Summer 2023 was a busy one for CEP but we are back with an alumni update! (By the way, from May to September, we had over sixty exchange visitors come to the U.S. to start their programs! Wow!)
Alright, now on to the blog: today we are excited to introduce Sahil Yadav, an animator and digital artist from India, who completed his J-1 scholar program as an Artist in Residence at the Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA). ESMoA serves as an experimental artistic center in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles areas, encouraging locals to reimagine what art programming and art spaces can look like.
Even though Sahil’s program was only two months long, he was able to participate in plenty of events and activities. He taught three “Just Draw 2-D Effects” workshops and led three animation classes at a local middle school. At the end of his residency, ESMoA held an open studio showcase to share all the work he created throughout the residency.
Keep scrolling to find out more about Sahil’s wonderful experience in LA, as he explored animation in the birthplace of Hollywood.
Can you tell us about some of the activities and responsibilities you had during your program?
During my stay [at ESMoA], I conducted a number of events which included:
- Three “Just Draw” Sessions where l taught the participants about 2DFX sketches from basic to intermediate level and worked out water 2DFX animations.
- Three classes for the students of El Segundo Middle School. We discussed what is animation, what are its types, and how we make one. They worked out their water drop flipbook animation which was followed by a little animation of their own.
- An open studio event, where I presented my learnings, journey, and an exclusive animation made for the organization.
Sounds fascinating! How did the residency influence your communication skills as an artist?
My communication skills have been greatly influenced in a positive manner. Being able to communicate is a major milestone for an artist whether it is through art or vocal form. I learned how to break down things that are easily digestible for a participant or a viewer. Along with the enhancement in my teaching skills, I learned about American culture and art and that has greatly affected my broad view and understanding.
What did you learn about American culture, design, and arts?
American culture is vast and influential. I was exposed to animation studios, original art pieces, by specifically Disney. It presented me with how they were motivated to bring the animation wave, even with restricted resources. My visit to museums exposed me to beautifully crafted storyboards and character designs. I learned about how to bring character into an inanimate object just by manipulating flow and volume. I felt motivated and moved by my visit to the Academy Museum.
Sahil also kept busy by visiting lots of museums and cultural organizations with his peers and new friends! Eva Sweeney, Co-Founder and Director of ESMoA and Sahil’s supervisor, said:
Each week was filled with visits to different cultural art and science institutions, including LACMA, The Academy Museum, The Natural History Museum, and The Science Center, and the Long Beach Aquarium. We even had the pleasure of taking him with our team to Frieze LA, where he got to see exhibitions from LA’s top arts galleries. Sometimes he would attend these cultural activities by himself or with our staff, while other times he would make friends from his “Just Draw” sessions, who would take him to art openings around the greater LA area.
Any last thoughts you’d like to share?
My supervisor and colleagues were immensely helpful during my stay and in the execution of assignments. They were able to guide me and help me clear my thoughts to take an idea from raw form to the final presentation. They helped me by providing all the necessary resources and conducting the teaching sessions smoothly. My host environment was the best experience for me. They were really helpful and provided more than needed. I am happy that I got to know them.
Thank you Sahil and ESMoA!
Want to share your own J-1 experience with us? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us here.