“Whether you’re becoming her, you were her, or standing by her this projects will speak to you.. She is Me, and I Am Her”
- Amanda Leigh
My mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer during my last year of high school and as a family we needed something to believe in - we joined the Underwear Affair, a walk dedicated to finding cures for cancers below the waist. For a few years we walked in our underwear around downtown and contributed about $20,000 to the cause. I started with bake sales, and car washes while my parents put together pub nights. When I was 20, I took on the challenge of producing my first Arts & Awareness showcase where my classmates at Vancouver Acting School joined together to use our craft to give back. It was from then on, I knew philanthropic endeavors would always speak to me. Flash forward ten years, and it’s still my second language.
I spent my entire life on stage. I've been dancing since before I could walk and eventually that love of performance guided me to set, modelling, and more. Artistic expression was my outlet. During the pandemic my world like everyone else was flipped upside down and my ability to channel my emotions through my body was taken from me. Shows were cancelled, travel was forbidden and my spirit was crushed. Being stuck forced me to recognize a lot of my coping patterns were somewhat unhealthy although beautiful. I ran away every time things got tough and would take a job overseas just to feel something again.
During this self discovery I unlocked memories of abuse and trauma and, although some were previously acknowledged, the picture was never this clear. My memories were no longer nightmares but a vivid reality. I dug deep into the darkest parts of my soul and focused everything I had on healing. That meant stripping away everything I knew to become myself.
Collectively we realized the pain we suffer, is no longer ours to bear alone. And we realized our privilege to even speak on our struggles is remarkable. Although small, I knew I had to use my platform. I voiced my struggles and frustrations to give the audience an honest perspective - something to relate to. And with that I turned my image into one of comfort. Becoming an outlet for many, Lead by Leigh was born.
In 2022, an idea arose to create a series of single and group photos of women. Can you share what inspired this series, the concept that drove it, and why you chose the title I AM HER.
In 2022, we all heard the news that America had overturned Roe vs. Wade. I felt absolutely helpless. This had been years in the making, and although I was not directly effected being a Canadian - I will always feel the pain of others, specially women. This was no longer an American issue, it was personal. Triggering my own past traumas of loosing a choice and this political divide similarly reflecting the struggle with masks in the years before through Covid19, I knew I had to do something and fast.
In 2022, we all heard the news that America had overturned Roe vs. Wade. I felt absolutely helpless. This had been years in the making, and although I was not directly effected being a Canadian - I will always feel the pain of others, specially women. This was no longer an American issue, it was personal. Triggering my own past traumas of loosing a choice and this political divide similarly reflecting the struggle with masks in the years before through Covid19, I knew I had to do something and fast.
Being an artist I’ve always used my body to show what’s in my mind. I knew only one other person who could paint a picture so poetically and that was make-up artist Jennifer Little. In just under a week, anger was turned into art. I Am Her was resurrected. Originally created in 2021, this motto was to bring survivors and allies together so they no longer felt alone. I partnered with Women Against Violence Against Women and these three words gave my the courage to share my survival story for the first time publicly to an intimate group of my friends. I Am Her is and always will be a part of me.
At first I believe you said it began as a single shoot involving group photos and single shots. How did you connect with those who bravely said yes to being a part?
As previously mentioned, I connected with Artist Jennifer Little immediately. We’d worked together countless times and I knew her creativity was crucial for the success. Photographer Thomas Gould who has always been respectful and generous with his talent for projects like this, came on board. The three of us had a group chat about this project and we just instinctively wanted to collaborate. We knew we needed red, and we needed bodies, and the rest would just fall together
As previously mentioned, I connected with Artist Jennifer Little immediately. We’d worked together countless times and I knew her creativity was crucial for the success. Photographer Thomas Gould who has always been respectful and generous with his talent for projects like this, came on board. The three of us had a group chat about this project and we just instinctively wanted to collaborate. We knew we needed red, and we needed bodies, and the rest would just fall together
We sent a message out to a few members of the community that were already using their platforms to stand up to injustice and the turn out was fantastic for such a short time. Bee, Tanis, Alex and Gigi all were unique in their own identities within womanhood, and brought power from different oppressed experiences. Abortion laws were no longer the catalyst - strength was.
