Jane Perry Woodgate – An Ode to 60 Years

This series arose from Jane’s desire to commemorate her 60th birthday in a special way. She chose to be photographed naked in the trees at Chiswick House in London. We took a picnic.

It's important to me to support others in their creative expression, and to document exploration of the self with integrity and understanding. 

In these images we're employing the powerful medium of photography to transmit ideas of liberation and freedom of expression. Jane’s lithe body is testimony to her worldliness and her desire to share a state of self-acceptance which has been hard-won. Her observations and poetic insight amplify this sense of release.

If the camera disappears and the person before me emerges from within themselves, I feel I have achieved my aim. To do this requires kindness, a desire for truthfulness, and the wish to capture glimpses of these aspects in another.

Here are her poignant words about reaching this milestone in her life.

FÒK DID THAT HAPPEN HOW THE 

by Jane Perry Woodgate

Physically, I work hard

lifting, carrying, so much heaviness

spiritually, I work hard

lifted, carried, so much happiness

In the early morning it is difficult to climb

the stairs at the station

my legs ache so much

at the strain

In the early evening, it is delightful to descend

the stairs at the station

my heart hops and skips

homeward bound 

The future uncertain

no money

pension poverty

The future is certain

just love

blessedness and bliss

So, today I free my body

my soul

my mind

my heart

I climb trees naked and dance

I celebrate

every year

every moment

every person I have loved

I laugh and say

never stop singing

never stop praying

never stop loving

and most of all

I say

thank you.

Poem by Jane Perry Woodgate
Photography by Gaynor Perry