Meaning: Norman McLaren, a renowned Scottish-born Canadian animator and film director, expressed his deep connection to the art of filmmaking with the quote, "I have tried to preserve in my relationship to the film the same closeness and intimacy that exists between a painter and his canvas." This quote encapsulates McLaren's approach to filmmaking, emphasizing the personal, artistic, and intimate connection he sought to establish with the medium.

McLaren's comparison of the filmmaker's relationship to the film to that of a painter and his canvas reflects his belief in the deeply personal and expressive nature of the creative process. Just as a painter intimately interacts with their canvas, applying brushstrokes and colors to bring their vision to life, McLaren sought to engage with the film as a medium for artistic expression. His use of the word "preserve" suggests a reverence for the film as a means of capturing and conveying his artistic vision, much like a painter preserves their ideas and emotions on a canvas.

In this context, McLaren's reference to closeness and intimacy speaks to the profound emotional and creative investment he made in his films. The act of creating a film was not merely a technical exercise for McLaren; rather, it was a deeply personal and immersive experience that allowed him to infuse his work with his unique artistic perspective. This closeness and intimacy with the film medium enabled McLaren to imbue his creations with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth, much like a painter infuses their artwork with personal expression.

Furthermore, McLaren's comparison underscores the idea that filmmaking is a form of visual art, akin to painting. Through his innovative techniques and experimental approach to animation, McLaren blurred the lines between traditional filmmaking and visual art, positioning himself as an artist who used the film as his canvas. His films often featured hand-drawn and hand-painted animation, showcasing his dedication to the meticulous and labor-intensive process of crafting each frame with artistic precision.

Moreover, McLaren's quote sheds light on the interconnectedness of different art forms and the fluidity of creative expression. By likening the relationship between a filmmaker and their film to that of a painter and their canvas, McLaren highlights the idea that artistic inspiration and techniques can transcend medium-specific boundaries. His multidisciplinary approach to filmmaking allowed him to draw upon elements of painting, drawing, and music to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant films.

In conclusion, Norman McLaren's quote encapsulates his deeply personal and artistic approach to filmmaking, emphasizing the intimate connection he sought to establish with the film medium. By likening the relationship between a filmmaker and their film to that of a painter and their canvas, McLaren underscores the emotional and creative investment involved in the artistic process. His innovative techniques and multidisciplinary approach positioned him as a pioneering figure in the realm of experimental animation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and filmmakers to this day.