Media, My Media
Media, My Media
The Totoro Forest Project
While Japanese animation may not be everyones cup of tea, the film “My Neighbor Totoro” is one that I believe every fan of animation (even the most casual) must see at some time. This story of two young girls and their parents has points that we all can easily identify with. Add in a bit of forest magic and it’s great fun all at the same time.
The work of the film’s director, Hayao Miyazaki, has inspired many artists around the globe. Films such as his that emphasize great story telling capture the hearts and imagination of audiences in ways that they may not always understand, but they certainly appreciate.
And now, fans of Miyazaki’s work have the chance to show their support for a project that is very important to him. The Totoro Forest Project is helping to preserve some of the last urban forests in Japan by supporting the efforts of the Totoro Forest Foundation.
From the Project website:
“Sayama Forest is one of the most remarkable urban forests (approximately 8750 acres) in Japan located right outside of Tokyo. This forest is said to be where the idea for the masterpiece “My Neighbor Totoro” originated from. With Japan’s rapid urban development in the 70’s and 80’s, the forest has been losing it’s land. In 1990, the director of My Neighbor Totoro, Hayao Miyazaki set up the national trust, the Totoro Forest Foundation to preserve the environment in the park.”
And now the project is taking off here in the United States. Check out the list of artists who are donating art to be auctioned off to benefit the Foundation! It is indeed impressive. A few folks I’m proud to call friends are included among the many.
Bill Presing notes his contribution from his blog as does Steve Purcell and Jeff Pidgeon adds his own twist with his Happy Beaver version of the Catbus:
Image courtesy of Jeff Pidgeon. All rights reserved.
Bill notes that there will be a few things of interest from the Project. Specifically a book of all of the art, an exhibition at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, and finally an auction of the original artwork at the Pixar Studio on September 6th. Ticket will be going on sale shortly and I’ll be sharing that information here, too!
So, go! Check out the sites, the artwork and look forward to a great project! I know I am...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008