In 1993, Tee A Corinne expressed a desire to move away from creating sexual imagery, a field in which she had been a pioneering figure for three decades. Known as a versatile multimedia artist, activist, photographer, and writer of erotica and autobiography, Corinne focused much of her work on "labia imagery" and intimate portrayals of women loving each other or themselves. Despite periodic thoughts of retiring from this artistic pursuit, she often returned because she felt her unique vision was unmatched.
Corinne's unconventional and radical imagery remains significant and groundbreaking, embodying themes of sexuality, feminism, and queer identity. Her notable work includes the feminist photography ovulars held at an Oregon lesbian commune during the early 1980s, capturing women engaged in various activities amidst a backdrop of nature. These photographs depict a pivotal era intersecting back-to-the-land movements, second-wave feminism, and early gay rights activism.
"A Forest Fire Between Us," edited by Charlotte Flint, is the first comprehensive publication dedicated to Corinne, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 62 due to liver cancer. Flint, initially captivated by a surreal photograph of Corinne's, embarked on extensive research to illuminate the artist's life and work. Originally intending to curate an exhibition, Flint ultimately compiled a book, showcasing Corinne's artistry and the challenges she faced in gaining recognition.
Born Linda Tee Athelston Cutchin in 1943, Corinne documented her tumultuous upbringing in works like "Family: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Family." Her journey led her to San Francisco in the 1970s, where she began exploring her sexuality and producing art celebrating intimacy between women.
Despite her impactful contributions, Corinne's work was largely overlooked during her lifetime. She self-published due to the reluctance of mainstream publishers to handle her sexually explicit and queer-themed content. This adversity extended to printers refusing to reproduce her work, reflecting societal discomfort with such imagery.
Corinne's work anticipated intersectional feminism, depicting diverse bodies and identities long before the concept gained widespread recognition. Her photographs authentically captured marginalized experiences, contributing to a vibrant social history often neglected by mainstream narratives.
Today, there is a growing interest in revisiting artists like Corinne, whose legacy of political activism and artistic innovation is being rediscovered and celebrated. Projects like "A Forest Fire Between Us" aim to preserve and expand awareness of Corinne's profound impact on lesbian photography and feminist art, inviting community engagement to further enrich her story and honor her pioneering spirit.
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