Artist Statement 

computer animation, digital video (1080p), 1994, 3’12”

these are the days is about the passing of time. It is a computer animation of falling paper, with a sound-track of people counting.

By combining mathematical models of different physical phenomena such as gravity, elasticity and aerodynamics I can create abstracted simulations of natural systems. As well as the formal qualities that are explored in this work, I am interested in other possible readings. The endless flow of paper suggests the meditative space of a waterfall, yet also speaks of consumption and waste. Our lives are documented by a continual stream of paper, from birth and death certificates to supermarket receipts.

these are the days was produced in association with the Australian Film Commission
[Source: Vimeo.com]

• John Tonkin, b. 1963, Australia. Creative & technical consultant in multimedia, Advanced Technology Education Service, TAFE, Adelaide, AU. johnt.org