Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

Vantage Point; digital print. Contributed photo

Donnette Zacca is on a shortlist of Jamaican photographers who are household names, and an even shorter list of those whose work dwells in the realm of fine art. Her solo show, 'Issues of Fertility', now on at the Mutual Gallery, is a powerful visual experience.

The breathtaking collection tells a story that is at the same time intimate and universal. In her 51st year, the self-described photojournalist is dealing with elemental matters of femininity and self-knowledge in a series of photographs, two assemblages, a print and a drawing. The variety of media illustrates the open-minded approach to creativity and life that has earned Zacca the respect of her peers and the affection of countless students.

Her professional achievements notwithstanding, Zacca is unassuming with a straight-shooter approach that surfaces in the work as clarity of expression. The images are crisp and conceptually potent. I can feel her in the room, wordlessly pulling the same feelings out of me that she must have wrangled with during the creation of this show.

In person, the bespectacled Zacca is as real and engaging as her images are sublime.

She gives The Sunday Gleaner a peek into her personal life and her work.

What's your middle name?

So funny you should ask that first. My middle name is Ingrid. For years I questioned why people did not use their middle names at all. In the early years of my career as an artist, I called myself D' Ingrid in an effort to identify with all my three names. Whatever it means, I like the sound of Ingrid.

[Writer's note: 'Ingrid' means 'Ing's beauty'. In Norse mythology, Ing, the god of earth's fertility, rides the land each year to prepare it for spring planting].

How long have you been doing photography?

I started doing photography in high school. In fact, when I was in fifth form at Mt Alvernia High, a photo club was started by Sister Marita Francis. We were exposed to the 35mm camera; we processed our film and tried our hands at making prints. I can't even remember if the little room was air-conditioned, but it was so much fun to go there every afternoon and enjoy the sheer magic of the process. This was 1976, and I went on to the Jamaica School of Art [now the Edna Manley College (EMC) and continued in more in-depth ways.

What was your first camera?

I left behind my first point-and-shoot Kodak Instamatic camera, with its cube-shaped flash unit, and moved on to a Minolta XG7, which was never left behind at all. My interest in having a camera grew the more I understood how to use it to capture the pictures I saw. I learned my environment form constant observation. The more I see and learn, the more I want to document. In the process I have met a lot of persons interested in the same art form. I exercise what I know best by teaching.

Assuming photography is number one, what's your second favourite form of artistic expression?

My next favourite form of artistic expression is ceramics. I am at this stage trying to convince myself to take a pottery class with Norma Harrack next semester. When I was a student, I did rotations in the ceramics department but I had a big problem handling clay. I guess the texture and mess never went well with my personality. Now I would do anything to even doodle. I like to watch Phillip Supersad at work. He does everything with such ease it inspires me.

What's in your CD player right now?

I am a lover of easy jazz music and the old-time love and romantic sounds we hear on Sunday radio. When I get home in the evenings, I wind down to all soft, sentimental sounds from the era my age group always listens to. In my CD player I have Basia's Time and Tide, Keiko Matsui's Full Moon and the Shrine, John Pizzarelli's Bossa Nova and a Lifescapes romantic compilation entitled Come Away With Me.

Do you have any siblings?

Siblings are what I have a whole lot of. They are priceless. There are six girls and four boys in our family and, even though we are not all of the same mother, my father made it his duty to bring us all together. Christmas time and Father's Day were our special time to come together while we lived in Cambridge, St James. We still enjoy special times meeting in Florida, since all but one of my siblings has migrated.

As a teacher, what's the most memorable lesson you've learned from a student?

Only recently I had a real good lesson from a student at EMC. Mark Samuels, a very talented and bright student, told me I need to relax more and not try to understand everything students do these days. He said, "Miss Zacca, you will never understand because you are old." It felt real. The only time I can really be at ease is when I don't try to understand all of my students' behaviours. I am from a different generation with a different aesthetic. It took me a few seconds to realise that I am almost at the end of my classroom days.

Is a picture really worth a thousand words?

If the picture is in your mind and you can see it as clearly as though it's on paper, that too is worth a thousand words. If you can talk about it the way you can imagine, that is worth a thousand words; and if you have created a tangible form that holds that memory forever, that is a thousand words. I appreciate this a lot in photojournalism.

Who are your creative influences?

I cannot think of a lot of people who have been creative influences to me. I enjoy the work of Aaron Siskind, an America photographer. I find I am most inspired and influenced by my observations of the outdoors. To be outdoors is, in fact, my form of worship. I thank God that I still have sight to see His creation. The older I get, the more I cannot be separated from it.

If you had to choose one image to represent you, what would it be?

I would choose the picture of a monkey tenderly hugging and caring its family. Give me a picture of affection and I see myself clearly.

Would you rather leave humanity with a question or an answer?

I know I will leave humanity with an answer. I often say I will have no regrets. I have lived a fulfilled life, wanting very little and enjoying much. I have found that our own truth starts with us finding ourselves and not being slaves to our culture or society. I have learned that relaxation is a big part of living, regardless of how we do it.

Digital or film?

Like everything else our day-to-day technological development advances. We will eventually have to let go of old things so we can move forward and be apart. I have been using digital technology and I quite enjoy it. I'd nevertheless like to bring closure to my work with analogue technology by publishing some of the images I have accumulated.

When did you figure out what you wanted to do with your life? what was the catalyst?

I have always known I would become an artist. I just never knew what kind until after my graduation in 1980. I worked in an advertising agency for two weeks, but I was far too calm to handle that kind of competition. I got out and kept on with my photography, even when I taught at Wolmer's Boys.

What's your take on the world food crisis?

Mankind has gone crazy. We are neglecting the things that are of substance. We were warned that these things would happen. We really need to find ourselves.

Read any good books lately?

Shanti Persaude recently gave me a book to read entitled The Bonesetters Daughter. I started it in the airport a few weeks ago, but got caught up with thoughts of my current exhibition. I wish to finish it this summer.

What is the most important aspect of the artist's journey?

It is through our art that we speak and we must develop the patience we need to say the things we want to. We must learn to be easy and honest with ourselves so we can, in fact, say more as others listen.

What would you do if you found out the world was going to end tonight?

I would tell all my friends and family I love them. Then I would lie down and close my eyes.

Any words for the young artists out there?

Don't give up too soon and don't assume you know everything.