Artist Statement
While growing up might be scary for a lot of people, for me it was more like a fun adventure. Throughout my childhood, I always followed in my brothers’ footsteps, I always wanted to know what he was up to or what he was doing. He was a huge pillar in my life, he influenced my likes and dislikes, my favorite movies and video games, etc. While he made childhood very fun, he also was there through every hardship that I had to face becoming someone I could lean on and trust.
I wanted to make this animation based on that experience and honor him as well. I wanted to talk about everything he helped me get through as well as how it felt to have my big brother by my side throughout all of it. I wanted to capture my brother and I’s relationship as siblings in a way that would be fun but also touching for the audience. Using toys like characters that represent each of us. This animation is a love letter to my brother as a thank you to him for everything that he has done for me throughout the years. I hope that people who have siblings see this animation and see themselves reflected on either of the characters, whether they relate to Ala (sister) or Mick (brother). I hope they can take something away from this or learn something new and enjoy the journey as much as we did.
