“Silent Voices” Film.
‘My art is the way I re-establish the bonds that unite me to the universe. It is a return to the maternal source” Ana Mendieta.
This project investigates our matrilineal lines, patterns that are passed from one generation to another. The animalistic woman shows our raw and primal instincts as protectors and mothers, in juxtaposition to the fairy-tale dress representing society's expectations on our gender. The vast ocean mirrors our cycles with its tides. Using black and white for the faces of each generation, unified within a sense of strength, dealing with time passing and the pace of life.
Artist/Writer/Director Etaoin Melville
Videography by Giles Carey Visuals
Vocals by Erin Gallagher
Sound mix by Cormac O Connor
Cast Lola Melville, Gana Roberts and Etaoin Melville
"Black and Blue" 2024, Stop frame animation.
How do we frame the difficult experiences in our life so they don't become our navigation? This animation is a purging of trauma. The drawings are the result of a conversation between me and the page where the images evolve naturally, helping me to separate complex emotions so I can reach an element of clarity. Getting to know each feeling intimately, its shape, colour, temperature and texture. In this way, the work not only addresses personal boundaries but also invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with borders—both internal and external—encouraging a deeper understanding of how we navigate our emotional landscapes. Composer/ Sound Artist, Fiona Shiel.
“Backbone”
A hand drawn stop frame animation.
Backbone uncovers emotions we face around motherhood as we challenge ourselves and find our way through a demanding society. Exploring how we, as a society value this role of caregiver.
This animation was made as part of a socially engaged project and live performance. In collaboration with aerial artist Linda Cullen where we merged visual art with aerial dance and spoken word.
“Backbone” the performance featuring Linda Cullen. 2022.
Photo credit David Hegarty.
Backbone is a multidisciplinary performance exploring motherhood and the values we attach to caregiving—both personally and collectively. It delves into the fears, challenges, and quiet strength that shape this role.
Created in collaboration with Linda Cullen, the work weaves together visual art, spoken word, and aerial dance. Our different practices come together to form a unified, expressive piece.
From the beginning, we involved our community, gathering voices and experiences that often go unspoken in everyday life.
Our collaboration is ongoing, with research and development supported through residencies at Firkin Crane (Cork) and the Irish Aerial Creation Centre (Limerick) during 2024/2025.
“Confliction”
Hand drawn animation.
‘Contrasting personalities syncopate and escape each other. Dancing and repelling together as one.’
Collaboration with Linda Cullen (flylindacullen on Instagram). Linda preformed on the rope and I used this footage as inspiration for my hand drawn animation. Big thank you to Rosie Roccaforte for the experimental vocals.