ML & Bob

ML & Bob in their home © 2024

The Odd Couple project, which began as a nod to the 1970s sitcom of the same name, is a study on relationships that go against the grain. Society can show us such a narrow view of what an ideal relationship looks like. This project looks to broaden that view by showing a spectrum of relationships, urging us to re-evaluate our perceptions. I seek out relationships that are perceived, either in the past or present, as unlikely pairings. Everyone consists of more than what is seen on the outside.

When ML & Bob met in the 80s they knew there was an age difference (18 years if you’re counting) but the most significant difference was in life experience. Bob had been in the military, traveled, had children, owned property, built a professional life.  His responsibilities looked different from Mary Lynn’s.  ML had built a more untraditional life working with the Feminist Women’s Health Center helping unmarried women, often lesbian couples, get pregnant and also putting on safe sex parties in the 80s.  She was working amongst trailblazers and was one herself. She didn’t want to be tied down, but ever since their blind date at Tito’s, they have challenged each other to grow and reach for possibilities previously thought not to be for them.  As ML said “I’ve been really fortunate, I had a supporter who never said, "No, you shouldn't do that." That's so important for the person to want you to grow, not to want you to shrivel, but to want you to grow no matter what it means to them. That's really important. I think that's totally key, is to wish a bigger life for the person you love, not a smaller life.”  

For 37 years they’ve built a big life by supporting, encouraging, and sometimes pushing each other to grow.  They continue to do so even as they enter a different life stage with Bob settling into his 89th year.  As ML says, “You can’t go based on fear.  You got to lead with love. And love is growth, it’s not limiting. And it can be even as people approach death, there can still be growth.” To which Bob replies, “I believe that old saying that a rising tide raises all boats. So long as there is support, then not only does the person you’re supporting rise, but you will too.” 

ML & Bob © 2024

Update: March 2025 - Bob has turned 90!

Thank you to ML & Bob for sharing their story with me, Andy Lovell for your support, BTS, and assist, and Invest Atlanta and the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment for funding to support this project.

BTS from our shoot!

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