![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6213/6385201641_dc05109ffa.jpg)
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6113/6385205251_df815f2bf4.jpg)
The work of Stacey Rozich first came into my field of vision like so many other artist I adore via Meighan O'Toole's blog My Love For You. From there I purchased a piece of her work for a Gulf Fundraiser, later we started corresponding, then met up while I was on a visit home to Seattle & this past March she had a solo show here in Milwaukee at Sky High. Obviously I was excited when I caught wind of her teaming up with Fleet Foxes for an animated project and was blown away when I saw the outcome. I couldn't really imagine seeing Rozich's work in motion, but Stacey and animators Sean Pecknold & Britta Johnson have created another world.
In the short period of time I have been following Rozich, her work has already spoken for itself. I am confident this collaboration is a notch in a long timeline of incredible work she is going to produce in her life. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to work with her and look forward to what's next. This very personal interview is such a great inside look of what it's like to be a working artist. I really appreciate the time, honesty and thoughtfulness in every answer. Enjoy. My west coast roots are swelling with pride on this one.
-Faythe Levine, Sky High Gallery Curator
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6385199415_53e0a605fc.jpg)
Had you listened to Fleet Foxes and/or heard the song before you were approached for the video idea? How did they find you?
ROZICH: I had definitely heard them before, a good friend of mine gave me their LP "Sun Giant" in 2008 and I fell in love. I was just starting to grow my style into what it is today and I felt like their music was a perfect soundtrack for me to illustrate to; I had never heard anything that stuck me like that. Fast forward to earlier this year when I was with the rest of their fans waiting quietly for their sophomore release, when Sean (Pecknold, the director) and Robin (lead singer) both e-mailed me within about 10 minutes of each other asking if I was interested in lending my style to a music video for their as-yet-to-be released album. I was pretty floored, I guess my eyes just went really big and I got kind of silent with awe. I regained composure and e-mailed them back that yes, I would be very interested to work with them. From our first meeting Sean and Britta (Johnson, the other animator) played me the song in their tiny studio. We all sat there in close quarters while this 8 and a half minute epic unfolded. I had never heard anything so gorgeous with so many movements, at least in current rock music. It felt so cinematic and narrative; I could see the visuals in my mind's eye. I knew this would be a big project.
What was the process working on this project like? (i.e. time-line, etc )
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/6385206163_e18e1302db.jpg)
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6385200681_8eafb46c7b.jpg)
How involved were you in the creative process? (maybe mention being in the studio, did you have to do multiple sketches for each frame, etc)
Did you see process animated clips before seeing the final video? What were you initial thoughts when you saw your characters in motion?
As an artist how do you feel this experience has propelled your skills?
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6385202577_81071abc53.jpg)
What's next on your plate? Will you continue to show at galleries in the United States, do more freelance design? What's the ideal working artist situation for you?
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6385203535_ccf7c8f3c1.jpg)
![Stacey Rozich /// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument [video still]](http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6111/6385204355_0721d0e62f.jpg)
ROZICH: Some additional yammering...There were so many funny moments working in such an enclosed space for so many hours with Sean and Britta. One of which always stood out to me is coming in early (I was more of a morning person then) and playing the This American Life episode about siblings pretty loud over the speakers because I was all alone in the building. I was painting away when the segment came on about the two elderly sisters that look alike, dress alike and do everything alike. One was talking about how they both love Ricky Martin and then immediately started playing "Livin' La Vida Loca" SUPER loud and of course, Sean and Britta walk in right at that second. They just look at me and said "Wow, Stacey, uh..." Like my excuse to come in early is so that I can play my Ricky Martin so no one knows. Busted! Also another good moment was when we walked out the of the studio building and into a parade. Not something that happens every day.
Alright, if you haven't already watch the video. Watch it big & loud.
The Shrine / An Argument from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.