the final video release from BRAY's "pins and needles" directed by Lily Berkebile

this is the second video by James Dimitratos. we had so much fun making this one, and i think it shows. enjoy!

fangs

In the process and in the product of my work, there is a deliberate dismissal of boundaries. I employ materials and methods without restriction or reservation, cropping out and transforming elements of reality to cause -- through disregarding temporal-spatial order; through juxtaposing disparate spaces -- a restructuring of the ordinary-extraordinary dichotomy, often placing the discarded above all else, making it sacred. I used a vintage camera and 8mm film, situating myself in the tradition experimental filmmaking, to enrich the drama and the feeling of timelessness. "Cocoon" exhibits the powerful emotions associated with striving and reaching for something beyond the boundaries of encumbered life; that hole we all have, an empty craving for what we can't find/reach, yet desperately need. Yearning, longing,...trying. As an artist, I find the concept of cocoons -- made from beautifully layered long strands of string that are intricately encircled into a form that completely surrounds and protects the vulnerable larvae in its time of transformation -- to be extremely evocative. Since early childhood, I have been drawn to nature. This film in particular pays homage to a lifelong pursuit of collecting insects, my experiences as a child holding tea parties for ants and writing tiny letters to the bugs in the backyard. It was definitely a pleasure to work with Bray during the filming process. He was very focused and gave more than his all -- not to mention his killer charisma and intense energy! He also had many outstanding ideas and was incredibly indulgent. - Lily Berkebile