Diana Walczak
Diana Walczakis an American sculptor, computer graphics pioneer and filmmaker. She is known for creating the originalMichael Jackson'sHIStory Statuewhich she sculpted in 1994. She also created the digital representation of the statue for Michael Jackson's album,HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Diana Walczak began her visual arts education in the shops of her father and master printer, Jim Walczak. Diana studied engineering and sculpture atBoston University.She also assisted a medical illustrator and worked as a graphic artist for theHarvard Medical Schoolwhile in college.
Career
[edit]In 1986, Diana was hired by Omnibus Computer Graphics to help create a superhero figure forMarvel Comics.
In 1987, she partnered up with Jeff Kleiser to form Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company.[2]This company is now called Synthespian Studios.[3][4]They developed some of the first computer-generated humans. They created the first digitalstunt doublesfor the feature film,Judge DreddstarringSylvester Stallone.They also created the first face replacements in a feature film inThe OnestarringJet Li.Some additional feature films in which her work can be seen includeStargate,X-Men,Fantastic Four,Surrogatesand she worked on the animatedColumbia Picturesfilm logo.[5]
Diana has directed an advertising campaign for Sun Maid Raisins and has directed commercials starringKobe BryantandHakeem Olajuwon.Diana and Jeff contributed to the digital magic behind many well-known projects includingThe Amazing Adventures of Spiderman,Monsters of GracewithPhilip Glass,Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!,andRadio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular.In 1994, she created a sculpture ofMichael Jacksonwhich became the basis for the cover of his 1995 album,HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book Iand the international marketing campaign for the album and theHIStory World Tour.[6]
For theU.S. Department of Commerce,Diana authored a paper called Encompassing Education. This is about her vision of the future of education and the technology that goes into it. She has served on the board of directors of theNorman Rockwell Museumand currently serves on the board of directors of Images Cinema and Greylock ABC. Diana has directed numerous live-action short films under the name Harmless Little Bunny Productions including a short shot in Kenya, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and most recently, Morocco, for World Connect.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Diana Walczak loves improvising invisual arts,music, yoga and fitness, and food preparation.
Awards
[edit]- 1994 – Created the originalMichael JacksonHIStory statue
- 1995 – Created the image for Michael Jackson's album,HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book Icover
- 1997 –Annecy International Animation FestivalFrance
- 1999 – Clio award for Trophomotion commercial for Stardox
- 1999 – EDDY Award for “The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman”
- 2002 – Best ShortNY International children's film Festivalfor “Little Miss Spider”
- 2011 – 8th Annual Keynote speaker for Women in Business Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
- 2012 – Panelist: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Marc Davis Celebration of Animation
- 2013 – Music Video selected for Berkshire International Film festival Smart Phone Film Festival
- 2015 – Guest Speaker atKINGVENTIONLondon with Live Interview withPez Jax.
References
[edit]- ^"Kleiser-Walczak was founded by directors Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak who led the way in creating convincing digital actors, or Synthespians, in the late 1980s'".ballisticpublishing.com.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"Bringing Spidey to Life: Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company".awn.com.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"Academy Explores" The Development of the Digital Animator "On May 21".wearemoviegeeks.com. 2 May 2012.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"Radio City unwraps new Christmas film".hollywoodreporter.com. 22 November 2007.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"DIANA WALCZAK".evo1.org.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"Thread: New video:Diana Walczak sculpting Michael Jackson HIStory Statue".mjjcommunity.com.Retrieved14 August2014.
- ^"Visual Effects Pioneer Jeff Kleiser Appointed Fellowship to Advance Media Grid Standards".mediagrid.org.Retrieved14 August2014.