Jaclyn Cori
The Story of Eve… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
Text and Images by Jaclyn Cori
Interview by Ora Heard
How did your series The Day the Moon Went Away come to be?
I started doing self-portraits with and without romantic partners when I became aware that I defined my self-worth through my relationships. In my 20’s, when I was single, I would behave self-destructively, mostly with eating disorders. The struggle was deep, and photographing was cathartic. Eventually I had the confidence to believe that every time I photographed, creating something powerful was possible. And that possibility came from within.
Doors Wide Open … from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
Were there any challenges that came up while working on this project?
In my 20’s (I am now in my 50’s) I was less adept with my view camera and film developing. The negatives are technically flawed. And my use of depth of field was not well received. I decided to embrace the flaws and focus more on “making the invisible, visible” (Julia Margaret Cameron).
There was also that time I fell off the fireplace mantle and bruised my knees quite significantly.
Fear of Falling… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
Describe your creative process in one word?
intuitive
Through a Glass Darkly… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
What inspires you to pursue image-making?
Whether photographing with my Wista view camera alone or digital Leica rangefinder amongst chaos, photographing provides solitude. Peace is a beautiful thing. Visual, intellectual, emotional objectivity, for me, is a source of strength.
One Arm Superman… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?
“Eye Mama: Poetic Truths of Home and Motherhood” by Karni Arieli
Dualism… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?
It is important to learn the rules before they can be broken with intention. But, by all means, break the rules.
Do not expect to create solely with what you already know. Look at art. Read books and watch films. Be aware of current events. Find mentors. Ask questions. Face your flaws. Examine existentialism. Each of these things become ingredients from which you will create your own recipes, your own personal vision.
And the print is not married to reality. It is an object unto itself. (Credit to my mentor and colleague Craig Stevens)
Walk Away… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
What is your favorite podcast to listen to?
I don’t listen to any podcasts. I listen to my 13-year-old twin daughters and their friends talk in the car while I’m driving them to and from all their extracurricular and social activities. Now, there’s some insight!
Letting Go… from the series The Day the Moon Went Away
How do you take your coffee?
First cup: double Espresso
Second cup: Caffe Latte
Neither sweetened.
