Molly Landreth's brilliant project Embodiment is a collection of short films and photographic portraits which explore the varied experiences of queer life in America. One of the (many) things I love about this series is how strong all the individual photos are -- they could be stand-alones, and yet they form this amazing series.
Molly kindly agreed to answer a few questions for the blog. Check out her answers and her photos. And if you love her work as much as I do, check out her
kickstart fundraiser. Donors who fund her ongoing Embodiment project receive prints and other goodies.
Intrepid: Your work has such a strong sense of color. Did you initially study to be a painter? I think a lot of other photographers work in color without really USING color, if that makes sense.
ML: You are really sweet for asking....but I'm a terrible painter. I think that I was always just really drawn to photographers who conveyed big emotions or ideas by utilizing color that makes you go....Oooo, yes! Nan Golden has always been a total hero for that and of course William Eggleston. I don't think I intentionally USE color, I just take pictures of things that make me feel giddy...and that usually includes a pretty saturated color pallet.
Intrepid: Your portraits of couples are so intimate, and seem to reveal so much about the relationship. How do you get people to be that open with you? Do you think people are more willing to be open when they have their partner with them?
ML: The individuals and couples I find for this project (if even shyly) are pretty ready to share their lives and their stories. Sometimes it takes a little while for the moment to feel right to really open up, whether it?s for the photograph or the interview but it always happens and it?s always magical. Sometimes I feel like creating this project is like speed dating! We know that we have a limited amount of time together to find and unravel a real and intimate connection which will make everything ?click?. (Pardon the camera pun). It?s an intense collaborative effort of finding and maintain trust as well as creating an outcome that everyone feels good about.
I also find that once subjects see that I'm totally on their side and that I think that they are beautiful, sexy and totally awesome... I find that they really let me in.
In regards to your couples vs. singles question... I actually find it easier to photograph individuals because there is such an intense focus between the two of us. With couples I feel a little bit more uncomfortable asking them to pose intimately, not knowing the nature of their relationship. In those cases I'm so much more of an observer. I find myself waiting, then yelling..."stop! hold that pose!" a lot. I think that people love the validating aspects of having someone witness their intimacy....so these frozen moments get infused with a real sweetness, a sort of awkward honesty.
Intrepid: What made you decide to extend your project into video? Was it something you'd always intended to do?
ML: When this was purely a photographic project from 2005 - 2008, people would look at my portraits and have so many questions about the people in the work. Eagerly, I would dive into 100 stories, excited to share my experiences of meeting so many interesting and engaging people. I realized after awhile that these stories were essential and that these individuals really needed to speak for themselves. So last year I invited my friend Amelia Tovey (who is a very talented Australian video artist) to come on board. Amelia captures not only the story behind each portrait but the process itself, revealing the way a photograph and a personal history can unfold.
Intrepid: What are the pros and cons of being based in Seattle? (I know you went to SVA in NYC.) Do you feel you have to be more do-it-yourself about getting your work noticed?
ML: I love NY and I love Seattle....I lived in LA for awhile too and I love it there as well. I just can't be faithful to city! It's so beautiful and relaxed in Seattle and there is a real community of artists and queers that are doing amazing things. This city gives me the head space to work and take risks and breathe. I love NY to eat, connect, get inspired and squeeze my little sisters. Living and working somewhere between the two just seems right and I think that they really complement each other. As far as getting my work out in the world ...everything and everyone is so accessible on the internet that I almost find it easier to make connections from a distance. At least for now. My East vs West Coast pride shifts daily.
The Intrepid Art Collector (7 unread)
Intrepid: Your portraits of couples are so intimate, and seem to reveal so much about the relationship. How do you get people to be that open with you? Do you think people are more willing to be open when they have their partner with them? 
I also find that once subjects see that I'm totally on their side and that I think that they are beautiful, sexy and totally awesome... I find that they really let me in. 
ML: When this was purely a photographic project from 2005 - 2008, people would look at my portraits and have so many questions about the people in the work. Eagerly, I would dive into 100 stories, excited to share my experiences of meeting so many interesting and engaging people. I realized after awhile that these stories were essential and that these individuals really needed to speak for themselves. So last year I invited my friend Amelia Tovey (who is a very talented Australian video artist) to come on board. Amelia captures not only the story behind each portrait but the process itself, revealing the way a photograph and a personal history can unfold. 
Twenty-four emerging photographers are supporting Haiti relief with a benefit sale of their prints. All prints are 8x10, in an edition of 10, for $50, with ALL proceeds going to Haiti relief. This is a great cause, and some great art.
Jen Bekman's 20x200 has a special Starn Twins edition coming up tomorrow (Thursday). $50! For a Starn Twins print! Really.
Chema Cobo
Marc Chagall
Chema Madoz
