I was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico; grew up in Albuquerque; moved to San Francisco in 1983. I graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a BFA in Filmmaking in 1989. In 1993 I became involved in mural painting as a way to bring art more directly to more people. Also, I've always been intrigued with large images on walls, be they painted or projected.
My film work has informed my painting and photography, and vice versa. I have two approaches to film/video. One is more formal, primarily concerned with light, composition, emulsion and rhythm; meaning reveals itself gradually or indirectly. The other approach is a direct communication of thoughts, observations and questions through the use of characters. Occasionally both approaches are used, and with the latter, more narrative, approach a bit of the former always creeps in to cause a tiny (or not so tiny) rupture. I grapple with the media indoctrination we in this society have had; it disgusts and fascinates me at the same time. That is why I imitate it, and the culture it represents. In doing this I'm also trying to find where I fit in. With my formal, "experimental" work I find the answer in a similar way to the way I sense my belonging when I commune with nature. That work is ultimately the most important to me; I need to do it and to experience the work of other film artists. It is a most direct and unique form of communication.
Comprised of found discarded footage and magnetic soundtrack, and unused material from my other films. Hence the title, which can also be seen to relate to the content of the sound and images.
1986, 16mm, color/so, 2m, $20
A meditation on natural light, filmed in a controlled setting of reflection and movement.
1986, 16mm, b&w/si, 3m (24fps or 16 fps), $20
A self-portrait reflecting identity struggle between woman/girl/doll/toy/ icon: beginning to recognize the fallout from childhood experiences.
"Tortured sensuousness." - George Kuchar
1986, 16mm, color/si, 2m, $20
Who am I? What is American culture, and how do I fit into it, or into this city of diversity? Vel Richards is an inquiry into my cultural origin (including the culture of the family) and the ramifications of that heritage on my life. Vel is learning to overcome repressions which are a legacy of middle America, mass America, "America." In this film she discusses the Loma Prieta earthquake of October 17, 1989.
1989, S8mm, color/so, 3m (18fps), $20
(See above for background on Vel series.)
On the mend from a pedestrian-bus mishap, Vel instructs on proper posture while working at computer terminals. Music by me, Burt Bacharach and Edwards & Rogers. Part of a multimedia performance piece presented for a non-art audience.
1991, S8mm, color/so, 6m (18fps), $20
WAX VINE originates as a double projection of two Super 8 films. The wax vine is a house plant living in the corner of the apartment, catching light in the incredible velvet petals and crystal nectar of its bloom. Meanwhile, three people also hang out in the room, from whose windows the urban landscape clouds, and mysterious characters on the street and from the past are observed.
Note: Available as a two-projector Super 8 performance.
1994-1998, VHS, b&w/so, 5m, $25 Home; $45 Other
Note: Each piece available separately for prices indicated below.
Jennifer just finished graduate school; her masters degree is in ART. She leads us through the meaning and process of one of her sculptures and questions her place in society.
1998, VHS, color/so, 12m, $30 Home; $50 Other
Marie shares quick tips for deep beauty.
1998, VHS, color/so, 3m, $20 Home; $35 Other
Dr. Carole Gibbons gives an explanation of some artifacts found at a construction site using scientific methods of assumption.
1998, VHS, color/so, 12m, $30 Home; $50 Other
"The visual soul of Claire Bain's moving image work is one of a painter. She uses her Super 8 camera to color and animate richly textured landscapes in and of light. Her video work maintains a distinctly cinematic eye while turning the camera on herself to frame an interior world of characters who act out her emotional and psychic states within a particularly feminist sensibility. These highly intuitive yet carefully composed video sketches display an acute comedic intelligence and poignant irreverence without diminishing her very real social conscience." - Ken Paul Rosenthal, Filmmaker
1998, VHS, color/so, 30m, $60 Home; $75 Other
Includes: FOUND OUT, NATURAL LIGHT, LIGHT ESSAY NUMBER ONE, ITSME, ITSME PART 2, VEL AND THE EARTHQUAKE and VEL RICHARDS PRESENTS VDT HEALTH
See film descriptions above.
1986-1991, VHS, b&w/color/si/so, 26m, $25 Home; $50 Other