Diane Obomsawin (who also works under the pen name Obom) completed an animated film in 1997 that took her a year to make. She drew inspiration from her fellow artists, from observations, and from the small habits collected in the studio she shares with them. Someone has to go to the cash register. Another does the dishes. Someone else (Julie) answers the phone, speaking in a British accent. And Obomsawin narrates it all—she documents, word for word, what is said and what happens, like a journal entry, a chronicle. One September 26, when everyone is busy with their tasks.

The humor lies in the details, in the cuts, in the animated loops that respond to the narration, always in counterpoint. The timing of the jokes is impeccable—just in time, just absurd enough. Flying figures (perhaps on an astral journey?) cross the screen unnoticed. Animals and humans coexist. The characters are drawn with simple lines and shaded with colored pencils. Yellows, apple greens, and brick reds brighten the paper as events unfold. As in many of her other films, Obomsawin uses photographs. Here, she intersperses her drawn sequences with photos and photographed textures to create surprising effects.

This joyful film captures the delight of observing and interpreting the world around us, highlighting the importance of cherishing small details and the present moment, of bringing your own color to it. Sometimes, it’s important to simply watch yourself in action.

Rachel Samson
Animator, author and programmer
and Tënk Subscriber