EMBODIMENT USA

MARCH 25. New Blog!

2010-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

We are now blogging at:

www.embodimentusa.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!

xox

Molly & Amelia

March 5th. TRIBUTE

2010-03-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone who came out last night and saw the opening of "Intimate Strangers" at the Tribute Gallery! We had so much fun, the work looked great and we were very happy to represent the other artists who couldn't make the trip to the Northwest, but were very there in spirit. Rachel Papo, Carmen Winant and Sarah McKemie....your work looked fantastic.

Landreth & Tovey!

Amelia with very special guest, little sis Jessie (aka Tiny T-Bone) Tovey!

Sneak peek of the new video installations!

Selling prints on the baby grand.

Brand new print "Ashley" in the middle!

Thanks so much Tribute Gallery for a great night.

March 3rd. REPORT

2010-03-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hello from Portland! Amelia and I are here visiting friends and attending the opening of a fantastic group show at The Tribute gallery. If any of you are in town, it would be so wonderful to see you there!

Opening reception: March 4th, 6:00-10:00 pm. On view through March 27th.

Featuring work from Molly Landreth (Seattle), Amelia Tovey (Sydney, Australia), Rachel Papo(NYC), Carmen Winant (San Francisco) and Sarah McKemie (Tulsa). Curated by Ashley d’Avignon Goodwin (PDX).

We also wanted to share a few pictures from our recent trip to Munich where we (thanks to very supportive individuals at the Amerika Haus and the American Consulate) to be able to give a talk on our current exhibition. Here are a few snapshots from the lecture!! If you're in Munich, the exhibition is on through March 12...be sure to check it out!

FEB 13. JET SETTER

2010-02-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

After six long months of dodgy internet connections and frustrating gchat meetings....even viewing video footage via mirror and webcam (yah yah, we learned about screen sharing a bit late in the game), Amelia is returning to the United States this Monday.

Yippie!! Amelia is a very worldly lady but this week will really put her jet setting abilities to the test! After a few days of rest and most likely a few glasses (bottles?) of wine...we will both be getting on the plane to Munich, Germany. As we've mentioned before we will be giving an artist talk about Embodiment on the 23rd at the Amerika Haus. This is the biggest exhibition of work from this project that has ever been on exhibited at once, with 30+ peices and a video installation. We are jumping out of our skins we are so excited finally see everything!

STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR A POTENTIAL TALKY BLOG REUNION!!

JAN 29 PRINT SALE!

2010-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

To celebrate a seriously awesome day of:

1. Amelia giving a big talk at Serial Space

2. Selling heaps of prints at the Munich exhibit

....we are announcing a ONE DAY ONLY PRINT SALE!!!

Starting now and running till midnight (in Sydney) we are offering signed, 11x14" prints from Embodiment for $50 + shipping!

HOW?

1. Go to my website http://www.MollyLandreth.com
(The new work featured on this blog is up for grabs too!!)

2. Email me your name, address, and print selection.

3. I will email you back with payment instructions.

HURRY!! SALE ENDS TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT!!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!! FOR MORE SALES AND UPDATES FROM THE ROAD!

JAN 27. SERIAL SPACE DAY 3

2010-01-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

Check out these unique little coffee cups made by local artists in the Chippendale area, Cafe Guilia has a limited number they're serving up, makes me sad that that this little piece of art is also imminent garbage.

So today has been day 3 of the residency. Touched base with Molly, did lots of planning, scribbling, editing, mixing, stared at the wall in for a bit, released new shoot the player video & then discovered something so exciting it changed my life. After weeks of talking to Molly on Skype and holding up a mirror so she could see my screen and the edits I'm doing (for real) we just discovered Screen Share, a function that allows her to talk to me on Skype and see my screen as I see it. This, has changed our relationship. And not only our relationship but every collaborative video making relationship that I have in my life right now. Amazing. What other amazing technological widgets am I missing out on? Tell me kids, I really need to be updated on this shit.

JAN 26. SERIAL SPACE DAY 2

2010-01-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

This week I've started my residency at Serial Space in Chippendale, Sydney. The Plan is to come in every day at 10am and stay til my eyeballs fall out and I can't look at the screen anymore. I'm working on our Kickstarter video (stay tuned) as well as our lecture for Munich and video works for upcoming gallery exhibitions. I wish I was one of those Indian gods with 8 hands so I could work faster.

About 10 minutes ago some crazy electro sound art music started emanating from upstairs or next door. Serial Space is not exactly a sanctuary of peace and quiet but it is forcing me to focus in a new way and I'm getting more done here than in my Bedroom Office, so it's a total win so far. Big rooms with white walls are by nature motivating - if you're in Sydney & you wanna see this work in progress then come along to my showing this Saturday.

JAN 22. MUNICH

2010-01-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

There is so much happening these days!! We just recieved these snapshots of the huge exhibition of Embodiment the Amerika Haus in Munich Germany!! It is so exciting to see so much work up at once. Thanks to all of you who went to the opening last week!

(The video installation is hiding....photographic proof coming soon!)

If you're a in Sydney don't miss Amelia Talking at CarriageWorks about Shoot The Player, Saturday morning at 11am!!

JAN 20. TALKY DOG

2010-01-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

When I was in NY a few weeks ago for the opening of Versus at the Hous Projects Gallery I was approached by Michelle Bonfils to do a little interview for her online show. It's kind of funny because I was talking about Embodiment....but so clearly thinking about this crazy little puppy who wanted nothing more than to sit on my lap & gobble my hand up. It was a cruel little test for someone who is distracted by AIR!

