PHOTOGRAPHY ZINES AND BOOKS NO: 67

Littlefields Photography Magazine By Jim Clinefelter

Who?

Jim Clinefelter is a long time friend of JCH, actually perhaps even before JCH existed. He was apart of a group of foreign photographers going into the 2010s, that met regularly at a pub in Shibuya. He has had this Littlefields series going for sometime and you can see our coverage of his series throughout the decade here and here.

What?

This is respectively the 28th, 29th, and 30th installment in the series. The 28th, “Meji Era Photographs” is drawn from a collection of found Japanese photographs published for the first time. “The Good and True Citizens of Japan” focused on vernacular photography of the 1890s-1930s, while “Let Us Entertain You,” the 30th issue, features film stars and stage performers of the 1920s-1930s.

Why?

I have noticed amongst the influx of tourism here in Japan, a strong interest in found Japanese photographs, especially everyday snapshots akin to issue 29 of vernacular photography. While the Littlefields issues have seen a variety of photography, it is a timely release of these gems, where if you check the website contain further information.

The photos themselves are beautifully reproduced, offering a unique tactile experience. Pulling from our previous write up about Jim, perhaps for a new audience, here are his own words:

“My work is the product of years of study, exploration and refinement. I work in the ever-expanding Modernist Tradition, and I am dedicated to the creation of art that is clear, concise and to the point. If my work is “about” anything, I would say that it boils down to the realization that the raw materials for art are often right in front of us, and all we have to do is look, think, and put them to use.” 

Where?

These lovely zines can be purchased directly from Jim for 15 USD on his web shop here. Unlike the limited editions we usually see that seek to create value through scarcity or simply a case where the editions are all the photographer can afford (perhaps more the latter), these are unlimited as they are simply meant to be experienced.

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Thanks to our guest for his submissions, it is a really cool thing to be able to share zines with you all. And remember, this is open to everyone. If you would like to have your zines or books featured then all you have to do is mail me. Hopefully there will be plenty more of you who want to get your books and zines out there to the world. Another installment will be coming soon.

Thanks,

JCH