viewers to connect more deeply with the stories I am telling.
I am also drawn to unexpected materials from nature. Incorporating elements like leaves, twigs, or stones into my animations adds an organic, authentic quality to my work. These natural materials bring a unique texture and unpredictability that cannot be replicated with synthetic materials, adding depth and visual interest to my scenes. Moreover, using materials from nature aligns with themes of childhood exploration and discovery that often appear in my work.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice? Is there a theme you are currently addressing?
In my current artistic practice, I am exploring the beauty and universality hidden within seemingly insignificant childhood memories. While my work does not have a single overarching theme, I focus on elevating mundane, everyday experiences that are often overlooked but hold deep emotional resonance. This exploration came to fruition from a conversation with my roommate about our shared childhood experiences with standing in our respective grandmothers’ homes. This dialogue sparked an epiphany about the universality of certain “silly” childhood behaviors, despite cultural and geographical differences.
This realization led me to a project that celebrates these tiny, shared childhood experiences. I am particularly interested in the universality of seemingly personal memories, the authenticity and pure joy found in simple, childlike interactions with everyday objects, and the power of nostalgia and its ability to connect people across diverse backgrounds.
My work aims to bridge the gap between personal and collective memory, using observational and performative documentary styles in animation. I address themes of shared human experience, the poetry of the every day, and the unexpected connections that can be found in our most personal recollections. Through my work, I explore how art can transform the mundane into the meaningful, and how it can reveal the threads of commonality that run through our diverse life experiences.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
In the last few years, my work has undergone significant evolution, primarily through my transition from 2D animation to stop motion. This represented a change in technique and approach to visual storytelling and artistic expression. I began my journey as a 2D animator, focusing on narrative storytelling through traditional hand-drawn techniques. While this medium allowed me to create fluid, stylized animations, I found myself constrained by the inherent limitations of 2D animation, particularly in terms of detail and realism.
The introduction to stop-motion animation was key to my artistic development. This new medium resonated deeply with me, primarily due to its tactile nature. The physicality of working with three-dimensional objects and materials opened up new avenues for creativity and expression that I had not previously explored. One of the most significant changes in my work has been the ability to maintain and even enhance detail in my creations. In 2D animation, I often had to simplify my drawings to make them repeatable and efficient for the animation process. This sometimes felt like sacrificing the visual richness I desired. Stop motion, however, allows me to craft highly detailed puppets and sets that retain their intricacy throughout the animation process. This enabled me to infuse my work with a level of visual depth and texture that I had always aspired to achieve.
What does “community” mean to you? Does community, art-related or otherwise, influence your work?
To me, community is all about shared experiences, support, and connection. It is a group of people who come together based on common interests, goals, or values, creating a sense of belonging and understanding. In art, being part of a community means having a network of individuals who can relate to the unique challenges and joys of the creative process. They provide motivation, encouragement, and a reminder of the larger purpose behind our work, even when we might feel stuck or discouraged.
Engaging with my artist community has been a significant influence on my creative journey. Seeing the passion and dedication of my fellow artists inspires me to push myself further and explore new ideas. Collaborating with others exposes me to fresh perspectives and techniques, broadening my artistic horizons. Moreover, the support and feedback I receive from my community helps me grow and refine my skills. It is a space where I feel understood, celebrated, and challenged in all the right ways.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
For others, I would advise them to emphasize the importance of embracing experimentation and failure. Growth often comes from making mistakes and learning from them, so do not be afraid to take risks and try new things. Additionally, stay true to yourself and your unique voice, even if it means going against the grain sometimes. Engage with your community, both to seek support and to offer it to others. Finally, always be on the lookout for new sources of inspiration, whether through attending workshops, exploring different mediums, or simply having conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Remember, your artistic journey is a continuous process of learning, growth, and self-discovery, and your community can be an invaluable resource along the way.
text & photo courtesy of Joan Hui Ko
- Website: joanhuiko.com
- Instagram: @joanhuiko
