Gramma Loves You

2015

Mixed media

8” wide x 16” high x 6” deep

"Gramma Loves You" is a mutoscope, or a mechanical flip-book animation. The term was coined by animation pioneer Winsor McKay. The viewer activates the animation by pressing a button on the front of the box.

The original version of the mutoscope was a site specific piece created for the Porous Borders festival in 2014. It was installed on the border of Detroit and Hamtramck, near the house my wife and I lived in for many years. The animation commemorates our 106(!) year old neighbor, Tekla. Tekla was a beloved figure in the neighborhood and a surrogate "Grandma" to everyone she met.

Private Collection