CLAIRE DONOHUE
Claire Donohue
What is it that you create?
I take and develop film photos, make vhs shorts, and work on little zines and posters.
How long have you been doing it?
I bought a little manual minolta at Thrift Town in the Mission when I was 12 or 13 and got rolls developed at the local rite aid. When I got a little older I started using the darkroom at my high school and got hooked on the physi- cal process of printmaking. I bought a few dollar bin point- and-shoots and stole my dad’s VHS Sony Handycam and brought them around with me.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Local music, kids, movement, interactions and intimacy in crowds, 90’s VHS skate edits, flared jeans, the seasons, Northern California, the dollar store, public transit, and the social dynamics of college.
What is the hardest part of being an artist?
The pointless jealousy. I think that Diner’s song “Must be Nice,” kind of captures the way I feel.given or is luck, when in actuality it’s a result of effort and time and prac- tice! (also Diners are the absolute best, check them out! https://diners.bandcamp.com/track/must-be-nice)
What do you get out of creating something?
Connections! I’ve met a lot of people through the intersection of photogra- phy and social and digital media. The internet is weird and sometimes isolat- ing, but also a really powerful tool for artists (especially young or unestablished ones like myself!).
How has it changed you?
I’m happier when I feel like I’m making something! Even if it’s a little drawing or zine that’s just for me, or a movie I’d never show anyone, the physical (or digital?) act of creating something makes my day feel a little more controlled and important (especially when it’s a day otherwise consumed by college general ed lectures and dining hall salads).
What is it that you create?
I take and develop film photos, make vhs shorts, and work on little zines and posters.
How long have you been doing it?
I bought a little manual minolta at Thrift Town in the Mission when I was 12 or 13 and got rolls developed at the local rite aid. When I got a little older I started using the darkroom at my high school and got hooked on the physi- cal process of printmaking. I bought a few dollar bin point- and-shoots and stole my dad’s VHS Sony Handycam and brought them around with me.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Local music, kids, movement, interactions and intimacy in crowds, 90’s VHS skate edits, flared jeans, the seasons, Northern California, the dollar store, public transit, and the social dynamics of college.
What is the hardest part of being an artist?
The pointless jealousy. I think that Diner’s song “Must be Nice,” kind of captures the way I feel.given or is luck, when in actuality it’s a result of effort and time and prac- tice! (also Diners are the absolute best, check them out! https://diners.bandcamp.com/track/must-be-nice)
What do you get out of creating something?
Connections! I’ve met a lot of people through the intersection of photogra- phy and social and digital media. The internet is weird and sometimes isolat- ing, but also a really powerful tool for artists (especially young or unestablished ones like myself!).
How has it changed you?
I’m happier when I feel like I’m making something! Even if it’s a little drawing or zine that’s just for me, or a movie I’d never show anyone, the physical (or digital?) act of creating something makes my day feel a little more controlled and important (especially when it’s a day otherwise consumed by college general ed lectures and dining hall salads).
More From Issue 01
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW IN ISSUE ONE
