J. Sybylla Smith, In Conversation with Donna Ferrato

May 27

Episode #26 Summary:

Donna Ferrato compiles a manifesto proclaiming the sacredness of women’s rights and power to master our own destiny.

Episode Notes

Highly awarded for her vast humanitarian impact with over 500 global exhibitions, Ferrato is known for documenting the truth of domestic violence over the past 50 years. Holy is her call to action to celebrate the powerful complexity of all who identify as female. Combined for the first time are her intimate and unflinching images of survivors, swingers and activists. Three chapters are framed by her recreated Holy Trinity; Mother, Daughter and Other, for all those who honor and protect women.

In this book group, Donna Ferrato discusses, among other things

Taking time to build narrative (she took 10 years before publishing her legislature-changing images)
Knowing and protecting your image rights
While an image can influence, collective action is what leads to change
Be loud about the images you take - aim point blank at your intention/point
Iterate ideas and refine output till power is embedded in the work
The need for men to “heal thy penis”
Find the right publisher and advocate for your work
Provoke, be combative and have a good time
Love has nothing to do with violence

Referenced in the episode

National Domestic Violence Hotline (in the US). Helpline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Hot Peach Pages. International abuse information in over 115 languages.

I Am Unbeatable

British Journal of Photography

Achieving Gender Equity - Radcliffe Harvard Institute

Undue Motherhood - Kickstarter by Diana Karklin

Blood Speaks - Paloma Basu

Ferrato exhibit at Vanderbilt University 2014

Current Ferrato exhibit at Newport Art Museum

After the eclipse - New York Magazine, 2017

He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard by Hannah Kozak