For these women, getting naked has never felt better.
What started out as a discussion between two Cochrane locals, Sarah Junkin and Lucille Johnsrude, over drinks three years ago has since turned into the publishing of a nude book, Every Body’s Story, celebrating the human body.
Not to be mistaken for pin-up photos, the book features tastefully nude pictures of the two co-founders and other women, all between the ages of 50-84, doing activities they love. Accompanying the photos is a brief write-up of each of the women’s stories and how they came to be featured in the project.
“They are not boudoir pictures, these are people enjoying their lives and enjoying their bodies,” said Johnsrude. “That’s what’s important, (the pictures) are just fun.”
“We wanted a more candid celebration of getting old, because we’ve all got stretch-marks, cellulite, and scars, and we’ve all had kids,” said Junkin.
This book represents not only loving your body but is “a celebration of overcoming your fears and worry”.
Initially Johnsrude and Junkin wanted the project to be a nude calendar but changed their minds based on the “short shelf-life” the product would have.
Through networking among friends, eventually the pair rallied a group of 14 women - some local and some from as far away as New Brunswick - to take part in the project.
“It got to be somebody would tell somebody (else) – people thought it was just such a great idea so we all sort of came together,” said Johnsrude.
Interestingly, not everyone knew one another before the project so essentially it was a group of strangers getting naked for a good cause.
“It was very empowering to do,” said Johnsrude.
“I met women that I never would have met otherwise – and I met them naked!”
The shoots took place in several locations over a period of time with the help of a local photographer who has decided to remain anonymous to keep the focus on the women and their cause.
Each with their own story to tell, the ladies chose their poses based on passions of theirs, challenges they have overcome, or simply what they felt comfortable doing.
The group got together twice to meet and take the group photos featured in the book. Then the women individually set up their own shoots based on their schedule and availability.
This project was definitely a step out of some of the women’s comfort zones.
“Some of them were saying the only time anyone has seen (them) naked is (their) doctor,” said Johnsrude.
“The very first day, they all came to my house at nine in the morning and some had brought wine - they were all very nervous because we all had to get naked with people we didn’t know,” said Junkin with a laugh.
“By the end of the day, I remember looking in my kitchen at all these naked women – they were all just chatting as friends; they shed their clothes and shed all their inhibitions as well.”
Being inspired by Dove Soap’s Campaign for Real Beauty, they decided to donate the proceeds from the book to the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC).
“NEDIC is a Canadian non-profit providing resources on eating disorders & weight preoccupation,” states the non-profit’s website.
“(We) promote healthy lifestyles, including both healthy eating and appropriate, enjoyable exercise.”
NEDIC immediately loved the idea of the nude book when the group approached the organization.
The ladies in the group believed people, regardless of age or gender, would be able to relate to a cause that aims to promote self-esteem.
“We all, at some point in our lives, have gone through body image issues so it was a cause we all thought would benefit from this project,” said Johnsrude.
Though the process was not always smooth, the photographer worked with the women to ensure they were comfortable and happy with the results.
“These pictures really bring out the personality of the people – and I think the photographer did a really good job,” said Johnsrude.
Once they had the photos they needed, the group approached Stephanie Demeo, a Cochrane local and graphic designer, with their photos and stories.
Demeo was responsible for taking the material the women presented her and turning it into a book - a process that involved designing and laying out the photographs, text, and graphics.
“We told her we wanted something fresh and edgy – we were all middle-aged women – and she just breathed new life into it,” said Junkin.
“She spent hours and hours on it and we are so grateful.”
Now that the project is finished and the book has been published, all the participants are happy with the result.
“When I interviewed them for their story (in the book), I asked them all if they would do it again and not all of them said they would, but not one of them said they regretted it,” said Junkin.
“Everyone felt that it was something on their bucket list that they’re glad they did.”
The group initially printed 200 copies of the book and, as of early January, they’ve already sold “nearly half” of them. They anticipate printing another batch soon.
The books are available online for $20 each and the ladies will also be holding a book signing in the near future.
For more information or to purchase a copy of Every Body’s Story, visit www.everybodysstory.org
