Joan C. Gratz is an artist and animator who pioneered the animation technique called claypainting. In this technique, bits of clays were used as if they were oil or acrylic paint and the effects are marvelous.
In one of her best-known works, MONA LISA DESCENDING A STAIRCASE, images of the human face are subtly transformed to communicate the graphic style and emotional content of key artworks of the 20th century, creating an animated history of art. The film won the 1992 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, among many other awards and prizes at festivals worldwide.
Hit play or go to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8067288602520538016 [Google Video], Joan's website - Thanks Ajit!