In Sovereign, photographer Jocelyn Lee actualizes the democracy she sees between humans, nature and the animal world as she explores their cycles of fecundity. Her sensual and intimate portraits made in collaboration with mature women create fictional narratives which challenge the cultural coding of shunning the aged female body. Using natural light, a medium format camera and film, Lee skillfully composes portraits which expand notions of power, possession and passion. 

In this book group, Jocelyn Lee discusses, among other things:

The camera as a philosophical tool

Consciously layering one’s subject with other priorities to inspire and expand imagination

Making visible the mythology of cultural codes

The beauty of our ‘animal bodies’

The magic of not knowing

The dance and performative nature of photography

The metaphorical power of portraiture

The excitement of exploring new methods and processes

Being in conversation with your work

Referenced in the episode

Mary Oliver

The Naked and the Lens

Justine Kirkland

Kristen Joy Emack

Erick Hawkins

Recollections of My Nonexistence

Jocelyn Lee Website | Instagram

Engage with J. Sybylla Smith  https://www.jsybyllasmith.com Instagram @jsybylla and Facebook @j.sybylla.smith