ANYWAY. Take a look. Michelle is wonderful and a huge supporter of independent artist's trying to get their work out in the world. Thanks lady!!

For more of where this came from check out her website "The Michelle Bonfils Show."

JAN 18. FLAK PHOTO

2010-01-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

I want to acknowledge that the subject of this blog post today has an unfathomable 5,189 fans on Facebook. To Andy Adams / Flak Photo, I tip my hat, you are a rock star! You are like the cool kid in school that is ACTUALLY cool. I truly am a fan and you can...and should be too!

Andy Adams started up Flak Photo as a "daily photography website that celebrates the art & culture of photography online. The site highlights new series work, book projects and gallery exhibitions from an international community of contributors."

Lucky for us, Flak Photo is kicking off its 2010 program by featuring a selection of photographs from the current exhibition, VERSUS, on view at Hous Projects in New York City January 29, 2010...

AND TODAY IS OUR DAY!

Check it out by going to www.flakphoto.com

The Flak Photo of the day today is also on sale as a 8x10" limited edition print for $50 to support relief in Haiti. For more on how you can help this relief effort and get a beautiful print in return, go to: http://haitiprintsale.bigcartel.com/ Things are starting to sell out!

JAN 18. HAITI BENEFIT

2010-01-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

As you all know, the devastating earthquake that stuck Haiti last week has left the country in ruins. I am frozen in disbelief every time I turn on the news... there is so much damage and so much grief.

It is however wonderful to see so many people working together to raise money for relief efforts. In this spirit, I have been asked by photographer and curator Rafael Soldi to donate a limited-edition print for benefit print sale to help the people of Haiti; 100% of the proceeds will go to the Yele Haiti Foundation. He has also asked other emerging photographers from the US and Canada to take part and the line up of work is really lovely. I hope you will take a look and support this important cause. Read on for more information or go to: haitiprintsale.bigcartel.com

Details: Every print is 8x10 inches, from an edition of 10 and priced at $50. 100% of the proceeds will be donated. If we sell every picture, we could raise more than $8,000! This is a great opportunity to support the people of Haiti and take a beautiful picture(s) home in the process.

Big Cartel has donated their software and services in order to carry out the sales. Several local printers will be facilitating the printing of the work, and Farmani Gallery will be helping out with the packaging of the prints. So a big THANK YOU to them for donating their time and their services.

I hope that you can help by passing the word out, sharing the link and hopefully purchasing a print if you're interested.

JAN 14. AMERIKA HAUS

2010-01-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

OMG. I just re-read the last blog update and realized I promised a sneak peek yesterday! Oopsies!! I was so exhausted that I literally forgot that I had even blogged that day. Well....better late then never. So in celebration of a fabulous exhibition that is opening today at the Amerika Haus in Munich, I present you with:

Ashley, Jackson, MS. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Ashley was so beautiful and honest with us during our brief stay in Jackson Mississippi last June. She welcomed us into her home and really opened our eyes to the struggle of coming out as a lesbian in the deep south. ...stay tuned in the coming months for footage from her interview.

Not only did Ashley have great stories, she had great restaurant tips as well. Amelia and I treated ourselves to one nice meal on our grand adventure and this was definitely the best bite of the trip. This talky was filmed right down the street from her lovely home.

If you happen to be in Germany, don't miss the first solo exhibition of Embodiment to include a video installation by Amelia Tovey! Opening today, this show features 30+ photographs plus 15 minutes of video footage created on our road trip last June.

Bayerisch-Amerikanisches Zentrum im Amerika Haus München e.V.

Karolinenplatz 3, 80333 München, Tel. 089-55 25 37-0

Ausstellungsdauer: 15. Januar bis 12. März 2010
Embodiment - A Portrait of Queer Life in America
Photography by Molly Landreth; Video by Amelia Tovey

Click HERE for more details!

JAN 12. PHOTO LA

2010-01-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Packing up to head back to Seattle and trying to convince myself that taking the subway to the airport will be as fun as it is economical....it's not working. Even though these dogs are tired...this trip to NY has been so absolutely re-energizing. I feel so lucky to have reconnected with so many friends and to have met so many new and talented people.

Thanks so much again to the Hous Projects Gallery for putting on such a wonderful show....and taking it on the road so quickly!! If you're on the West Coast...go check out "Women of Versus" at Photo LA.

PHOTO LA 2010 - The 19th Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition. Hous Projects will be featuring work from Embodiment, January 14 - 17, 2010 at Santa Monica Civic 1855 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401
Women of Versus artists include:
Narelle Autio
Pat Brassington
Jen Davis
Scott Davis
Marian Drew
Elizabeth Fleming
Gerald Forster
Molly Landreth
Gina Levay
Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Eric Ogden
Trent Parke
Cara Phillips
Nadine Rovner
Haley Jane Samuelson
Phillip Toledano
Nicola Vinci

Stay tuned for a new sneak peek tomorrow!!

xox

Jan. 8 THANK YOU!

2010-01-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to all of you who came to the opening of Versus last night at the Hous Projects Gallery. It was PACKED!! I always get so nervous before openings thinking...OMG...Who will I talk to? What if no one shows up?! Do I really need to stay the whole time?! Will I get too drunk and fall on the art?!

Pre-Show installation.... Almost ready! Amy Elkins Vs. ME!

