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Commissions

Claire Donohoe

Visual Arts

2021
Claire Donohoe
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About the Artist(s)

Claire Donohoe’s work is a visual experience of the natural world in rural Ireland, focusing on the thriving flora and fauna that can be found there. The research for the work involved a continuous study of her outdoor environment, including photographing wildlife, gathering plant samples and locating animal tracks to pick the best location for a motion camera. The works are made up of various layers, collaged together, creating a sense of depth as well as demonstrating the complexity of the environment studied. Some works also physically bring in the research as a layer within the work, such as installing and photographing drawings of animals and plants outside or layering drawings and research images through digital editing. To create the plant layer, she made randomised prints from plants taken directly from the studied environment. The animals are represented in a more graphic and intense way, drawn onto torn scraps of paper, bringing them into focus.

Although she finds issues such as animal extinction, climate change and habitat destruction important it is not something she wants to involve in her work. She wants to convey what she finds so fascinating and beautiful about nature and share that with the viewer, which she finds is a more authentic method of fostering a greater level of appreciation for these living things.

Claire Donohoe works with a variety of media, often combining elements of print, drawing and collage. Inspired by her years growing up in rural Ireland, her work focuses on the natural world. She is particularly interested in closely observing the forms of plants and the activities of animals. Her work is not political. Instead, it is motivated by her fascination with and appreciation of all living things. She has exhibited in IADT student shows such as On Show (Online Exhibition 2021), High Heart (Pallas Projects/Studios, 2021) and Perceived Dimensions (IMMA, 2018)

"The DOCK commission gave me time to continue my research and documentation of Irish wildlife, looking particularly at moths. Visiting new locations, specifically in Leitrim, to broaden and enhance my research. Collaborating and consulting with Tommy Early, a local organic farmer, who has protected and conserved the bog on his land and planted 20 acres of nursery trees. He’s also experienced in studying moths. His knowledge in Irish biodiversity gave insight into my subject matter and further develop my work.

Moths play an important role in our ecosystem. They are night-time pollinators supporting the growth of dozens of plants in our country sides and unfortunately, their population have been declining since the 1970’s. With the help of Tommy Early I began to study and identify the different species of moths in my area. I gathered this research through various methods; a moth trap to capture and photograph them, without causing harm, as well as various books for identifying and learning about the different species.

I used these images to create drawings of the moths on torn paper, focusing on forms and textures. Inspired by how moths navigate, and their flight pattern when approaching light I created a floral print collage, directly printing plants from the studied environment in a circular, implying a light source.

Interested in exploring colour within the work, as well as integrating a new medium, I experimented with projecting a slideshow of digitally edited photographs of the moths onto the work. Recording a video of the slideshow of images projected onto the work. How the slideshow of images moved in a circular pattern around the work caught my eye, echoing the flight patterns of moths around lights.

I use many layers in the forms of different media within my work. I do this partly due to a constant interest in trying new things and expanding my art practise but also to demonstrate the depth and complexity of our natural environment.

Moths play an important role in our ecosystem and add so much beauty to our environment. Through my work I want to bring focus to these amazing insects. Like Tommy Early, retaining our untouched farmlands, grasslands, and woodlands, using less pesticides and allowing the growth of a diverse range of flora are we can protect our moth population."


Trail Main Claire Donohoe
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