About the Artist

Artist’s Statement

Years ago, as a filmmaker, a fascination with antique motion picture toys led me to wonder if I could create movies on a grand scale using no electricity, moving parts or special lighting.

After some experiment I developed an 8" square, three-pound, lens-ribbed glass tile, which I called a LIFETILE. By combining many LIFETILES, I found I was able to create large-scale "Movies for the Wall": optical wall pieces that appear to come to life, move and change when the observer walks by.

Since 1990 I have created large-scale LIFETILES murals for the Smithsonian Institute, AMTRAK, the BART subway system in San Francisco, science museums, aquariums, zoos and dozens of other public places around the world. While I continue to accept commissions, I now also create smaller, limited-edition LIFETILES compositions for galleries and private collectors.

The success of LIFETILES inspired me to develop my own patented line of smaller-optically animated items: CineSpinner™ Suncatchers with images that spring to life in a window when they rotate at the end of their string and Smart Move™ greeting cards with pictures than move realistically when they are opened. I also continue to expand a line of bestselling childrens' Scanimation® books for Workman Publishing.

When I design any one of my works in these mediums I have invented, large or small, my goal is always the same. I am going for that signature motion that instantly defines the subject to the observer. I want to make you feel the weightless thrill of a dancer's leap or the elastic coil and spring of a running cat. When I succeed, I feel as though I’ve created a little bit of life itself.

 

Rufus Butler Seder