BELOW: Zoe Strauss vs. Ruben Natal-San Miguel ABOVE: Hank Willis Thomas vs. Cara Phillips

But my fears are always put to rest, and last night was no exception. The hours blew by like minutes (thanks to the seriously well stocked bar....thank you Ruben and Hous Project gallery!) we had so much fun....AND the show looked wonderful. I still feel giddy that I was part of such a wonderful line up of talented folks. Photographer Jen Davis in particular has been on my inspiration list for quite some time. Working with ideas of body image and self representation she creates images that are as beautiful as they are complex. She was there last night and I had the chance to briefly confess my long time photo crush. I said it before and I'll say it again. Jen Davis you are RAD.

Sister Keavy, her boyfriend Michael and my bff Jenny Riffle

Timothy Atticus and Chris Riffle looking cute as little buttons.

Me and the lovely director of the Farmani Gallery in Dumbo, Elizabeth Barragan discussing plans for an upcoming group show!

Someone else who I love and I finally was able to squeeze last night was photographer extraordinare, Sean Fader. Words can not describe the insta-friendship that has begun. Check out his work....so freakin' great.

Molly + Sean = <3

Jan. 7 SNOW + SHOW

2010-01-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Having a great morning catching up with email and coffee....and looking forward to the show tonight! Lenscratch blog posted an amazing review of it today. Check it out! LINK.

View from the plane going to NY.

LANDRETH YESTERDAY. LINK.
TOVEY YESTERDAY. LINK.

Jan. 5 IN THE HOUS

2010-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

OMG. What a busy week!! Rushing around getting ready for my trip to NY tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to attending the opening of Versus at the Hous Projects in SoHo on the 7th....seeing old friends + connecting with photographers who's work I've admired for oh so long now. Whoot!! Should be a fun trip. :)

COME TO THE OPENING OF THE SHOW!

EMAIL ME....LET'S GET A DRINK!

mollylandreth@gmail.com

Jan. 4 SNEAK PEEK

2010-01-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling super antsy and caffeinated this morning (errr...afternoon) and not wanting to put up a landscape shot like I've been doing. Uhhh, that's SO last year. Instead I really want to show and get an opinion on this new portrait. Is anyone out there? Let me know what you think! (click on the image to make it bigger!)

Shey, sitting at the edge of Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Dec. 31 NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Eve!! I hope everyone has something fun to do with friends and family tonight. I for one am going to a 10 year anniversary party for some lovely ladies that I met a few months ago. I have decided that it would be fun to do something a little out of the norm this year, in hopes to make some new friends for the new year. Not that I'm getting rid of the old ones... no no no. Just trying to open up my little crab shell to new faces, new adventures, new stories to tell. I'm such a resolution junkie. And so....in honor of resolution numero uno.....I bring to you:

"Friendship Truck Stop, Van Horn, TX. 2009 © Molly Landreth

I also bring to you another talky-blog-blast-from-the-past, to celebrate the one of the most exciting friendships that was rekindled in 2009. Yehaw. This ones for you partner.

Dec. 30 STP

2009-12-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my lordy, today has taken an unexpected twist! I have just zoomed back to the printing studio to recreate work for the Versus exhibition that opens in one week and has STILL not arrived to the gallery. This little bundle of goods was supposed to have arrived 10 days ago but still no sign. So much for shipping Priority over the holidays....doesn't work. Sooo I'm rushing around and trying to reprint, resend and get these lovelies to the gallery in New York by TOMORROW! AK!! This means no image of the day because I'm without my proper hard drive. BLARG.

Sneak peek!

I do however want to announce something very exciting! The same day that Versus opens in New York, Amelia has an exhibition opening at Carriage Works in Sydney! So fun!! This exhibition is a really amazing showcase of the many music videos that she has created for her other side project Shoot the Player. Be sure to find out more about it via the links above. :)

Dec. 29 SALON

2009-12-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Wow oh wow....I am obsessed with that ...aloe?....plant!

Salon, Dallas, TX. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Dec. 28 RITZVILLE

2009-12-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

Whew, what a weekend! After catching up with heaps of relatives, eating way too much food and shoppin' till I feel like droppin', today feels blissful in it's banality. Everything is quiet. To do lists are being made. Resolutions are being considered. Carb intake is back to normal. Almost.

I felt that this image was especially appropriate today.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Ritzville, WA. 2009 © Molly Landreth

If you remember correctly....This is the site of the very first Talky Blog that Amelia and I did on day one of our trip last June. It's so cool to think of all of the amazing folks that we met that month and how much we learned by photographing and creating video interviews of them. Only a month and a half to go and we're going to set off on another trip to meet more people, hear more stories and create new work. I can't wait till we can share this footage with all of you instead of just the snapshots along the way!! ...perhaps a sneak preview is in order soon. hmmmm.

Memories.....

Dec. 25 MERRY XMAS

2009-12-25T13:05:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

El Campo RV Park Chapel, Van Horn, TX. 2009. © Molly Landreth

Dec. 24 SILENT NIGHT

2009-12-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve and the Landreth house is anything but silent. My sisters and I have gathered at my parents home to celebrate, and I have already consumed so much wine, good food and cupcakes (flown in from Kumquat!) that I feel like I may be sick. Aw yes. Nothing hurts as good as the holidays. Bring it on!

Mile High Hotel, Custer, SD. 2009 © LandrethTovey

Dec. 23 CORNER STORE

2009-12-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Corner Store, TX. 2009 © Molly Landreth

....Does everyone have their holiday shopping done? I'm nervously waiting for the stores to open so I can scoop up a few last minute presents before I pick my sister up at the airport at 11. Problem is, I think everything opens at 11. CRAP. Sorry sis.