After that shoot, you decided the project needed to be expanded. Why? What was it that led you to the knowledge you needed to include more women and issues?
I gave every model an opportunity to shoot a solo and in doing so, it was very clear that allowing them to express themselves as they are with no restriction, was a privilege not everyone is awarded. Photoshoots can very often be about the photographers contract or vision. This time I just wanted them to exist. I saw into their souls while they felt anger, and sadness - and we captured power and resilience I’d never seen before. That shoot really changed me, and I think my life. I have goosebumps writing this, because I can't put into words the feeling I had leaving that set.
I gave every model an opportunity to shoot a solo and in doing so, it was very clear that allowing them to express themselves as they are with no restriction, was a privilege not everyone is awarded. Photoshoots can very often be about the photographers contract or vision. This time I just wanted them to exist. I saw into their souls while they felt anger, and sadness - and we captured power and resilience I’d never seen before. That shoot really changed me, and I think my life. I have goosebumps writing this, because I can't put into words the feeling I had leaving that set.
I was motivated and inspired, and I knew this was just the beginning. There was a war against women, and I was ready to fight. The project includes group shoots of the women and then individual photos where those who want to can focus on a cause that touches them.
Can you share a few of the deep personal issues these brave individuals shared in their photos?
Over the past year I’ve shot over 75 women. My goal is to hit 100. You’d think I’d have heard it all, but with each chapter, something new comes along and changes your perspective yet again. I won’t speak too much, as I want the exhibit to speak for itself, but I am proud to have been able to capture glimpses of MMIW, MeToo, StandWithUkraine, BLM, Women Life Freedom, LGBTQ+, Ageism, My Body My Choice, and Motherhood. Of course this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what we as women go through, however I know with each chapter more women reach out and feel comfortable to share their own story.
Over the past year I’ve shot over 75 women. My goal is to hit 100. You’d think I’d have heard it all, but with each chapter, something new comes along and changes your perspective yet again. I won’t speak too much, as I want the exhibit to speak for itself, but I am proud to have been able to capture glimpses of MMIW, MeToo, StandWithUkraine, BLM, Women Life Freedom, LGBTQ+, Ageism, My Body My Choice, and Motherhood. Of course this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what we as women go through, however I know with each chapter more women reach out and feel comfortable to share their own story.
Once the series is finished, what are your plans to exhibit it to the world?
I’m trusting the process. What’s meant to be will be. With such stories of bravery, it's hardly a path in which one can force production. Ideas like a coffee table book and a short film come to mind, but I know that my ability to open doors has always been one of embreacing patience. The world isn’t always ready for the truth. After witnessing first hand what social media can do for injustice, I believe when the time is right, the audience will follow.
A sense of understanding and forgiveness. Everyone is fighting a battle we know absolutely nothing about, and we often are quick to judge others if it's unfamiliar territory. I challenge everyone to not just respond, but to first listen and to really hear what is being shared. You will find parallels and feel a compassion you didn’t know existed. Connecting ourselves to one another is simple, you just have to be ready.
What's next for this project? How can readers learn more?
It’s almost been a full year of this project, and with those voices I will be putting on a gallery exhibit to raise awareness and funds for a local women’s foundation. Stay tuned for more information on our Instagram @leadbyleigh or you can email leadbyleigh@gmail.com any time!
UPDATE - I AM HER will debut with a black tie fundraising event on September 28th at Beaumont Studios. For more info and to purchase tickets go to www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-her-a-night-of-arts-activism-tickets-687651252407.
I would love to honor all those on the team who rallied together to make this series a realty.
- Director of Photographer, Thomas Gould
- Key Creative Coordinator, Jennifer Little
- Artistic Director, Amanda Leigh
- Production, Lead by Leigh
- Assistant Cameraperson (1st AC), Suzanne Mcguirre
- Set Production Assistant (Set PA), Rhys Lillo
- Wrangler, Jazmin Latter & Sukhman Sangha
- Locations, Ghost Coast Studios & Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret
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