Fall Ground is an animated thesis that explores the hidden layers behind the iconic tale of Peter Pan. Using shadow-scanning techniques with a scanner, the animation reimagines the scene where Peter Pan and his shadow separate. My curiosity about this scene became the starting point for my research into the life of J.M. Barrie, the author of the original story.
Animation “Fall Ground : behind the scene of J.M.Barrie & Peter Pan
This experimental animation explores the hidden layers behind the classic tale
of Peter Pan through shadow-scanning techniques using a scanner.
This experimental animation explores the hidden layers behind the classic tale
of Peter Pan through shadow-scanning techniques using a scanner.
For this project, I built upon a previous experiment, a special project where I scanned light using the same tool. During that process, I discovered that shadows could also be captured in fascinating ways. Inspired by this discovery, I developed a frame-by-frame animation technique using scanned shadows. My goal was to reduce the need for traditional drawing and coloring processes, create something accessible with minimal resources, and rely on materials available at home. This approach not only minimized production costs but also allowed me to interact more closely with the visual-making process.
The narrative stems from my personal interest and its connection to my experimental process. A scene from Disney’s Peter Pan (1953) that has always intrigued me is when Peter’s shadow detaches from his body. This sparked questions: What was J.M. Barrie thinking when he wrote about a shadow breaking free? What emotions or personal experiences might have inspired this idea? These questions led me to research Barrie’s life and delve deeper into his work.
The story in my animation unfolds through the moment when Peter’s shadow hides in Wendy’s cabinet. This became a bridge to explore Barrie’s biography, drawing on my readings of Peter Pan and his writings about his mother, Margaret Ogilvy. Through this process, I studied the symbolic layers in Barrie’s writing and translated these discoveries into visuals.
This project revealed the magic of interpreting fragments—whether words or images—to uncover traces of the creator behind them. I gained a deeper understanding of J.M. Barrie’s world while also recognizing my own challenges: structuring narratives and designing scenes in a way that connects intuitively with viewers. At the same time,
I found that the fragmented nature of my work conveyed a sense of ambiguity, reflecting how memories and emotions can be interpreted through another’s lens.
I found that the fragmented nature of my work conveyed a sense of ambiguity, reflecting how memories and emotions can be interpreted through another’s lens.
A Peek Into the Process
Workspace
During university, I lived with my friend in a condo. I encountered an issue with lighting because we didn’t have blackout curtains, so I spent my mornings
and afternoons working inside the closet. Luckily, my roommate allowed me
to take some of our clothes out and put them back in when I finished working.
It felt like I had a tiny secret room for my work.
and afternoons working inside the closet. Luckily, my roommate allowed me
to take some of our clothes out and put them back in when I finished working.
It felt like I had a tiny secret room for my work.
Tools : Found Object
To create shadows for the visuals, I used random stuff I found in my room.
It was fun figuring out different ways to use the things around me, including my own body, like my hands and face. At first, I tried using paper for the character designs, but it was pretty limiting and took way too long.
So, I switched to clay, it’s so much easier to shape and way faster than cutting paper.
It was fun figuring out different ways to use the things around me, including my own body, like my hands and face. At first, I tried using paper for the character designs, but it was pretty limiting and took way too long.
So, I switched to clay, it’s so much easier to shape and way faster than cutting paper.
First draft / Test using paper
Light & Shadow
Working with shadows, I discovered a unique advantage: the ability to manipulate
the size of objects by adjusting the distance of the light source. This allowed me to create dynamic shadows, ranging from small to large, further expanding the possibilities of my experimental process.
the size of objects by adjusting the distance of the light source. This allowed me to create dynamic shadows, ranging from small to large, further expanding the possibilities of my experimental process.
Sketches, Idea & Note
Developing a Storyboard
Visual Sketch
Visual Sketch
Developing a Storyboard
Storyboard (first draft)
Rough Idea (1)
Rough Idea (2)
Rough Idea (3)
Rough Sketch (1)
First attempt at mind map exploration
Rough Idea (4)
Finding the core
Some selected piece
Note from special project (2020)
Note from special project (2020)
