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41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
natural innocents in family settings, March 8, 2001
Before reviewing this book, let me caution potential readers and purchasers that the images contained in the book include many nudes of young female children. If such would be offensive to you, please stop reading here.Due to the nature of the the content and its subjects, this material would not be able to achieve an "R" rating for a motion picture. I would certainly have discouraged my daughters from appearing in these scenes. If you are not familiar with Jock Sturges, he presents a most unusual oeuvre. His subject is the physical, emotional, and psychological development of young girls. He portrays his subjects usually in nudist camps where they can be displayed more fully. Many of his models have appeared in his work since quite young ages. The images are usually taken outdoors with a large format camera, and are posed to create quite complex compositions. At the same time, he wants you to notice nuances in how the bodies are changing, the emotions are developing, and what the personalities are like. He uses the interaction with nature and the other models to bring out the point of each photograph, and lets time provide the rest of the perspective by repeatedly showing the same models over the years. In this work, you will usually see a model over 2-3 years. The images are very well reproduced on gorgeous paper. I found the duotone images generally better than the color ones, but the color images had a reason for being that caused them to be useful. They pick up the strong color of an eye, or show the connection in skin coloration with a sibling or parent. Beyond the natural beauty of the human form, you will find yourself impressed that the young people are pretty comfortable with the camera. I liked the poses where the teenage rebellion and awkwardnesses were showing at least a little. You will also be interested to see genetic influences as two sisters stand near one another, often with their mother. That creates a reflection of inner beauty that is quite remarkable. The drawbacks of this book's images come in that some scenes are so carefully constructed that they seem artificial and abstract, which steals humanity from the models. Also, the book contains no essay to explain the work. Some would benefit from some words to help them "see" what is contained here. A potential benefit of this book could be in helping female adolescents become more comfortable with their own developing bodies. That would probably have to be based on some private viewing. Here are some of my favorites: Vanessa, Miranda, Maia, Camille, Cecile, Charlotte, Cyrielle and Mylene; Montalivet, France, 1999 Maia, Vanessa and Miranda; Tuscany, Italy, 1999 Vanessa (holding herself version); Tuscany, Italy, 1999 Arianne; Montalivet, France, 1999 Lotte and Nikki; Montalivet, France, 1999 Nikki (on haunches version); Montalivet, France, 1999 Lotte, Vera and Nikki; Montalivet, France, 1999 Lotte; Montalivet, France, 1997 Cecile (2 -- clothed and unclothed); Montalivet, France, 1999 Antoine and Thiery; Montalivet, France, 1999 Sara; Montalivet, France, 1998 Alice; Montalivet, France, 1996 Gaelle; Montalivet, France, 1996 Adele; Montalivet, France, 1999 Lotte, Alice and Nikki; Montalivet, France, 1996 Allegra and Karuna; Northern California, 1998 Misty Dawn; Zurich, Switzerland, 1997 Trea; Northern California, 1983 and 1998 Leela and Nina; Palm Beach, Florida, 1998 Allegra, Northern California, 1996 After you have communed with nature through these photographs, I encourage you to think of how you can enjoy being outdoors with your family in ways that will create relaxed relationships. Cherish the innocence of youth!
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by Jayne Anne Phillips
by Jock Sturges
by Jock Sturges
by Jock Sturges
by Jock Sturges
