Member Profile: Karen Kriss
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I’m currently an academic (Senior Lecturer) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture. I teach courses in computer-based animation and media arts including Motion Capture and 3D visualisation. My research bridges disability studies and animation, creating inclusive, collaborative animated projects that represent diverse individuals while also exploring art practices that move between digital and physical realms.
I have also worked in many industry roles including as a visual effects producer on feature films (locally and internationally).
2. What was your first job?
My first job was in 1998 as a 3D artist for a Sydney based company called Brilliant Interactive Ideas. The company was working on online interactive 3D software and content which at the time was quite cutting edge. I was the lead animator on a few projects, but I also acted as a modeller and texture artist. It was quite challenging (and rewarding) working with the polygon and frame limitations of a game engine in those days.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
I attained my bachelor’s degree (Fine Arts) in Canberra at The Australian National University (ANU) in 1997. I also have a Master of Philosophy (research) from UNSW in 2016.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
My mentor at ANU was involved in the late 90’s when I was studying, and this was when I was first introduced to SIGGRAPH. Recently I was the Computer Animation Producer for SIGGRAPH ASIA 2023. It was such a pleasure to be able to create a fun event – The Computer Animation Festival After Party. I was able to host more than 200 people at the UNSW Galleries with a great DJ, wonderful food and drinks.
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
I have many good memories of SIGGRAPH but I really enjoyed the recent Sydney SIGGRAPH ASIA conference (2023). It was my first time being more intimately involved in the process as Computer Animation Festival Producer. A highlight was working closely with some incredible people including June Kim, Rob Coleman, Herman Van Eyken and Henry Sun. The festival featured a total of 38 short films, including for the first time works from the inaugural Junior Competition participants.
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
It’s hard to pick one. Two of my favourite projects I led were large scale 3D animated projections DreamStates (2019) and Crowded Cadmans (2022) for Vivid Sydney. These projects involved utilising motion capture as a storytelling device for people living with intellectual disability. I am now working on another closely related project with staff and students at UNSW called Diversified. The Diversified project at UNSW is revolutionising inclusive education by providing educators with a comprehensive toolkit designed to enhance their understanding and application of neurodiversity in higher education.
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
I would choose artist Louise Bourgeois who was an early influence of mine when I was studying sculpture. I can relate to her themes of isolation, displacement and freedom that she explores in some of her works.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I used to be an avid gamer (Half-life, Quake, C&C etc) and my gamer friends called me the “Dark Queen”. These days I spend this time in my studio.
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
My son teaches me humility every single day.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
June Kim has always been very supportive of me, and I am very grateful for her collegiality and friendship.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
I recently co-chaired the 35th Annual Society for Animation Studies Conference (SAS2024.org) in Sydney, Australia. My proudest moment was calling all the team up to the stage on the final day. It was wonderful to see the smiling staff and students standing there proud of their involvement in such a successful conference.