Julian Lennon: A Unique Identity

Julian Lennon, the son of the legendary John Lennon, is carving out a unique identity as an artist in his own right, away from the enormous shadow cast by his father. At 61, Julian has taken on multiple roles throughout his career: a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, children's author, documentary filmmaker, and philanthropist. His latest venture sees him stepping into the world of fine art photography with his recently launched book, Life’s Fragile Moments. This lush volume showcases over 20 years of photographic work, including his travels around the globe for his charity, the White Feather Foundation, as well as personal reflections on family, including intimate snapshots of his half-brother, Sean Lennon, and behind-the-scenes moments from royal events.

Developing a Passion for Photography

But how did Julian develop his passion for photography? He reminisces about his early encounters with a simple brown leather Polaroid camera owned by his father during a visit to the United States at age 11. This initial fascination transformed into a lifelong pursuit as he explored various photographic techniques, eventually leading him to embrace the digital format.

A Self-Taught Artist

Unlike many in the industry, Julian is self-taught and believes that formal training would strip away the spontaneity and authenticity of his work. "I prefer doing things organically," he states, highlighting his passion for creativity over technical precision.

Capturing Moments

Julian’s book features an intriguing cover image of Charlene Wittstock, capturing her pre-wedding nerves as she prepared to marry Prince Albert II of Monaco. "She looked thoroughly stunned and said, 'I’m not sure I can do this,'" Julian recounts, reminding readers of the pressures that come with such high-profile events.

Art and Emotions

The candid captions throughout the book offer insights into his artistic process, leading to speculation about a memoir in the works. Julian confirms, “I want it to be more about art and emotions than just a standard autobiographical tale.”

Frustrations of Identity

Delving into his identity, Julian expresses frustration at how his relationship with his father often overshadows his own achievements. "It’s always been 'John Lennon’s son,'" he declares. "What I need to do is build a body of work that I can stand on."

Evolving Musical Career

His music career continues to evolve as well. Following the release of his album Jude in 2022, Julian gathered a band to rehearse in Los Angeles with optimistic plans to solicit appearances on popular American late-night shows. Unfortunately, those hopes fell flat. "I was heartbroken by that," he admits, adding that music will always be a part of his life, despite the obstacles.

Reflections on the Beatles Legacy

Referring to the renewed interest in the Beatles, particularly with projects like Peter Jackson's Get Back, Julian notes, “I’ve never been part of that inner circle,” reflecting on his feelings of detachment from the legendary group that changed music history. Citing his tumultuous upbringing after his father left, he acknowledges that both he and Sean have maintained a close bond, even if they are often kept at a distance from the legacy of their father.

Embracing Resilience

With age, Julian has embraced a philosophy of resilience and positivity, qualities instilled in him by his mother, Cynthia Lennon. He candidly discusses his struggles with anxiety and depression but remains convinced of the importance of perseverance through adversity.

Maintaining Optimism

As the new year approaches, Julian shares insights on maintaining optimism: “You have to think about your impact. What if you don’t create? What if you don’t share your stories? There’s only one choice in my book: stay the course and believe in a better future.”

Creating His Own Legacy

Julian Lennon is not just living in his father's shadow; he’s actively creating a legacy of his own, proving that being the son of a music icon comes with its own set of challenges—and triumphs.