Inspired by Rahim Thawer’s presentation, “Ambiguous (Pandemic Feels)” and Syrus Marcus Ware’s presentation, “Activism as Speculative Fiction- Making Change For The Future”

At the (Summit 2020: Resistance and Responsibility) Conference I was inspired by Rahim Thawer’s presentation, “Ambiguous (Pandemic Feels)” and Syrus Marcus Ware’s presentation, “Activism as Speculative Fiction- Making Change For The Future”.

The diverse nature of the LGBTQ2+ community facing once again a global pandemic came through to me in Nathan’s words. They formed a round in my mind, “This is not our first rodeo. No one story tells it all. We have strengths and can support each other, after all… this is not our first rodeo.”

Inspired by Rahim Thawer’s presentation, “Ambiguous (Pandemic Feels)” and Syrus Marcus Ware’s presentation, “Activism as Speculative Fiction- Making Change For The Future”.

Inspired by the Integrated Panel: Changing the Narrative on HIV and STBBI Testing: Innovations and Community Reflections.

This piece utilizes common Indigenous symbolism through the conscious use of line, shape and colour in the glass beads which contrasts with the cool tones used in the abstract acrylic pour background.

Inspired by Rahim Thawer’s presentation, “Ambiguous (Pandemic Feels)” and Syrus Marcus Ware’s presentation, “Activism as Speculative Fiction- Making Change For The Future”.

The conference reminded me of the interconnectivity of everything, from the pandemic, to the politics of waste and greed, to the sublimation of First Nations cultures and the total disregard for nature in the modern world.

Untitled (being in my skin from east to west), is a demonstration of the resilient body, and the embracing of metaphorical and physical skin. We are capable of manifesting our own agency and resisting elements that challenge us to create a future we want for ourselves – through days, weeks, years, and lifetimes.

For this art piece, Whales in Captivity: A Pandemic Frockumentary, I wanted to bring in my campy brand, but also show a more emotional side.