The Wild Woman

DIANA THATER

Describe your process.

I do tons of research—reading, watching films, visiting locations—before I plan any shoot. I usually work with conservationists or scientists or activists who are specialists in the field I’m studying. I do all the camerawork and editing. I don’t like working with other people or telling anyone what to do. I like to think in quiet and work in peace—maybe that’s why I like animals so much! They don’t talk and annoy me. How do you view the artist’s role in society? Artists can be purveyors of truth and beauty, and society needs those two things to define itself. Art speaks out against oppression—that is necessary in the times in which we find ourselves. When art is great, it is a revolution.

Location and scale are big in your art. What environments do you favor?

I am obsessed with Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana right now. The landscape and the variety of animals offer great filming opportunities. I wish North America had the variety of wildlife that Africa has. I find I have to go quite far to film. thaterstudio.com