Hayley Morris | Shape & Shadow

Inspired by Hayley’s relationship with her daughter, she wanted to create a stop-motion animated exploration of motherhood, reflecting the interconnectedness and transformation between mother and child. The malleability of clay serves as a metaphor for both Hayley’s shaping into a new person through the experience and her child’s constant growth. Designed to be cyclical, Rowan invites the viewer to engage at any point, echoing the continuous flow of this relationship. The monumental love of motherhood and its enduring presence are at the heart of the work, while the building’s unique contours accentuate both the intimate and expansive qualities of this bond.

Produced by RW Media.

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About the Artist:

Hayley Morris is an artist and animation director based in Vermont, working under the studio name Shape & Shadow. Specializing in mixed media and stop-motion animation, she creates visually captivating stories that come to life through intricate textures, handcrafted details, and compelling narratives. Her work spans a wide range of applications, including commercials, music videos, projection design, miniature fabrication, and short-form animation for both documentaries and feature films. She's had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as MTV, Netflix, Sesame Street, and Burt’s Bees, as well as work with musicians like Explosions in the Sky, Iron & Wine, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Hilary Hahn - creating visuals that complement their music and creative vision.

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Hayley’s approach to animation is deeply rooted in experimentation with physical materials—paper, clay, fabric, fibers, found objects, and natural elements. She strives to tell stories that are both playful and poetic, blending character-driven and abstract elements with a tactile, sensory quality. In an era dominated by digital media, she values the presence of the artist’s hand in her work, and mixed media and stop-motion animation offer the ideal way for her to explore these ideas. When not animating or crafting, Hayley enjoys spending time with her husband and their 4-year-old daughter.