Spread Is CuisinArt
Photographers Yvonne Montero and Terra Schneider cook up sensual imagery of food
By Dave Randall, Fri., Nov. 18, 2016
There are only a couple of really basic human needs: to eat and to have sex. That doesn't mean those needs themselves have to be basic. There is an elegance in both the culinary arts and the naked body that local photographers/designers Yvonne Montero and Terra Schneider have chosen to celebrate in Spread, their upcoming book of photography centering around food, sensuality, and style. Spread offers up a variety of different types of bodies and foods throughout its pages, playfully contrasting the myriad colors, shapes, and textures found in cuisine and the human form. The two are excited to showcase their work thus far at East Austin Studio Tour, with an exhibition including cuisine-themed performance and installation art alongside photos from the ongoing project.
A meaty substance exists within their work. "Mealtime and bedtime are the two most intimate rituals we have with our physical selves – the holes, the juices, the odors, the textures," says Schneider. "By opening up to receiving during these times, we create highly vulnerable circumstances in which to experience one another as well as the outside world." It is this interchange that truly drives the project when we see models curled up in sinks cradling corn, a pregnant model tenderly scooping a papaya, or a very rare cut of steak oozing over a languid pair of legs. Appetizing recipes – more common than nipples – bring about a rich balance.
Striving for originality has revealed setbacks and surprises for the pair. They scrambled to print an aperitif zine for the New York Art Book Fair this September after one printing service refused to print their photography. Luckily, others are more open-minded. "We have begun to call upon outside hands to help bring together the elaborate visions we have," remarks Montero. "Thankfully, between our artistic and service industry networks, we've been able to draw upon some really rich resources and enhance the art we're making." Those efforts have yielded spaces, fresh food, and plenty of models to use. When asked if any food surprised them with its sexiness, Montero confessed, "The pop of an egg yolk. Kills me."
While the book is still cooking, expect it to be equally at home in the kitchen and the bedroom – a basic necessity.
A Taste of Spread is on display Nov. 19 & 20, Sat. & Sun., 11am-6pm, at 1301 Luna (64). For updates, follow them on Instagram at @spreadspreadspread.
