Signe Baumane

Born 1964, Auce, Latvia.Graduated Moscow University, 1989, B.A., Philosophy. She starts work at Dauka Animation Studio in Riga as animator and cel painter. She also designs and directs several animated commercials for local TV.1991 Makes her debut as scriptwriter, director, and artist with 2 minute animated film, The Witch and the Cow. From 1991 to 1992 she again lives in Moscow illustrating two books, Little Red Riding Hood, and a book of poetry for children by Fred Solianov, The Gilded Rhino. On September 1995 she arrives in New York where on January 1996 she starts work as production manager, color stylist, and cel painter. Also she works as production manager, and art supervisor for two films of an independent animator. In November 1998 she completed her fourth animated film, her first on American soil, Love Story, which went to more than 20 film festivals around the world, and received several awards.In 1999 She received Permanent Resident Card as an Extraordinary Ability Alien. Since fall 2000 she is teaching animation at Pratt Institute.

Rocks In My Pockets. Is a story of mystery and redemption. The film is based on true events involving the women of my family (including myself) and their surrender to madness, with names changed to protect innocent bystanders. The film is packed with visual metaphors, surreal images and my twisted sense of humor. The film is a visual adventure that will make you squeal, weep, cringe and laugh.

Exhibition at CineCycle, Toronto, Canada; in co-presentation with Toronto Animated Image Society.

www.signebaumane.com