PHOTOGRAPHER: CATHERINE JUST, CAPTURING BREATH ON FILM
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE BI-ANNUAL PRINT ISSUE OF A BOOK OF (A BOOK OF: NOW, SEPTEMBER 2019)
WORDS BY IRVIN RIVERA
A year ago, I met Catherine in Arles, France in a photography exhibition together with other artists. On the surface, she is a vision of timeless beauty and on the inside, she is deep. Her dynamic personality led me to a path of friendship with her as she continues to fascinate me with her art. I was fortunate enough to chat with Catherine about her photography project Capturing Breath on Film.
Catherine Just: Self-Portrait, 29 Years of Sobriety in Paris
Why "Capturing Breath on film?"
Capturing Breath on Film documents the breath, the heartbeat, the dreams, wishes and desires of the person in front of my camera. I’m more interested in what’s not seen. I believe the truth lives in-between the words; the energy and non-verbal “sub-text” that lives underneath the surface of the every day. An essence. We’re often so busy focusing on our thoughts, beliefs and the stories in our minds that we miss the experience of sinking in and being with ourselves. I’m curious to what’s not seen and want to open up the exposure for longer than a 60th of a second so I can study those places that exist inside life. Not just the physical. I don’t care if the image is perfectly in focus or not.
I’m not interested in the exterior as much as the energy of the interior and the light.
I often ask them to close their eyes and really be with themselves or if it’s a couple, I ask them to really be with each other, open hearted, fully invested in the truth ( which, beyond any story is love, as far as I can tell ). I don’t look at them during the photo session so they don’t have to “perform” in front of me or the camera. This is about being with themselves as fully as they can for just a few seconds. I wait until I can “ see “ that they’ve let go of “showing up” for a photo session and they’re remembering why they are there and what moment matters to them- what they’re releasing or intending in these moments. The photo becomes a power symbol that reminds them of their own truth.
This is the thread that connects all of us. No matter our differences we all have breath and heartbeat. We all have dreams, wishes and desires even if they aren’t all the same. This project captures the collective pulse of the planet.
L'Erin Alta Vancouver Canada, Photo by Catherine Just
What is it in the film medium that attracts you the most?
Working with film allows me to slow down and be very present to the moment. This ritual of using large format camera and film reminds me that I’m already connected to source and to all things. It helps me to open and listen with my entire being. I love the look and the feel of the grain and texture of film. Film has a certain “je ne c’est quoi.” With the peel apart film like New55 Film (my favorite) the uncertainty of what’s going to happen really turns me on.
I love that I get to just let go and allow the film, the camera, the elements in the room; the light, the subject, the unseen energy- they all converge and have a specific message to say on that one piece of film.
It’s so intentional and yet with long exposures or with “feeling” when the exposure is done with my entire being and intuition.... ( my preference always ) It’s all very present moment, spiritual practice, feeling everything in the room and sinking deeper in. Film gives me the opportunity to focus my energy on what matters to me most. Connection to what’s true or what could be considered my version of God or to Love.
Riccardo Scamarcio, Italian Actor, Marrakech Film Festival, Photo by Catherine Just
For you, what makes a photo timeless?
I think when there’s an emotional connection experienced by the viewer that suspends all place and time. It’s deeper than what’s actually seen on the surface of the photo. Timelessness is Emotional and Spiritual. The expression of Love is timeless.
How do you think image makers can create timeless photographs like you do?
Focusing on emotion rather than the clothing, landscape or environment. It’s definitely not about the camera or lens you use. I think being true to yourself and not looking outside for what you should or shouldn’t create makes a photo timeless. Being authentic. Not trying to be someone else or create like someone else. It is getting to the truth of the matter- the soul of a person, place or thing.
Makenna and Chris Wedding day, France, Photo by Catherine Just
How would you describe now?
Now is the experience of expressing love outward. It’s Love as a verb. Actively focusing attention from the mind and thoughts down to the heart and being. The now cannot really be defined with words. It lives in-between them. The truest form of Now has no thought, story, beliefs. It’s expansive awareness from a place other than the mind. It’s a knowing without knowing. It is the breath. The heartbeat. The essence of what’s seen and felt. Right now and right now and right now.
Catherine Just is an artist, photographer and activist based in Los Angeles, California. Her photography work has been published on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, inside O Magazine and shown in galleries internationally. She’s known for her love of the 4x5 large format film camera and her Capturing Breath on Film project. She’s the founder of the Max Harrison Foundation, teaching kids with Down syndrome how to use cameras for self-expression. Catherine got sober at 18 from a crystal meth addiction and has 32 years of sobriety. She’s currently working on several photography books regarding addiction, Down syndrome, and photography as medicine.
Wesley Geer guitar player KORN Rock to Recovery, Laguna Beach, California, Photo by Catherine Just