Retro Dream is an animation and video project inspired by the nostalgic early 2000's aesthetic reflecting my journey as an artist and a person. This project invites viewers on a journey exploring how my family and friends have shaped my creative and personal identity. The bear serves as an observer of moments of my life representing my grandmother's presence offering guidance and support. Through the bear's reactions I aim to create a strong emotional connection allowing viewers to reflect on how memories shape creative expression. The interactive aspects of Retro Dream are a notebook where visitors can write reflections whether it's about the project or something personal and a photocard collection that bridges the digital and physical worlds. My interest in memory and live documentation was further deepened by a final project for a class, where I collaborated with my father. Ultimately, Retro Dream is a tribute to the people and moments that have shaped me. I hope to create a space that encourages reflection and shared experiences offering a nostalgic yet deeply personal journey.
Makena Lowe is an Bay Area artist working on animation and video with a focus on nostalgic and personal storytelling capturing the warmth of memory and passage of time through dreamy visuals. Rather than specific artists, she's more influenced by how memories, life lessons and or experiences shape me and my creative vision. Her work includes Unraveled, a personal and uncomfortable exploration of self discovery, Quacks!!! The Aliens a project that expanded her skills and showcased a different side to her creative range and To My Family, a collaboration project with my father that explores family connections. Makena has a lifelong passion for creating art but it was through her education that she gained the tools or techniques to expand her creative vision. Throughout her studies, she realizes that art is just not creating pieces but it's also to tell a story, a message, connecting with others and the intention behind the work. Art doesn't always have to be serious, sometimes it's about having fun and exploring ideas to let creativity flow. What matters most is the meaning and message behind each piece using art as a way to connect, reflect and share her journey.