Dec. 22 TOVEY TIME

2009-12-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

I just talked to my favorite Australian on the phone a few hours ago and oh I miss her so. Why are you so far away? Come on back, ya hear?! Here is little video makin' Tovey in Austin fighting a losing battle with the daylight while the roller girls practice their moves that the Austin Speed Shop.

Tovey Time, Austin, TX. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Dec. 21 BACK TO BED

2009-12-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Drinking coffee and scrambling to pull together all of the prints I made for the VERSUS show yesterday so that I can get them to NY by Wednesday. Yikes! ...I must think about shipping myself over to that coast as well. It's all very exciting but what I would love to do is crawl back in bed...and I think that the one pictured below would do quite nicely. :)

This particular bed can be found at the Sands Motel in Van Horn, TX. Sight of the filming of The Three Burials of Melquiade Estrada, in the town where everything is abandoned and lovely.

Sands Motel, Van Horn, TX. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Ps! Any photographers out there reading this blog? Does anyone know how to keep the color looking good after uploading to blogger? I have them all in srgb but they're coming up with a yellow red cast anyhow. If anyone has a solution....email me! mollylandreth@gmail.com

Dec. 19 VERSUS

2009-12-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I have decided that weekends will be for updates, not images. ;)

...And with that I am excited to announce that there will be six photographs from Embodiment on display at Hous Projects Gallery in New York for the show VERSUS. I am so honored and excited to be a part of this show which is comprised of so many awesome photographers! Don't believe me....check out their work that is all linked up below. Whoot!!

VERSUS
Opening January 7th @ Hous Projects
31 Howard Street in SoHo.

Mickalene Thomas
Brian Ulrich
Cara Phillips
Zoe Strauss
Hank Willis Thomas
Matthew Pillsbury
Amy Elkins
Molly Landreth
Eric Ogden
Alex Leme
Kris Graves
Jen Davis
Gina LeVay
Phil Toledano
Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Michael Wolf
Elizabeth Fleming
and Nadine Rovner.

Save the date!

Dec. 18 GO WEST

2009-12-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

After battling with iPhones that are on the fritz and GPS systems with mean, scolding, Australian accents (no...not Amelia!...shame on you!) it's always nice to have a friendly stranger to point you in the right direction.

Go West, Dallas, TX. © Molly Landreth

Dec. 17 I HEART FRUIT

2009-12-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

With a snoring bulldog behind me, traffic noises out my window and dozens of lovely coffee vendors at my door step...I find myself this morning happily situated (if only temporarily as I dog sit for a friend) back in the glorious neighborhood of Capitol Hill in Seattle. Ah gay town, how I have missed you. As a tribute to this land I love. Today's postcard of the day is...

Washington State, Fruit. © Molly Landreth 2009

Dec. 16 RAIN

2009-12-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Nearing Van Horn, Texas. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Dec. 15 IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT...

2009-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thrift Shop, Wallace, Idaho. 2009 © Molly Landreth

Dec. 14 TIPI + TAVERN

2009-12-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

All images © Molly Landreth

Dec. 13 REWRITE

2009-12-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

The bluest skies in Texas are haunting me tonight....

Dec. 5 AT WORK

2009-12-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Amelia and I have been busy sifting through Embodiment footage (Amelia in 100 degree summer-time Sydney and me in icy wintery Seattle) and it is so much fun to uncover little memories like this one! :)

Amelia and Dusty shooting in the Ozarks, June, 2009.

Oh to be on the road again. (sigh)

Nov. 14 VIDEO EXPERIMENT

2009-11-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to Emily Kingan who sent us this video which she, sts and Melanie Valera created at the opening of "Queer Gaze" last week!

Nov. 3 QUEER GAZE

2009-11-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yes Sir! Two posts in one day....ow ow ow! Just wanted to let everyone know about a great show that's opening in Portland this Thursday at the Fontanelle Gallery.

The "Queer Gaze" is a group show featuring a photograph from Embodiment along with work from fabulous artists like Lorenzo Triburgo (who was a classmate of mine at SVA!) and the legendary Tammy Rae Carland.

Queer Gaze

Group photography exhibition

November 5-28, 2009

Preview, November 4th, 6-8pm

Opening Reception, November 5th, 6-9pm

Musical Performances, November 19th, 8pm

FONTANELLE GALLERY

206 SW Pine St.

Portland OR 97204

Fontanelle Gallery is pleased to present Queer Gaze, a group photography exhibition featuring images of queer people by queer photographers. This show offers a new examination and response to theories of “male gaze”, as originally described by Laura Mulvey as the cinematic depiction of voyeurism and objectification of a female by a heterosexual male viewer. Queer Gaze explores the gaze from woman to woman or queer to queer, as well as the way that many photographers use their own visage or that of their friends to subvert traditional expectations of portraiture.

The act of taking ownership of one’s own identity and personal beliefs and how these beliefs are enacted in the public realm is a political act that helps shape modern feminism. Here we present a collection of perspectives and experiences that will be at once informative and titillating, while also empowering.

Feminist photographers exploring the theory of male gaze have often turned the camera on themselves, demanding that viewers take notice of their role of dominance in how they are presented and viewed. By utilizing elements of masquerade, role-playing and societal commentary as devices to investigate identity through self-portraiture, many photographers are able to explore their own personal politics. Clearly, the issue of self-representation is not restricted to literal self-portraiture. The issue is not what one looks like, but how and by whom one is represented.

