Jean Ferro
(Los Angeles, California, USA) Photo artist Jean Ferro began her career in the visual arts in Hollywood in the 1970s, shooting personalities while building a classic library of self-portraits. Throughout the '80s, Ferro's fine-art self-portraits (1974-present) received international recognition from magazines such as ZOOM magazine (1985 - 8 pgs., 1988 - 6 pgs.) and French Photo, along with US national TV magazine shows for CBS and ABC TV networks. The 1989 Women In Photography New Photographers Lecture Series presented "Jean Ferro's Eye To Eye, the Art of Self-Portraiture.
"In 1990, Ferro's "Statue of Liberty" project marked her transition from fifteen years of traditional photography into "Photo Art," mixing various mediums. A 1992/93 City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs award enabled Ferro to create "Through Our Own Eyes, Self Portraits by People Without Homes," a compelling 30-minute photo/video documentary of Los Angeles' homeless community. In 1996, “Global Liberty,” her photo-based mixed media work using international newspapers from 42 countries, was exhibited at the Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles City Hall.
Fine art photographer Edmund Teske was quoted as saying, "...Your show Jean Ferro!--is the essence of Walt Whitman and Edward Steichen's great show 'Family of Man.'" Her portfolios include: Film, Music and Artist portraits, 1975-present including David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Reba MacEntire, Arianna Huffington, Larry Gelbart, Eric Etebari, Tony Berlant, artists, Rene Petropolis and many others; "Hollywood" 1974-Present, Los Angeles 1974-present, El Centro 1974-1981, Valentino Pl. 1981-1990, Rossmore Ave. 1990-2003, Studios, “Paris Street Series” 1974; “Satin Slips” (including “The Green Slip”) 1975-1988; “Italian Series” (including “Bomarzo” and “Olympic Stadium”), 1983; “American Flag”1980-present, including “Memorial Day Forever Sad the Heart”; “Trees” 1980-present; “Bucks County, PA,” 1960-present. Ferro has also been commissioned by Paramount Studios, Southern California Regional Rail Authority, Capitol Records and DreamWorks, SKG. Editorial clients include Los Angeles Magazine, Southern Calif. Edison, Pacific Bell and others.
Ferro's work is a growing body of images that shoot straight from the heart. Her journalistic style of movement and spontaneity is evident in the Los Angeles, City of Dreams by Tower Publishing 1999.
Jean's work was presented as the 1999 premier gallery presentation for Women In Photography International launch ias an online resource center for women photographer's world wide. Starting 2000, Jean became president of Women In Photography International until the end of 2008. She curated both the 2001 20th Anniversary CD production and exhibition and the 25th Anniversary online exhibition and Kodak Book production.
Current projects include, series of alter ego series, ducks-in-a-row and Side Walk Sofa's. The ducks-in-a-row series have been auctioned at Women In Photography Internatonal/photo l.a. 2003 and Focus On Aids, years, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007.