440 pages with 900 photos of women musicians, writers, poets,
comics, activists, healers, movers and shakers.
Photos, tributes, memories, poems. $125
Irene Young is a distinctive photographer whose body of work profoundly affected the musical movement which came to be known as Women’s Music. Although she has photographed a multitude of artists across several genres, she wanted within this book to represent her five decades photographing women who spawned an uncommon global community through music and art, connectivity, and unabashed authenticity.
There are many great photographers – but there are precious few whose work is a signature – you recognize it the minute you see it. Her technique and composition are a part of that style, but truly seeing and honoring the artist is her most unique gift. Ask anyone who has been photographed by her. They have all felt genuinely seen by Irene.
- Judy Dlugacz
UNSOLICITED FEEDBACK:
"I don't know what to say. I gasped when I saw the book. Holding it in my hands I feel the weight of what you've done. I cried! A lifetime of seeing and honoring women musicians. The photo of you on the back is the person I remember meeting at our very first shoot. We were all so young. Through the years, you've documented what no one else has with love, respect, and an artist's eye. There's humor in the book, but above all, beauty. Your distinctive style comes through in every photograph. No one's life is easy, but you've had your share of challenges and we've stayed connected through them all, soul to soul. All this feeling and I've only just begun to delve into the book. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sending me this beautiful testament to your life. And the best part is that there's more to come. Wow." –S.R.
“Omg, Irene. We knew the book you were compiling was going to be an important contribution to our American story, but we weren't prepared for what the book actually is. It left us speechless and in awe of a true masterpiece. Your book is an unparalleled achievement. We’ve never seen anything so visually stunning, so artistically monumental and so historically important. We bow down to you, Irene. The photos, the layout, the concept — it's genius. And the love you brought to it that is apparent on every page, in every photo, in every written word — and the love that shows through back to you in every one of those celebrated women’s faces in those historic photographs is just so moving. What a testament by you and to you. What a one-of-a-kind elite artist and documentarian you are. What a beautiful soul. Thanks so much for this gift to us, personally, and to the world.” –R.W. and M.L.W
"I wanted to let you know how much I loved receiving your book from Karen for my birthday in February. It was the perfect gift! I stayed up late that night reading and viewing cover to cover, and enjoyed every minute. It was so fun to see old friends, be reminded of so many artists, and be introduced to new artists. What an amazing collection of your beautiful work, creativity, friendships, connections, and accomplishments. You must feel so proud of yourself…it is extremely impressive body of work." –R.H.
"You have managed the capture both the inner and outer beauty of every woman in the book. I so enjoyed it. It brought back so many memories from seeing my first lover, long-time friends I have sung with, women I have seen on stage and listened to for many, many years, and women I have studied and read. Thank you, thank you." –J.M.
“I had no idea the book has so much writing in it… I thought it was just images. It’s fantastic! So much love and context and a beautiful perspective. I am so enjoying this.” –V.A.
"Your book is an amazement and a joy! You are astonishingly good…sending heaps of appreciation." –E.B.
"Irene, your book arrived a couple of days ago. What a wonderful trip down memory lane…I love your commentary as well as the images. Thank you so much.” –K.W.
"I received your book on my 73rd birthday. What a stupendous gift. Thank you for your dedication to your craft over FIVE decades...and for sharing your talent in this gorgeous collection. It is evoking many memories.
I loved the introduction, seeing into your soul of illuminating others, and making them comfortable in the studio. The accompanying write-ups are so important as well.” –L.G.
"I just got your amazing book!!!It's just fantastic! I will spend hours looking at it.You really have created an incredible document face by face. It is such an inspiration, not only the photography but putting it together so lovingly. Bravo Irene! Proud and honored to have known you all these years as you were building this great archive of love.” –J.J.
"How wonderful to receive your stunning book yesterday, giving me the whole morning today to go through each page slowly and deliberately. To feel all that the photos and words bring to my soul. So moving...The book is a masterpiece of art and cultural history. Your photos are stunning and the story the book tells is nothing short of magnificent. What a triumph, Irene. I am grateful to have played a very small part. Applause and deep gratitude to you. –J.D.
"The book just arrived! It is gorgeous, a treasure, an exquisite chronicle of decades of music-making and a testament to your extraordinary gifts as a photographer. It is absolutely breath-taking. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
"Your book will have a treasured spot in my home.” –S.B.
"I gave your exceptional book to my partner for Christmas. We are both mesmerized by its beauty.” –P.R.
"Your book, sitting right here on my table, and your concerts were stupendous, truly both memorable and so, so moving. You have done an extraordinary amount of work, and provided such love and community for so many hundreds of us." –C.S.