10-second Crop Art movie by Kim Cope

I recently entered the Soap Factory gallery's Ten Second Film Fest. From the submitted entries, they chose 100 films (by artists throughout the U.S. and in other countries) and projected the films on an outdoor screen near their gallery near the Mississippi River following fireworks on July 4. They put 10 films in each of the 10 chosen categories (Hangin' Out, Wildlife and Dance Party, etc.).

Two of my three films were selected, including "The Bad Seed" -- above. The rules suggest that the films be made on low-tech means like phones and still image cameras with video option. The winners were chosen based on a panel of three local celebrity judges and the reaction of the crowd. "The Bad Seed" placed second in the Mindless Violence category.

There were no monetary prizes given out and the trophies were thrift store rejects, but it was a really fun event. There was a singing MC, live band and free-flowing beer too.

This is my first attempt at stop-motion animation. Perhaps my inspiration for this film was based on the subconscious frustration and hostility I feel when I'm fighing with a stubborn, spinning turtle bean at 2:30 am while working on crop art in the middle of night. Only Freud knows for sure.

As seasoned crop artists can probably guess, the seeds used in this film were turtle (black) beans, one red kidney bean and wild rice (as the bullet).

--Kim Cope

Note: See Kim Cope's crop art here.