JC: What got you started with photography?

MADELINE HORAN: I’ve always been interested in the process of documentation in general and having a growing collection of images. I started collecting film cameras in high school that I would pick up at yard sales or thrift stores. I’ve been shooting film ever since - I like having the physical prints of the photos and I like the act of printing them even if they are just snapshots.

JC: Any emerging artists inspiring you at the moment?

MH: I work closely with a lot of my friends in Baltimore and much of my work comes out of our travels together. Recently I’ve been loving the work of  Suzanna Zak, her installation/photo series NEMESTA is partially based off of a trip we took to West Virginia and reminds me of the hikes we went on. She also sometimes works collaboratively with Sophia Belkin - who creates really amazing drawings, collage, and sculpture from found material.  Also under the category of friends who inspire me -  Flannery Silva’s lithographic work, and Nick Gottlund’s recent series Baker’s Dozen.

JC: Whats your current project all about?

MH: I’ve been printing many of my photos lithographically recently. My next series is going to explore photo-etching, which is a new process for me. I tend to jump around with technique, I’m trying to figure out what I like and can do still.

JC: Where are you currently living and how is it shaping you?

MH: I’m living in Baltimore right now finishing up school. Living here has definitely changed my work - there is a specific strangeness to Baltimore that I like. But I’m most excited for the summer which I’m going to spend at the Berlin Biennale / Documenta (!)

JC: One piece of advice to recent photography graduates?

MH: Keep moving forward- I tend to linger on images and rework things that I should just move on from, I’m trying to do less of that. Keep making new things. 

JC: Any big plans for 2012?

MH: I’ll be hanging out in Berlin all summer, but before that I’m coming out with a little photo book with my friend Jolie called Sugar Mountain. More books to come soon, too.

JC: Favourite tree?

MH: I like this specific weird tree in my friend’s backyard. It has these long spiky leaves it’s tied up with a belt - I don’t know what it’s called but I sat under it for a few hours today and it provides the perfect amount of shade. I don’t know if it’s my favorite tree in the world but definitely top ten.