The London Enterprise Office

1st December 2008

A new book by a student on the MA Photography course at the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design (JCMAD) offers a personal portrait of her relationship with her daughter Ophir, who has Down’s Syndrome. The book was launched at an event at The Women’s Library at London Metropolitan University on 28 October, where there is currently also an exhibition of striking images from the book. Following the sucessful launch The Guardian newspaper plans to serialize the book.

Up Close: A Mother’s View by Fiona Yaron-Field tells the story of the life of a child with Down’s Syndrome. With some 50 photographs taken over the first 13 years of her daughter Ophir’s life, and a meditative thoughtful text, Fiona Yaron-Field conveys her moods, reactions, impulses and emotions as a mother. It is a work of great tenderness recounting their life together and apart, in intimate moments caught silently by the camera, from birth to adolescence. Her clear lucid words frame the affectionate and unflinching focus of the camera on her growing daughter’s feelings, attitudes and strong personality.

Describing the process of creating the book, Fiona says: ‘Throughout this time immersed in the world of women and children, I never let go of the camera. It was integral to my domestic life, like walking to school or cooking dinner. It was not an obsessive need-more a desire to live creatively. Naturally, as my life now centered around home, so did my art. I would use any camera, whatever size and whatever film was already inside waiting to be shot. It symbolized a part of me that was not a mother, a reminder of my own potential. Usually hidden away in a handbag, the equipment connected the external environment to my inner world.’

Speaking about the book, Carol Boys, Director- Down’s Syndrome Assocation UK said, UK said: ‘Fiona has been incredibly honest about her feelings towards Ophir in a way that most of us would never have the courage to do. She has managed to capture some amazing images that help the reader to understand something about the bond that exists between them.’

The book has also been singled out for praise by Dame Helen Mirren, who said: ‘This is a very moving and beautiful piece of work. I find these images and words extremely emotional and full of feeling. Up Close: A Mother's View is just a wonderful book.’

Fiona Yaron-Field has worked as a professional photographer and Art Psychotherapist for over fifteen years. Her work has primarily focused on the family and running a successful portrait business. She has worked in various community-based projects teaching photography and facilitating groups of children and adults with both mental and physical disabilities. Fiona has exhibited her photographic work and most recently ‘Shifting Perspectives’ was shown at the OXO Tower, London after touring in the UK. Her latest project was exhibited in June 2008. She lives in North London with her husband and two daughters, Ophir and Noa.