By a fortunate coincidence, Jane Goodall s birthday aligns with our Global open call, Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature, which this year centers on the relationship between humans and animals—an enduring theme in Goodall s work. To inspire artists on this crucial topic, we partnered with Ami Vitale, who shared her poignant photographs on our Instagram account, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed connection with our planet.
Celebrating Jane Goodall s 90th birthday, Vital Impacts, founded by Ami Vitale and Eileen Mignoni, has begun showcasing the works of 90 outstanding female environmental photographers, from April 1st continuing the next 90 days. Vital Impacts is a women-led non-profit that supports individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting Earth and its ecosystems through art and storytelling. Vital Impacts launched this initiative to honor Jane Goodall and her pivotal role in conserving our planet and promoting a new relationality between humans and Nature. Goodall has built a vast and interconnected community to increase awareness about environmental issues, with a particular emphasis on empowering the youth. We asked Ami Vitale some questions about Jane Goodall s legacy, the power of empathy and interconnectedness, and some advices for those who dream to become photographers.
Jane Goodall continues to be an inspiration for those who fight to protect Earth and its inhabitants. What do you consider to be her most significant contributions?
There s no one else in the world who has done more to shape humanity s perspective on the planet, its wildlife, and our interconnectedness than Jane Goodall. Jane carries compassion and love wherever she travels, and her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of millions. Her legacy literally spans continents, generations, and cultures, and she has created a global movement of stewardship and compassion.
Jane’s legacy isn’t just about studying chimpanzees; it’s about breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Her spirit lives on in every one of us who has been touched by her words. She inspires us all to make a positive difference in the world.
This project celebrates nature while embracing the unique perspective of the female gaze. Do you believe that the feminine perspective could contribute to the environmental cause? Can it foster a more equitable, inclusive, and interconnected approach to nature conservation, promoting a vision of harmony and equality?
When we talk about the environment, I would not attribute the current global paradigm solely to gender dynamics but I do think we need to work toward a future founded on collaboration rather than dominance, empathy rather than exploitation, and interconnectedness rather than division. By valuing and integrating a multitude of perspectives into environmental discourse and action, we can cultivate a vision that ultimately, is not only more effective but also more just, compassionate, and resilient.
In a world often dominated by men, you ve chosen to initiate a collective project featuring female photographers united under a common cause. What challenges have you faced as a woman in your profession, and what advice would you offer to a young girl aspiring to work in this field?
I did not become a photographer right away. I began my career as an editor. I dreamed of being a photographer but the people hiring could only envision me at a desk job. I was a young woman and the folks out taking the shots were mainly men with a few remarkable exceptions. In each of the jobs I had in the beginning, I was pigeonholed and felt stuck for many years but I always had a dream. I was aware that there was this ladder to climb and the obvious path available to me as a young woman did not include being a photographer. I remember showing work to supervisors and editors, with the dream of one day being a photojournalist, but those dreams were quickly dismissed. Yet I knew I had to try because even if I failed, I would never regret trying. It was tough, especially in the beginning. I was told that I did not belong and endured physical threats and abuse but like every single human being, I am much stronger than it may have looked from the outside.
My advice to young people aspiring to work in this field is to tune out the voices that try to discourage you. Believe in yourself, educate yourself, find role models and build a support system, challenge stereotypes, be persistent, create your own opportunities, and get comfortable with discomfort! Walk towards the things that seem uncomfortable. Life is filled with rejections and the key is not letting it stop you.
How do we reconcile that we are living in an ecosystem so out of balance, and how as individuals can we make choices and actions to try to right that balance. How to evolve with so little time. This work “Dusk Bloom” depicts a young woman positioned as a blooming night flower, up-ended, with her head in the sand. Not yet drowned, still surviving in the shallows of the rising waters. Living through this time of environmental devastation I try to depict moments of beauty in my work, whilst commenting on my deeper fears and concerns. This work comments on the pervasive “head in the sand” mentality, borne of feeling utterly powerless in the face of the enormous challenges we face as a species. Represented by Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin Tamara Dean is a critically acclaimed photo media artist working in photography, installation and moving image. Dean’s practice explores the relationship between humans and the environment. Follow Tamara on Instagram @tamaradean.
In addition, some of the photographers participating in the initiative shared their thoughts with us.
Michelle Valberg, a wildlife photographer from Canada: “Through her lens and unwavering dedication, Jane has not only captured the essence and importance of the natural world but she has also empowered women across the globe to embrace their passion for conservation and photography. She reminds us of the profound impact women can have in the preservation of our planet s precious biodiversity. She is an iconic hero of all time. I am honoured to be a part of Vital Impacts important work and dedication to the Goodall movement.”
Tshepo Phokoje, Botswana: “The importance of having women in the nature and biodiversity conservation field helps to encourage the younger generations, more especially girls, to see it as not just a hobby but to urge them to also contribute to the visual storytelling. It is through the stories we share of our experiences and perspectives as women, that more people will be sensitised. This can hopefully yield a positive mindset change at a global level and once the minds are changed by the efforts of women, a lot of good will be inevitable. In Setswana they say “Mosadi ke thari ya sechaba” and the meaning of this is that a woman is the mother of the nation. Women are only stepping into their rightful position by sharing their own stories.”
Karine Aigner: "Photographers in the conservation landscape are a window to the world; and women who come together are a force—the combo is a great way to create awareness about the beauty of the planet we live on. This project not only supports, empowers and uplifts female creatives, it allows the public to participate in hope, and it gives back to conservation—what better way to celebrate a birthday and a cause?!."
Deanne Fitzmaurice, Pulitzer prize winning photographer from USA: "I am so honored to be part of this celebration of trailblazer Jane Goodall. She has been an inspiration to a generation of women to go out into the world and do work that makes a difference."
It is possible to contribute to the cause by accessing the sale here.
