MOMENTS OF JINI: A life of synchronicity in music and photography
A Personal Remembrance by Her Aim Is True director, Karen Whitehead
Having spent the last few years being connected to Jini, her remarkable artistry and life story, there are many beautiful memories to sift through. But when Jini died on July 3rd,at the grand age of 97, what filled my heart and soul was Jini’s beaming smile and warm greetings to the audience at the sold out world premiere screening of Her Aim Is True at Seattle International Film Festival last spring. In those moments, Jini’s grace, elegance, charm, and gentle nature just shined through.
Jini Dellaccio at World Premiere of “Her AIm Is True” Seattle International Film Festival
Photo by Dana Nalbandian courtesy SIFF
About three years previously, I had met Jini for dinner in her Seattle home. I mistakenly thought it was I that was going to be doing the “interviewing”, (to find out if she would be open to being a documentary subject herself.) Of course, like countless subjects of her lens decades before, we ended up just hanging out and having a wonderful conversation as old friends might. Jini talked to me with intense interest about what motivated my journey in the arts, filmmaking, my family background and life. In those few hours a bond was made that became a much stronger connection than I can ever put into words. But I am not alone. Jini’s capacity to love and care for those she meets is as legendary as her archive.
I saw these traits again and again during our filming. Jini filled each shoot day with plenty of grace and charm, wit and broad smiles. I think it is pretty bold to accept a documentary film crew into your life aged 93, and agree, as well, to take on the latest in digital photo technology to do a rock band photo shoot, about 50 years on from your last period of rock n’ roll photography. But that is Jini all over. She never said no and she did not follow rules, but marched to her own drum, so she took on every creative challenge and opportunity with a fearless quality. Her approach from the day she left school aged 17 to pursue a career playing jazz saxophone in all girl jazz bands of the 1930s, to the day aged 92 when she said “yes” to making the documentary, was always characterized by “why not try”.
All in all, Jini Dellaccio was not your traditional image of a rock and roll photographer and maybe that has a lot to do with the innovative and beautiful images she was able to create and why her life story is so enduring and relevant today. I now like to imagine people saying – “well, what would Jini do?” She would always say YES, often defying convention and her “age” to take any risk for creativity, and be generous in her artistry.
Jini Dellaccio photographing The Sonics at KEXP Seattle, 50 years on from the last shoot! Copyright Her Aim Is True, 2013
In both music and photography, Jini’s human warmth and artistry were totally in sync, as they were evident in everything she did.
Jini Dellaccio: born Indiana, January 31, 1917, died Seattle, July 3, 2014
In lieu of flowers: donations can be sent to The Carl & Jini Dellaccio Scholarship Fund
http://artisttrust.org/index.php/show-your-support
or snail mail to:
Artist Trust
Carl & Jini Dellaccio Scholarship Fund
1835 12th Ave
Seattle 98122
Her Aim Is True will be on worldwide release in September. Release date to be announced shortly.