Exhibiting artists include Sarah Baley (Brooklyn), Erica Beckman (Brooklyn), Tammy Rae Carland (Oakland), Zackary Drucker (LA) & A.L. Steiner (Brooklyn), Luke Gilford (LA), Grit Hachmeister (Berlin), Megan Holmes (PDX), Angela Jimenez (Brooklyn), Molly Landreth (Seattle),Amos Mac (San Francisco), Finn Paul (PDX), Emily Roysdon (NYC/Stockholm), Lorenzo Triburgo (PDX), and Azsa West (PDX).

Nov. 3 ELECTION DAY

2009-11-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

VOTE TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 71. Unless you hate gay people.

Ballots are due today folks and if you live in Washington State or know someone who does, it is very important that we approve this referendum. If we don't....bye bye rights for domestic partnerships.

SIGN IT
STAMP IT
POSTMARK IT TODAY
THE QUEERS WILL LOVE YOU.

For this and more great suggestions by the crazy liberals on (our) Capitol Hill, check out The Stranger's 2009 Endorsements.

Oct. 22 BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL

2009-10-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Martin Parr autoportrait. Collection of Martin Parr

Very exciting news! It was announced today on "Culture 24" that work from Embodiment, has been selected by British photographer and curator, Martin Parr to be included in the 2010 Brighton Photo Biennial. I have always been a huge fan of Parr's work so I am thrilled to have this exciting opportunity. And if that isn't enough, I have been employed, along with fellow photographer Zoe Strauss, to document their big queer city for the event which is set for Oct/Nov of next year. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they need some video portraits too!! Check out the whole article HERE!

Oct. 17 JULZ RULZ

2009-10-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Julz ...throwin' down the tough questions.

Today I had the super exciting chance to meet with Julie-Ann "Julz" Ignacio, a student from Seattle University and answer a few questions about Embodiment for a class assignment. Julz was awesome and is working on a year long thesis project about Queer Asian/Pacific Islanders in Seattle so she wanted to find out more about my process. Turns out....we not only share a love for queers + photography but we also share many a friend, photo subject and even a common professor!! Her current photography teacher, Claire Garoutte, was my HIGH SCHOOL teacher and and a huge inspiration to me in choosing my current career path. Crazy. What a great way to start the day!!

While there's still no work (that I know of) to see from Julz on-line at the moment. You can check out Claire's work HERE!

Thanks again Julz!

xox Molly

Oct. 17 PROGRESS REPORT

2009-10-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

On this blustery fall day in Washington State I would just like to take a little time to say "Hello" and "We're still working". Nothing as glamorous as being on the road but progress all the same. Today I'm in the studio once more scanning and organizing about two hundred + rolls of film. It's overwhelming to say the least but it's SO much fun to see all of these new images appearing before me. All this footage is still under wraps but someday soon we'll have an unveiling that's going to knock yr socks off!!

Dozens of negatives, organized in piles by state, line the floor of my work space.

Question: Ok photo students...can you tell by the image above what kinds of cameras I'm using?

Answer: A Mamiya RZ and a wooden, 4x5" view camera! I found both of these cameras on Ebay over the last several years and love them so much I can't stick to just one format!

Ps....Here's a little sneak peek out my window right now. Ummm....Seattle is liquifying!

(The weather is great, wish you were here! xox Molly)

Sept. 28 LIEBE UND SEX

2009-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

An image from Embodiment has made it's way to the Love and Sex issue of GEO kompakt this month. I just received my copy in the mail, check it out!

And speaking of articles in languages I haven't quite mastered yet....HERE is a review by Christian Gattinoni about "GLOBAL: PHOTOGRAPHY 09 - looking at/looking for", a group exhibition curated by Massimo Sordi, Stefania Rössl and Fabio Severo that showcased four photographs from Embodiment.

This exhibition which was a part of SIFEST 2009 will run from September 11th to October 4th, 2009 in Savignano, Italy. After the photo festival, it will travel to Venice/Mestre from March 19th to April 24, 2010. The Rome and Bari exhibition dates will be confirmed soon.

Sept. 2/3: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Since it is the 3rd of September in Australia, I would like to wish my lovely collaborator the happiest of birthdays. AND we can celebrate tomorrow as well.....because it will be the 3rd all over again!

xxx

Molly

Aug.26 MAN TIMES

2009-08-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Check out our friends!

We filmed these guys when we were in Portland. See pics down the page from the shoot.

August 25th. FEATURED ON FLAK PHOTO

2009-08-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Andy Adams of Flak Photo for once again choosing an image from Embodiment for the Image of the Day!! This time the lucky photo is, Jo and Joann, Seattle, WA. 2007....most definitely a personal fave. Go check out Flak Photo BLOG, FACEBOOK & TWITTER...it's wonderful resource for any emerging artist or art lover.

"Flak Photo is a daily photography website that celebrates the art & culture of photography online. Produced by Andy Adams, the site highlights new series work, book projects and gallery exhibitions from an international community of contributors." - from flakphoto.com

July 15. HOMELAND: PORTRAITS OF AMERICA'S QUEER YOUTH

2009-07-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Simon and West, 9am, Seattle, WA. 2007 ...Now on view at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery, NYC.

