Ann Steuernagel
US videomaker
Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
I grew up in rural Western New York where my most powerful experiences came from observing and being in nature.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I began filmmaking in 1989 while a student at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
I tend to focus on abstract gestures. Thematically, my works are concerned with communication, gender and sexuality.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
I often work with found footage. I first collect material and then look for moments that interest me around which I develop an idea for a piece.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
I use found 16mm film footage which I then transfer to video using a movie projector and digital video camera. I edit using Final Cut and output to DVD.
6. The field of “art and moving images†(one may call it videoart or also differently) is is manifesting itself as an important position in contemporary art. Tell me more about your personal position and how you see the future of this field (your personal future and the future of “art and moving imagesâ€).
As the moving image and its methods of delivery continue to evolve technically, I see some young artists exploring “antiquated†moving image technologies. I am delighted that some younger artists are looking back while looking forward.
7. How do you finance your films?
On rare occasions I have received grants to fund my projects. Otherwise, I fund my works out of pocket.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
I work individually.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
I have been strongly influenced by the films of Saul Levine and Abigail Child as well as by the works of John Cage and Yoko Ono.
10. What are your plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
I don’t have any specific plans other than that I would like to be able to continue making my work for many years to come.
Can works of yours viewed online besides on CologneOFF or VideoChannel? Where?
List some links & resources: