08/12/2022

Analogue Animation: Turning The Pages Of A Flipbook Machine

5:13 minutes

a hand turns a crank on a small device the size of a napkin, flipping images of a brown moth in flight.
One of J.C. Fontanive’s flipbook machines in action. Credit: Luke Groskin

Brooklyn-based artist J.C. Fontanive is a master of the moving image—but in analogue. As an animator, he creates mechanical, perpetual motion ‘flipbooks,’ with help from old clocks and colorful illustrations of flying birds, butterflies, and other scenes from nature. 

Fontanive joins Ira to talk about the act of invention, the ‘primal’ language of art, and how to create visceral work in a digital age.


Flipbook Fun


Donate To Science Friday

Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.

Donate

Segment Guests

J.C. Fontanive

J.C. Fontanive is an artist, sculptor, and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. 

Segment Transcript

The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available within one week after the show airs.

Meet the Producers and Host

About Christie Taylor

Christie Taylor was a producer for Science Friday. Her days involved diligent research, too many phone calls for an introvert, and asking scientists if they have any audio of that narwhal heartbeat.

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the host and executive producer of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.