All Of It: From Long Island to San Francisco to Australia, Photographer Donna Ann McAdams Looks Back at 50 Years of Pictures

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC

Introduction to Donna Ann McAdams and Her New Exhibition

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the life and work of acclaimed photographer Donna Ann McAdams. Celebrating a remarkable fifty-year career, McAdams presents her latest exhibition, Donna Ann McAdams Black Box, at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery. The exhibit not only showcases her extensive body of black-and-white photography but also includes a monograph featuring her early journal entries, offering a deeply personal glimpse into her artistic journey.

Rediscovering the Archive

McAdams discusses the exhilarating experience of revisiting her archived photographs.

[02:37] Donna Ann McAdams: "I found a lot of pictures that I hadn't seen before when I started to dig deep into the archive. A lot of them were surprising because they were photographs that were good, but I had missed them 50 years ago."

This rediscovery allowed her to breathe new life into her older works, transforming them into fresh artistic expressions.

Evolution from Street Photography to Activism

Reflecting on her early career, McAdams explains the significant shift in her photographic focus:

[03:05] Donna Ann McAdams: "Younger photographer Donna was more interested in street photography. Older Donna became more involved with activism."

This transition was profoundly influenced by her encounter with Harvey Milk, the iconic gay rights activist and politician.

The Impact of Harvey Milk

McAdams recounts a pivotal moment when meeting Harvey Milk changed her approach to photography and activism.

[03:24] Donna Ann McAdams: "He encouraged me to use my photography for social activism. He encouraged me to get on the street and realize that gay pride was more than just a slogan."

Their interaction not only inspired her activism but also deepened her commitment to capturing the essence of social movements through her lens.

From Long Island to San Francisco: A Personal Journey

Born in Ronkonkoma, New York, McAdams describes her idyllic childhood before venturing to the West.

[08:22] Donna Ann McAdams: "We moved into one of the first little track developments on Samuel Street. It was like a paradise for a young kid."

Encouraged by her boyfriend, John Countess, a fellow photographer, she relocated to San Francisco, immersing herself in the vibrant art scene of the 1970s. This move marked the beginning of her profound exploration of photography as an art form.

Mentorship and Early Influences

At the San Francisco Art Institute, McAdams found mentorship under Hilton Braithwhite, who played a crucial role in her development as a photographer.

[09:15] Donna Ann McAdams: "Hilton Braithwhite encouraged me to get a camera. He was a big early supporter of my work."

Braithwhite's guidance not only provided her with the technical skills to master her craft but also offered personal support, housing her during challenging times.

The Artistic Appeal of Black and White Photography

McAdams elaborates on her preference for black-and-white imagery, emphasizing its ability to capture light, shape, and form with greater abstraction.

[13:11] Donna Ann McAdams: "I've always just been interested in black and white. I'm interested in light and shape and form. Color has never really been that interesting to me."

This dedication to monochrome aesthetics is evident throughout her extensive portfolio, highlighting the timeless quality of her work.

Crafting Each Unique Print

The process of printing her photographs is a meticulous and personal endeavor for McAdams. She values the individuality of each print, often leaving black borders to maintain the integrity of the original frame.

[14:20] Donna Ann McAdams: "I like the black border around the edge of the photograph because it shows you the entire contents of the frame."

Her hands-on approach in the darkroom allows her to infuse each image with a distinct character, ensuring that no two prints are identical.

Capturing the Essence of Performance at PS122

For over two decades, McAdams served as the official house photographer for PS122, a renowned performance space in the East Village. She shares insights from her time documenting the vibrant and dynamic performances.

[17:41] Alison Stewart: "What did you enjoy about taking pictures of people performing?" [17:48] Donna Ann McAdams: "I was interested in making photographs that spoke not just of the performer, but also of the space and the time and the quality of the light."

Her work at PS122 not only captured the physicality of performances but also the underlying emotions and atmospheres of the performances, making her photographs a testament to the cultural vibrancy of the era.

A Focus on Women: Honoring the Female Experience

McAdams expresses a deliberate focus on photographing women, driven by her personal affinity and commitment to highlighting female narratives.

[20:17] Donna Ann McAdams: "Because I happen to be one and I happen to love women. We deserve the focus of attention more than the guys do."

This dedication is reflected in her portfolio, where women are portrayed with depth, strength, and grace, celebrating their roles in various facets of life.

Memorable Portraits: Georgia Heard and Eileen Miles

Among her notable works is the portrait of Georgia Heard, an elderly farmer, showcasing McAdams' ability to capture the essence of her subjects.

[21:01] Donna Ann McAdams: "I took a picture of her milking her cow. You can see the tail, you can see her just milking a cow."

Additionally, her friendship with poet Eileen Miles resulted in profound collaborative works, further enriching her artistic narrative.

Current Endeavors: Goat Farming in Vermont

Transitioning from photography, McAdams shares her current life on a goat farm in Vermont, where she and her husband Brad Kessler produce cheese.

[23:33] Donna Ann McAdams: "We are one of the smallest licensed dairies in Vermont. We make cheese, and I’m more of the milkmaid."

Her whimsical description of goats as "the anarchists of the animal kingdom" reflects her playful spirit and deep appreciation for these unique creatures.

Concluding Insights

Donna Ann McAdams' journey from the pastoral landscapes of Long Island to the artistic hubs of San Francisco and beyond is a testament to her unwavering passion for photography and storytelling. Her ability to evolve as an artist, embrace activism, and honor the stories of women and performers demonstrates the profound impact of her work on the cultural tapestry.

Exhibition Details

Donna Ann McAdams Black Box is currently on display at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery, located at 144 W. 14th St., and will be open until June 7. The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at McAdams' five-decade-long career, celebrating her contributions to the world of photography and culture.

For more information and to view selected photographs, visit WNYC’s Instagram stories or explore Donna Ann McAdams' work at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery.

This summary is based on the transcript of the April 23, 2025 episode of All Of It with Donna Ann McAdams, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC.