Nyssa Collins
I am an interdisciplinary artist based in Knoxville, TN. I make shadow puppet epics about deep time and technology, experimental animations about the elusive nature of being, and giant critters made from rubbish for public art commissions and absurd/heartfelt collaborations with friends. My works often draw from early 20th century technology, film history, and psychedelia. I am inspired by the great mysteries that have driven and eluded human inquiry for time immemorial, and get courage from thinkers who ask recklessly big questions like: how did the modern world come to be?, and, what does it mean to have consciousness? I often return to art forms like stop motion, puppets, diorama, cross sections, and simple machines that create receptive, imaginative experiences for myself and audiences, and help us think a bit about how the world works.
I am an MFA candidate in Time Based Art/Cinema Studies at the University of Tennessee. I learned most of my important values about collaboration, mischief, and art for the people from my time at the giant puppet company Paperhand. I also studied piano at Humboldt State University. (BA Piano Performance) and am learning to play the pipe organ. I am grateful to the Aslan Foundation and the University of Tennessee for many types of support.
I am available for puppet and animation commissions, as well as all ages workshops in stop motion animation, giant puppetry/object sculpture and performance, shadow puppetry, and stilt walking.
contact me: nyssacollins (at) gmail.com
