SPECIAL PROJECT
FOR THE ROBIN ON MY PORCH
FOR THE BIRDS: THE BIRDSONG PROJECT VOL. V
For the Robin on My Porch began with a collage and became a short animated film created for The Birdsong Project Vol. V, a project of the National Audubon Society.
The film brings together my collage artwork with writing by Andrea Potos, animation by Marlie Décopain-Lake, photography by Eric Vogel, and narration by Bette Midler. I directed the film and created the original artwork.
THE FILM
In 45 seconds, a robin arrives on a quiet porch as clouds move overhead and a nest takes shape from scraps of decorative paper. The imagery reflects the fleeting nature of life—things forming, changing, disappearing, and beginning again.
A pale blue ribbon, inspired by the daughter’s “Pale Blue Ribbon,” became another physical element within the piece, connecting the imagery to memory and the personal meaning we attach to the objects around us.
The film was screened at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles and Tibet House in New York City.
THE TEAM
Directed & Artwork: Rick Midler
Written by: Andrea Potos
Animation: Marlie Décopain-Lake
Photography: Eric Vogel
Narrated by: Bette Midler
Curated for the National Audubon Society by: Rebecca Reagan
THE ARTWORK
The original 26 × 32-inch collage was created on canvas using the same hand-cut paper elements that appear in the film.
I also created six 9 × 12-inch collages featuring individual robin elements used to create the bird's movement in the animation.
The artwork is currently for sale with a percentage of proceeds for the National Audubon Society and its work protecting birds and their habitats.
THE ARTWORK
The original 26 × 32-inch collage was created on canvas using the same hand-cut paper elements that appear in the film. The artwork was auctioned to benefit the National Audubon Society and its work protecting birds and their habitats.
I also created six 9 × 12-inch collages featuring individual robin elements used to create the bird's movement in the animation.