Between 1973 and 1980, Maughan created nearly three hundred short, self-directed performances for the camera in Pasadena, California.[2] These early video works are characterized by their humor and low-fi aesthetic.[2] These videos were often titled descriptively, such as "Tell Three Cats About Jail" (1977–1978) and "Two Sticks Mourning At Another Stick's Funeral" (1973–1974).[2] Maughan has since cited the artist William Wegman, who was a teacher at California State University as an influence on her decision to try film.[2]
In the 1980s the artist moved into the punk music scene.[2] She was a member of several bands, such as Auto De Fe, the Nihils, Primitive State and The Shrews.[2]
In 2008, Maughan was included in the exhibition, California Video, at the Getty Center.[3]
Maughan died on June 13, 2019.[4]
- Coffin from Toothpicks (1975).[3]
- Browning Automatic (1978).[3]
- I Tell Three Cats about Jail (1977–1978).[3]
- Taking Medicine with Gloves On (1975).[3]
- Two Sticks Mourning at Another Stick's Funeral (1973–1974).[3]
