Creating change and elevating LGBTQ+ voices
Creativity has the power to unite, inspire and create change, and this month we’re proud to be working with illustrator Bee Anderson (@beeillustrates) and photographer and visual artist, Alia Romagnoli (@a8lia) from our LGBTQ+ community!
We challenged Anderson and Romagnoli to bring their lockdown experiences to life in two beautiful creative pieces and caught up with them to find out how they’ve channelled their creativity, who inspires them most, and what advice they want to share with other creators.
Here’s what they told us:
How has your creative process changed due to the events of the last 18 months?
Bee Anderson: I’ve found myself taking a lot more time honing the technical aspects of my practice, as well as taking the time to use my work as a space to express myself, without putting pressure on myself to create a perfect piece.
“It’s given me space to use my creativity as a means of exploring my identity and emotions rather than focusing solely on outcome”
Bee Anderson, Illustrator
Alia Romagnoli: I would say my approach to making work has changed quite drastically. Pre-pandemic I felt an immense amount of pressure to be continuously working on one project after the other, with sometimes little opportunity to think about what I was creating deeply or having the ability to enjoy the actual process, rather than just looking forward to the end goal. The time that the last 18 months have given me, as well as the change of space, both physically and mentally, has reminded me why I love photography and art to begin with and makes me so excited for the projects I am currently working on as well as those to come!
“The time that the last 18 months have given me, as well as the change of space, both physically and mentally, has reminded me why I love photography and art to begin with and makes me so excited for the projects I am currently working on as well as those to come!”
Alia Romagnoli, Photographer and visual artist
What has helped you hone your creativity during this time?
Romagnoli: Leaving my creative space and finding distractions in the world around me has always helped me think of concepts that I would have never been able to envision just in a studio or in my room. I love going for walks and thinking of ideas in nature- the sounds, smells and colours help me focus on projects in different ways. I also like exploring different art mediums this could be by visiting exhibitions or even going to the cinema. So much of my work is inspired by paintings and films, especially old Bollywood imagery as well as Indian art.
By Alia Romagnoli
Anderson: Living alone during the pandemic had its own set of challenges, but ultimately, I found the solitude and time to really try and become comfortable with myself, allowing me to hone my creativity more than I ever thought imaginable. I found myself utilising art as a form of therapy, and often clues about my identity appear in my artwork before I’ve even realised them about myself, leaning into my queerness, quirks and idiosyncrasies, and thinking how best to represent these in my artwork is what I feel has allowed me to produce my best work.
What would be your advice be to other LGBTQ+ creators starting out in the industry?
“Absolutely know that your identity is a strength, rather than a weakness.”
Bee Anderson, Illustrator
Anderson: Absolutely know that your identity is a strength, rather than a weakness. Lean into your uniqueness! Be authentic. Create art for you, that you enjoy making, and would want on your own wall, and don’t worry about what other people think.
Romagnoli: If you allow yourself the space to find your voice, it is easier to be confident and believe in what you are creating. Also, reaching out to people you admire is always worth a shot! It could be for advice, to intern or assist. These are all great ways to make connections outside of your own network. That being said, there is so much value in your own community and the people you may have around you, so don’t be afraid to involve people you feel comfortable with or are close to. Make work that makes you happy and feels honest and don’t forget to have fun- again, it really is about the journey and not always about the goal.
“Make work that makes you happy and feels honest and don’t forget to have fun- again, it really is about the journey and not always about the goal”
Alia Romagnoli, Photographer and visual artist
Which person in history, living or dead, has inspired you the most?
Romagnoli: There are so many photographers and artists who have had such an influence on my work, I couldn’t pick just one! To name some of my favourites, I have been really inspired by Nadine Ijewere, Yayoi Kusama, Raja Ravi Varma, and David LaChapelle.
By Bee Anderson
Anderson: It’s so hard to choose! I think ultimately, David Bowie has been a huge source of inspiration for me, both in the way he usurped traditional notions of masculinity and gender, as well as through his music and artistry.
Who is your must-follow creator recommendation on IG?
Anderson: I have three creators in mind. Mikaela Loach (@mikaelaloach) is a fellow Edinburgh University student, inspirational climate justice activist and an all-around lovely person. Maxine Williams (@lookingformothermax) is a brilliant anti-racism activist and educator, as well as a good friend of mine, who I really think everyone would benefit from following. And finally, India Ysabel (@indiaysabel) is another lovely friend, an occasional educator and founder of the Speak up space (which is a fantastic organisation for survivors of sexual violence) – everyone should check them out!
Romagnoli: I am often inspired by the work of Myles Loftin @mylesloftin a Brooklyn based artist whose photographic work is so wonderful, vivid, and thought-provoking. I also love London based photographer and director, Heather Glazzard’s @heather_glazzard imagery. They have such a distinct visual style and energy to their work.
To discover more inspirational stories from our community, check out Diverse Voices.