About the photos: Black Velvet Elvis is Tony Matts of Missoula, MT and Olivia Britz of Portland, OR.  Black Velvet Elvis accepted an invitation from KBGA to play at the station’s End-of-Thon fundraiser on February 13, 2010.  The band called it quits when Britz moved to Portland last year, but fans may catch a reunion show from time to time.  The event took place at the Badlander complex in downtown Missoula.

Photography has been a significant part of my life since childhood.  What started as a mild fascination quickly grew into a borderline obsession.  It wasn’t until my early twenties that I was struck with the realization that I could turn my obsession into a marketable career.  I am drawn to portrait photography.  I am utterly fascinated by people.  Every face, every expression, every body and even people’s fashion choices spark my interest.

After a few years of photographing nudes and making portraits, I came up with the concept for ‘Envy.’  The Envy series was to be a photographic exploration of body envy among women.  The show was very successful and well-received, mostly because I think everyone can relate to the concept.  Envy is a dirty, seedy little thing that can make its way into your brain and fuck with you in the worst way.  Every person has his or her own envious thoughts.  One woman may envy another’s body, while someone else may envy another’s bank account.  A guy might think his best friend’s girlfriend is hot, while another might drool over his neighbor’s classic car.  It’s human nature.

Envy has pushed me as a photographer.  Not because I’m envious of other photographers, but because I have secret unfulfilled desires.  Why do I shoot portraits?  Because I have body issues and I’m not totally confident with my physical appearance.  Why do I shoot bands?  Because my mediocre vocal stylings and trumpet playing abilities would likely send the audience running for the door.  I envy those kids who are in bands.  They may not be good, but they’re giving it a shot and I can respect that.  At least for a song or two.  I always knew that I wasn’t meant to be a musician, but that doesn’t change the fact that I secretly long to play keys or bass or be the lead singer in some local chick band.  But instead of trying my hand at music, I have spent the last five years photographing it.  My confidence and skill level as a photographer has grown tremendously because I’m not cool enough to be a band kid.  And I can live with that.

So to all you rock & rollers out there, play on.  I envy you.  Just put me on the guest list and we’ll get along fine.

Megan Grotzke is an envy and desire correspondent and can be contacted at megangrotzke@gmail.com.