I just wanted to write a quick plug for a exhibition that is opening tomorrow in New York that features photography from Embodiment: A Portrait of Queer Life in America. The show...HOMELAND: PORTRAITS OF AMERICA'S QUEER YOUTH, was curated by Cora Lambert and will be up at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery and Gay Art Foundation through October. This should be a really fun out door event, as the entire exhibition is a window display viewable from street level. As a result this exhibition will be open for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!

I won't be at the opening reception tomorrow... but Amelia will, talky-blog camera in hand! If you go, be sure to find her and make a cameo appearance!

The Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation
26 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10013
(Between Grand & Canal)

July 16 - October 10, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, July 16, 6 - 8pm

"Homeland: Portraits of America's Queer Youth is an exhibition that explores how GLBTQ youth from rural or suburban areas find and/or create community. In many locations across the United States, young gay, lesbian, and trans people are geographically isolated from major centers of queer cluture.

The work of photographers Bret Bell and Molly Landreth exemplify this challenging experience. With roots in rural Missouri, Brett Bell created a body of work that calls upon friends and acquaintances to express personal childhood experiences with longing and sexuality. Photographer Molly Landreth, in contrast, journeyed through America in serch of queer people and documented their lives.

In their juxtaposition, these images depict subjects, both real and fictional, that help create a picture of what it means to be queer in America today." - Taken from the Leslie/Lohman Gallery Website

Jalesa, aka Cruz, Columbus, OH. 2007 ...Now on view at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery, NYC.

FOR MORE IMAGES FROM THIS PROJECT GO TO WWW.MOLLYLANDRETH.COM

JULY 7. LOS ANGELES, REVISITED

2009-07-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Molly did such a lovely job on that last post, the only thing missing was a little sumthin' from the AV club - so here it is - us on the couch with our gracious hosts Ross, Sal & Wee Wee. As I write this Molly is working hard and developing film in Seattle, while I'm in Brooklyn staring at piles of footage, excited to start the next phase of this project...

JULY 5. RECAP + A TALKY FOR ADRIEN!!

2009-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek at Ross' fridge displaying proudly 1. his lovely mother 2. our fancy business card! and 3. the awesome town of Mount Vernon Washington where we grew up together!!

Surprise surprise....we're not in Texas anymore!

I am writing from my bedroom in West Seattle. Bags empty, washing machine full. Amelia is sitting next to an undisclosed body of water in Brooklyn, talkin' life and love with a friend. Sad but true the trip is over....for now...and we are recuperating on opposite coasts.

The trip up the West Coast from Texas through the City of Angels, San Fran and Portland was accented by windmills, power naps and new friends. It was both beautiful and sad and we were once again blown away by the generosity of our hosts and contributors.

In LA we stayed with and interviewed my BFF Ross and his lovely boyfriend Sal (some of you may know Ross as "Ross The Intern" from the Tonight Show....check out his new show HERE!) This was a really amazing time to rest, catch up with old friends and gear up for San Fransisco. Talky blog with Ross and Sal will be ready soon!

In San Fransisco (where evidently we forgot to take any digital pictures!!) we were lucky enough to squeeze in three photo shoots in two days....one of them being with Nomy Lamm whose work has inspired me for many years and who was a driving force to create this project. Needless to say it was a truly amazing experience to be able to sit down with her for a chat and to hear her play a song for us on a homemade music box!! Check out her website HERE.

When we reached Portland we decided that it was once again....TOVEY TIME. Switching gears from one project to another, "Shoot the Player" stepped up to bat in full force. Amelia met up with a possible new collaborator (Toddy) and together they filmed 4 music video's in 24 hours. Now that's talent! They will be posted on the Shoot the Player website in the months to come! Check it out at: SHOOTTHEPLAYER.COM

Here Amelia directs "Lovers" Carolyn Berk, Emily Kingan and Kerby Ferris, while Toddy and I have a camera showdown. These girls climbed trees and pranced through alleyways while singing the nicest songs one could possibly hope for on a sunny day in the Northwest. Check out the "Lovers" website HERE and find them on MySpace HERE!!

Portland band "Nurses" were fantastic sports as well and did an impromptu video in a lot filled with food vendors serving up Nutella filled crepes, frites with garlic aioli, and much much more. The lot was packed with late night snackers who didn't seem phased in the slightest by the roving band of musical gypsies and their camera girls! Go Portland for being tasty and spontaneous.

You can find Nurses on MySpace right HERE!

The next morning at a very early 10am, Mel of "Tender Forever" serenaded us with a Justin Timberlake cover and some of her new tunes in a nearby rose garden....what a way to wake up! Check out Tender Forever HERE.....

Our very last shoot appropriately combined a queer interview / photo shoot and a music video. Carolyn Berk of "Lovers" graciously concluded our trip by telling us about her personal definition of queer life, which included environmental awareness, a love for Oprah and an understanding that you don't have to be gay to be queer. She sang us a song about love, family, god and acceptance.....made us laugh, made us cry and opened up a whole new way to think about what it means to be Queer in America today. Thank you Carolyn.

Stay tuned for more talky blogs from the road as Amelia catches her breath and wades through footage! In the meantime I leave you with this:

Meet Shey. One of our wonderful hosts in Chicago has created a Talky Response to Adrien. THANK YOU SHEY!!

JUNE 22. VAN HORN, TEXAS

2009-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

We took a ton of pictures in Van Horn, Texas. The town itself was quiet and empty, entire hotels were abandoned, old vintage cars sat in driveways filled with clothes and plastic flowers, signs were rusting in the street, empty swimming pools collected furniture and as we were leaving a giant storm pushed us on our way. We're in such a hurry now so these two pics are just a taste - this is where we stayed. More photos to follow soon.

