The Immensity of the Search

Case Study · Animation / Print

A looping walk cycle of a Katmai bear, drawn on receipt paper during field research, digitized, and re‑animated as a study in persistence and scale.

Process: pencil → scan → cleanup → composite Format: print strip + video loop

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Overview

Drawn rapidly on receipt rolls while observing Katmai footage, the frames were scanned, cleaned, and composited into a seamless cycle. The long print scroll references early motion studies and the mechanics of cinematic illusion, while the digital loop allows the bear to pace endlessly within architectural space.

Credits

Animation / Design: Christopher S. Johnson
Technical Direction: Austin Frick (workflow guidance)
Format: print strip (receipt roll) · looping video

Process

Each drawing pass was captured on paper, then scanned at high resolution and assembled in After Effects. Grain and micro‑jitter were preserved to keep the physical feel, while timing curves were tuned to find the bear’s weight and gait. A parallel print workflow produced a long scroll suitable for gallery hanging and documentation.

Bear walk cycle still — frame lineup — Frame lineup on receipt roll — early capture

Bear walk cycle still — digital composite — Digital composite preview — cleanup and timing test

Bear walk cycle still — installed strip — Installed print strip — gallery mock

Exhibition Notes

For projection contexts, the loop pairs well with brick or stone surfaces at 10–14 ft width. Audio is optional; a low floor rumble reinforces weight without pulling focus. The print strip can be displayed adjacent to the projection for a tactile counterpoint.