This live stream features Sarah Suda and Amy Roberts from Complexly promoting their new miniseries "Endlings" (part of "Bizarre Beasts"). They transform small plastic doves, a Kickstarter perk, into realistic passenger pigeons through a mini-painting tutorial. The video blends practical art techniques—from priming and base coats to washes and dry brushing—with in-depth discussions. Key topics include fascinating facts about passenger pigeons, the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding de-extinction, and behind-the-scenes insights into the production of "Endlings," such as challenges in acquiring animal footage and the show's unique art direction (custom wallpaper, set props). The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their varied craft hobbies and engage with audience questions.
Exploring "Endlings" & The Art of Mini-Painting Extinct Birds
0:00 "Endlings" Live Stream & Kickstarter: Hosts Sarah Suda and Amy Roberts introduce a live stream to promote "Endlings," a new miniseries for Complexly's "Bizarre Beasts," highlighting that painting small plastic doves (passenger pigeons) is a Kickstarter perk.
1:46 Beginning the Painting Process: The hosts demonstrate the initial steps of mini-painting, including pre-priming the doves and mixing custom colors for the passenger pigeons' grayish-blue bodies, utilizing a wet palette to maintain paint consistency.
7:06 "Endlings" Production & Art Design: Sarah reveals behind-the-scenes details of the show's production, including custom wallpaper designed by Elliot and printed by a local Missoula company, as well as an intro by motion designer Jackie and commissioned "Endling" portraits by artist Zoe Keller.
8:36 Passenger Pigeon History: Sarah shares insights into passenger pigeons' vast historical populations (flocks of millions that darkened skies), their migratory and communal nesting behaviors, and the species' tragic extinction, epitomized by Martha, the last known individual who died in 1939.
12:47 Q&A - Pigeon Facts & Urban Pigeons: The hosts answer audience questions, revealing their shared favorite pigeon fact (the double meaning of "columbarium" for both pigeon roosts and urn storage). They also discuss the surprising intelligence of pigeons and that city pigeons are descendants of feral domestic birds.
20:41 Q&A - Future Extinct Animals & De-extinction: The discussion turns to contemporary animals potentially facing extinction (e.g., giant tortoises, white rhinos) and the complex ethical considerations of de-extinction, particularly the idea of re-filling ecological niches.
23:08 Q&A - Desired Extinct Species: When asked which extinct animal they would revive, Sarah chooses the dodo, envisioning it freely roaming like guinea fowl in zoos, while Amy humorously suggests dinosaurs (in a non-"Jurassic Park" context).
33:05 Advanced Painting Techniques: Amy demonstrates "wash" (watered-down pigment for depth) and "dry brushing" (minimal pigment for highlights), showcasing how these techniques add impressive detail with relative ease.
34:10 Thematic Set Prop Unveiled: Sarah unveils a 3D-printed lamp prop for the "Endlings" set, explaining its organic yet artificial design was chosen to symbolize the show's themes of ancient animals coexisting with modern human-altered realities.
43:53 Hosts' Hobbies & Footage Challenges: Amy discusses her passion for tactile crafts like crochet and woodworking, contrasting with her digital art profession. Sarah highlights the critical importance of high-quality video footage for "Bizarre Beasts" episodes, a common production challenge.
59:15 Final Thoughts & Kickstarter Success: The hosts express gratitude to viewers for supporting the Kickstarter, which surpassed its initial goal and is enabling additional features for "Endlings," such as custom wallpaper and the potential to avoid sponsorships. They conclude by showcasing their nearly completed painted passenger pigeons.