JUNE 22. WE HEART TEXAS

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

We have been having an unexpected love affair with Texas. We didn't want to leave. We definitely want to come back. This seems to be a theme as we are now in LA and never want to leave here either. (As I write this Molly is packing the car and we really need to get moving.... San Fransisco awaits us)

We filmed this talky blog somewhere in Texas a few days ago.

This was the view from inside the gas station.

We stopped to take pictures along an amazing little strip of shops in Dallas. We had interviewed a guy in the same suburb the night before and were blown away by all the painted signs and colorful displays we found the next morning.

In Austin we filmed roller girl Britt, she's the one in black getting smashed in the middle. We had a great time interviewing her and Molly took (fingers crossed!) a great portrait in amongst old vintage cars in the yard of this auto shop. Within 5 minutes of meeting Britt we realized we had mutual friends in NY and Sydney - amazing! Small queer world.
We're leaving LA now, we'll update again soon, onto SF!

JUNE 14. SORRY AKANSAS!

2009-06-15T08:37:00.001-07:00

We never made it to Little Rock. But we did buy commemorative t-shirts. (Still not sure what was wrong with the car... was it that bird i hit stuck up in the engine? or just it's squeaky ghost?)

Dallas has treated us well. We had two fabulous shoots yesterday, the first was with One Church's Pastor Charles; a gay affirmative Pentecostal Preacher who opened up about his journey from conservative Connecticut, to free love New York in the 80s/90s and finally to Texas, where he has broadcasts his sermons across the internet every Sunday night to members of the LGBT community throughout America.

Our second interview was with a darling young Mexican American man; Jesus. Like a lot of the young people we've talked to, Jesus was self aware, articulate, and we left the shoot rethinking everything we thought we new about queer life in America.

More questions than answers at this stage..
Time to head to Austin. Time to float the river.

(This shot taken at the Mississippi information center... yay!)

JUNE 13. ADRIEN TALKS BACK

2009-06-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hey. We left Mississippi behind today, Nina Simone carried us across the border.

And guess what!? WE GOT MAIL!

We filmed Adrien back in Wisconsin and we were bummed that we didn't see any deer in his backyard. He kindly took the time to send us this little film and asks a really important question at the end - TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! or send us a video response and we'll post it here too.

You can see Adrien's amazing vlogs here:
www.youtube.com/BoysandBois
www.youtube.com/user/AdrienTalks

We're in Dallas TX for now. Meeting with a a gay preacher and cowboys tomorrow - pics to follow soon! xo

JUNE 12. GRACELAND TO JACKSON

2009-06-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. We're in Jackson, Mississippi. We have new hats. It's stinking hot outside. We're really happy to be here and we're excited that we've now come halfway!

We haven't done a talky blog in a long time so we hope you enjoy this ramble. We found ourselves at a bit of a loss today with the car a lil bit broken and what with the need for some real southern food, we sat down at our favourite new place, Walkers Drive In, and recorded this:

JUNE 10. THE OZARKS

2009-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

As you can see we are still working very very hard. We took these pics at Dusty's house, just outside Sabula, which is in Iron County, Missouri. Dusty and Judy welcomed us into their home, talked to us about being a couple in such a conservative environment, gave us strawberry shortcake, and let us hold their guns.

Driving up to see Dusty and Judy we saw: a turtle crossing the road, a ground hog scurrying into the bushes, a confederate flag flying high above a log cabin and countless little cottages and trailers.

Our time in St Louis was unforgettable. We were blown away by the warmth and generosity of the people we met and the landscape of the town was both beautiful and heartbreaking. We entered this trip knowing the risks involved in driving miles and miles to meet perfect strangers, but the love and support we received in St Louis - both personally and for the project - was a wonderful confirmation of the existence of, and strength in community.

JUNE 7. ST LOUIS, MISSOURI

2009-06-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

We are still recovering from last night. St Louis has so far blown our minds. We drove into town screaming "OMG OMG WTF!" While were were at the club where these shots were taken, a woman in her 70s or 80s asked me what we were doing "Oh we're just here to represent queer life across America" I said, "Oh thats good girl, thats' good.".

I mean, when do you ever see grandmas at a drag show? Last night there was a whole table of them, dripping in jewels and waving dollar bills at dancers.

We are running out the door to get to a shoot but hope these shots tie you over. We're filming a bunch of interviews today and if we can, we'll probably stay a little longer.

JUNE 4. CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

2009-06-07T09:49:00.001-07:00

We scored in Iowa. We were hosted by the lovely folk at Legion Arts and captured a rather performative interview with our host Mel; he sat on the porch of the flood-ruined building next door and talked Brechtian distanciation and the legalization of gay marriage while sipping water from a ladle, dressed in dungarees.

Driving around Cedar Rapids that afternoon was a trip. Whole streets lined with beautiful trees and cute family cottages had been closed down and abandoned when the flood hit town a year earlier. The markings of mud on the door frames indicated just how high the water rose. Flags were thin, tattered and bleached, dumbells and bikes lay rusted and tangled on porches and fences, and large orange crosses spray painted on windows marked the no-go zones.

On our way to Chicago we stopped by the home of Cat and Brittany in Iowa City. By the time you read this Cat and Brittany will be married! Woo hoo! They indulged us in a little bedroom shoot and directed us to the nearest organic co-op for our first non-deep fried meal in days. They were a breath of fresh air and energized us for the long drive on to Chicago.

