Nature's Optical Toy

Directed by Quinn Thomashow

Nature's Optical Toy is an experimental film and homage to the "phenakistoscope." The film was hand-made with 16mm clear leader and flowers, along with black and white photographs, which were collected on my walks each morning. The contrast of black and white and vibrant color, along with movement allows the viewer to let go as the screen becomes kaleidoscopic and other dimensional. Nature offers us its own optical illusions and filmic qualities if we give it space and time. This film is my attempt at doing it justice.