An artist used Chinese water writing paper to make an instant animation and we’re in awe
Chinese and Japanese calligraphy styles take a lot more than a nice nib and a steady hand, and require many thousands of hours practising the complex strokes, so it could end up costing a fortune in ink. However, there is a tool for calligraphers that allows them to make the many mistakes that are bound to happen, and save money, because they can substitute ink for water with special paper that temporarily shows the writing, before fading and allowing the paper to be reused.
One very talented person has put this attribute to wonderful use.
This is 水写纸, it's meant for calligraphy practice. I've never seen anyone use its strange properties for animation and I'm giving it a try. pic.twitter.com/94i4xZfPzt
— Telemon (@telemooon) August 31, 2019
Animator, Telemon, added some tips for anyone wishing to try it for themselves.
For anyone wanting to try this out, buy the cheap coarse ones! I tried the more expensive, smoother ones, but they disappear much faster, giving you 10 seconds max to draw before it's gone.
— Telemon (@telemooon) August 31, 2019
This paper only takes water (no ink). Finger painting works and you don't need a brush.
— Telemon (@telemooon) August 31, 2019
That’s very thoughtful, but we’re guessing most people are going to leave it to the experts. Here are a few reactions to the amazing clip.
Hooooly shit this is cool https://t.co/VCPA8GwG1y
— Max La Due (@RiotDuckfist) September 1, 2019
It's both stopmotion and traditional animation style!!!! You're amazing Telemon!!!!!
— ニル Playing KH III❤ (@nil_sanctuary) August 31, 2019
This is such beautiful art. Thank you for sharing it ❤
— (@RobaidhBAM) August 31, 2019
This is flipping brilliant! https://t.co/3UfTIM5Bve
— Tyler Walpole – Salt Lake FanX (@TylerWalpole) August 31, 2019
One person had a more mystical interpretation of what they’d seen.
Feels like the start of a vision after reading a cursed parchment.
— Saber Knight (@SaberKnight1) August 31, 2019
We’re inclined to agree that some kind of magic was involved.
Source: Yen Lin Lee on Twitter, Image: Twitter screengrab