(ps. not sure if you can read what's written on the truck in that pic up there, it says "Jesus is Our Driving Force". And below... well we just wanted you to see how many bugs have lost their lives in the name of art and queer life across America.)

JUNE 3. MINNEAPOLIS & BEYOND

2009-06-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hey all, we're backdating here. I got an email from my mother yesterday telling me that "Everyone is following your blog so keep it up!" and that's not the first complaint - so here we go.

Minneapolis flew by in about 5 seconds. Mirelle became our third musketeer and together we filmed Jo and Connie, and Adrien. The drive up to Wisconsn to see Adrien was gorgeous. We only got lost 6 times. We spotted little roadside bars with kitch neon signs, barns barns barns, birch trees, deer and breathtaking lakes.

Adrien is a sweetheart. He'd seen shoot the player videos and made me feel famous. Molly would like to add that he'd seen her work too :-) We left the shoot with Adrien feeling completely inspired and overwhelmed by his strength of character.

Leaving Minneapolis & Mirelle behind the next day was hard. Mirelle gave us a little driving tour and there was lots of arm squeezing and late night beers.

JUNE 2. THE ROAD

2009-06-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

We owe you all an update. Believe it or not we are actually WORKING on this trip and we had a wonderful shoot last night with Jo and Connie in Minneapolis. We haven't had a chance to upload our talky blogs from the last few days but when we do be sure to have a pen ready because you'll be learning what to do in the event of a tornado. Molly may event demonstrate. Mirelle will provide point form instructions. Even if you're a frequent flyer, may we please have your attention...

In other news, I hit a bird on the way to Minnesota and narrowly missed a deer. I'm sad about that - about the bird that is, not the deer, I'm real happy that bambi survived this time. Right now we are getting gas at the "Pump and Munch," no joke. In a couple hours we'll be in Wisconsin and then back to Minnesota tonight and on to Cedar Rapids tomorrow.

MAY. 30 MT RUSHMORE, BLACK HILLS

2009-05-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mt Rushmore kinda blew our minds. Almost as much as the Gold Pan Saloon where we spent our evening hanging out with Zak and his buddy from Wisconsin. The floor was covered in sawdust and the walls in dollar bills. Earlier, we spent an hour taking pictures at our fabulous Mile Hi Hotel, the neon kinda reminded me of the red light district in Amsterdam, it was gorgeous.

This morning we had breakfast (best veggie burrito of our lives, no joke) bought trucker hats & t-shirts and made our way to Rapid City where we are now. We're still lookin for people in Minnesota so if you're in that area or know someone who is, get in touch ASAP - we'd love to hear from you. We're heading that way tomorrow.

MAY 28. HARDIN, MONTANA

2009-05-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

OMG. What an epic drive. Spokane was so yesterday. Wallace, Idaho is the new Spokane.

We are in a hotel with moose heads and lassos, the last one we stopped at had guns on the wall, this one has the kill. We are soooo tired but we probably saw the most beautiful countryside of our lives today. Montana is a darling. Montana goes well with Peaches & Justin Timberlake and of course, Indigo Girls. What a day.

MAY 27. STILL IN WASHINGTON... BUT IT'S BEAUTIFUL

2009-05-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well we never made it to Montana but we have found ourselves in the loveliest bar in Spokane, it's called Zola's and we recommend the pesto salmon burger and the tacos. Check back in tomorrow as we attempt to make our way across Idaho and Montana, for real this time...

MAY 27. SEATTLE TO MONTANA

2009-05-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is Hannah. Hanna is 15. Hannah is from Seattle. Hannah is smarter and more articulate than us. Hannah was our guinea pig for our very first shoot; we talked life, love, ballet and Judaism. Don't want to give too much away but suffice to say we couldn't stop talking about this girl for hours after we met. We were blown away.

Now, about to hit the road. Montanta here we come!
-AT & ML

MAY 26. SEATTLE

2009-05-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

Note to self: 1. do not leave iphone on while filming - the frequency may interfere with the radio microphone. 2. always carry the phone number for an emergency camera repair shop in your back pocket - in fact - just put that number on speed dial. 3. always carry a tonne of spare batteries in your back pocket, you will probably need 20 per day. 4. always wear pants with big pockets. 5. your subjects will almost always be more articulate than you, no matter how young or how different - so be quiet and listen to them. you have a lot to learn.

SYDNEY

2009-05-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Molly! That photo below still makes me laugh. LOOK at the face I'm pulling and what are we wearing? Didn't we meet in winter?? It totes would have been snowing outside. I look so emo. how old am i like 21? 22? wow. Can't believe we are picking up this adventure again. I kinda always had a feeling that we would. i'm honored to be coming along for the ride and meeting everyone in America. Really, I can't wait to meet you all. - AT

NEW YORK 2005

2009-05-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning. I took this photo of Amelia (who I know as Amy) and her friend Mirelle, in Mirelle's McKibbin St apartment in Brooklyn oh so long ago.

Amy & I met through my roommate Jeremy (check him out HERE: "Gary and Jeremy, Brooklyn, NY") and became fast friends. We painted apartment walls, we tromped through knee high snow, we drank beer & talked love and art. Jeremy, Amy and Mirelle (who we will be visiting in MN on this trip!) were actually some of the first folks photographed for this project!!

Now it has been 4 stinkin' years since I've seen Miss Tovey and in one week she's going to show up at my house in West Seattle with her bags packed and her camera ready. ....and together, much like we started, we will finish this project!! -ML