Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Claire Donohoe 

 
BA [Hons] Art

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 High Heart (Pallas Projects/Studios, 2021) and Perceived Dimensions (IMMA, 2018).

My project offers a visual experience of rural Ireland, focusing on the thriving flora and fauna found there. The research process involved a continuous study of my 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 I have studied. To integrate my research process into the work, I have installed and photographed my drawings in the natural environment. I have also experimented with scanning and digitally editing elements of my drawings and research images. My works incorporates printed elements that have been made directly from plants. The animals are represented in a more graphic and intense way, drawn onto torn scraps of paper, bringing them into focus.