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Jim Doran

Animation / Video / Film, Drawing, Multidisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Art, Music / Sound, Paper / Book / Illustration, Performance, Visual / Media

Awards Received

Individual Artist

2013

My work explores humor, identity, grief, improvisation, and metaphysics through drawing, sound and animation. I am prolific, and work quickly with the materials at hand.

About the Artist

I earned an B.A. in music composition at Washington College and an M.F.A. in studio art at Towson University. My process begins with drawing and/or sound, and usually ends with animation. 

Jim Doran website Art Website and Blog Jim Doran website Animation & Sound Jim Doran website Music

Artist's Statement

I am an multidisciplinary artist living and working in Baltimore City. My work and films have been exhibited in Europe and across the U.S. I’m an educator, and teach various courses in design, web development, web accessibility, and animation for Johns Hopkins University, MICA, Towson University, UMBC, and CCBC. I received an independent artist award and a creativity grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. My art has been exhibited in two different shows at the American Visionary Art Museum.  My blog and website (https://jimdoran.art/)  are thoroughly entwined in my artistic process, and my work, thinking, and processes are thoroughly documented there. I identify as a surrealist, an optimist, and a pescatarian.

Featured Work

Photos

A cut paper diorama in a pocket watch, "A Reunion" was on display at the American Visionary Art Museum for the Great Mystery show during 2017-2018.
This is an installation at the Greenbelt Arts Center, and features large tyvek paintings, shadow boxes, and dozens of tiny dioramas in altiod tins, spoons and watches.
A cut paper diorama depicting the parts of a crime scene.
Cut paper diorama showing the ghost of Triton in his final resting place.

Videos

  • The Lunatics

    See more information about The Lunatics
    While searching for “animals of alien origin” in deep space, a crew of astronauts discover it's all fun and games until someone breaks the gravity generator. Made with cut paper.
    Medium: animation
    Year: 2022
    Details: 3:00

  • Higher Ed

    See more information about Higher Ed
    Made with materials sourced entirely from an academic library (video, sound, images), Higher Ed is a commentary that the primary marketing and funding concerns for academic institutions have not changed since the 1960's. While the cost of education has made it unattainable for many (especially without financial hardship), the product being sold has remain basically the same.
    Medium: video, animation
    Year: 2020
    Details: 1:47

  • The Benefits of Radiation

    See more information about The Benefits of Radiation
    Hand drawn animation about a Baltimore bar.
    Medium: animation
    Year: 2020
    Details: 2:55

  • Indigo

    See more information about Indigo
    This animation was a commission for the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival - I was asked to animate a music video for the now defunct Baltimore duo WUME.
    Medium: Animation
    Year: 2020
    Details: 4:11

  • Brood X

    See more information about Brood X
    I made this song and cut paper animation during the "brood X" invasion during the summer of 2021.
    Medium: animation
    Year: 2021
    Details: 1:37

  • Brains: A postmodern Prometheus story

    See more information about Brains: A postmodern Prometheus story
    Medium: animation
    Year: 2023
    Details: 5:19

Music/Audio

  • Salty

    See more information about Salty
    A track from my album "A Chop off the Old Block" made with drums and found sound.
    Year: 2023
    Details: 2:33

  • I will never say I told you so

    See more information about I will never say I told you so
    Part of my album "A Chop off the Old Block, this track features improvised drums and guitar, recorded in my basement during two separate sessions. A game of exquisite copse, as neither part was intended to go with the other, so they work well together.
    Medium: song
    Year: 2023
    Details: 5:47

  • Lily

    See more information about Lily
    Track #7 from my album "Found & Chosen," which is musique concrète recorded during the pandemic and made possible with a Creativity Grant from MSAC. Cello, Drums.
    Medium: sound
    Year: 2022
    Details: :47

  • Freedom

    See more information about Freedom
    Musique concrète from "Found and Chosen," using audio from radio, and recorded in the neighborhood of Hamilton in Baltimore City.
    Medium: sound
    Year: 2022
    Details: 3:00

  • Engagement

    See more information about Engagement
    Music recorded in Baltimore city with found sound from Puerto Rico.
    Medium: song
    Year: 2022
    Details: 2:28

  • Etude No. 1

    See more information about Etude No. 1
    A track from my cassette album "Music to Hear Blindfolded, Vol. 1," this features found sound, drums and guitar. Released later on Bandcamp. Music to Hear Blindfolded is a collection of foley, audio and sound objects used either as sound for animation, or to inspire the creation of animation.
    Medium: lofi music
    Year: 2020
    Details: 2:19