Hey readers,
This week, we had a convo with visual artist extraordinaire Destiny Eames on why she creates. Eames is a graphic design student at Carlow University and an artist for social justice. Her vibrant work focuses on body-positivity and advocating for the peripheralized. Her art has received awards and has been featured in several journals, including The Critical Point and Rune. Read on and get inspired, sweeties.
Cheers,
New Sincerity Editors
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Who inspires you? What messages are you trying to tell?
My goal is to promote inclusivity and body positivity through my art. I specifically focus on women, and often women of the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay genderfluid person, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community impacts my artwork. I’m inspired by women like Malala Yousafazi who advocates for girls’ education, and Frida Kahlo, who utilized bright colors in her art, and didn’t filter her natural features.
Tell me a little who you are and where you’re from?
I grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with my mom, older brother, and our dog, Scarlet. Growing up, I was always in awe of how passionate and tenacious my mother was and still is. She once protested at her work place because her co-worker was fired for being openly gay. Unfortunately my mom was fired in the end also, but this situation inspired me.
I was already interested in art, but this event was one of several that led me to start creating art with a purpose: to support and advocate for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and minorities.
In high school I was eager to get involved in extracurricular activities in school and in my community by creating art. I took every art course I could fit into my schedule, and joined the National Art Honors Society. I won my first art award in 2014 for a piece called “Broken,” in the Student Art Awards, hosted by the Women’s Club of Altoona.
I’m currently a senior at Carlow University working towards my BFA in graphic design. I continue to create art that promotes inclusivity with a special focus on women. During my sophomore year, I received the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership, which funded my first international trip to South Korea. This global experience made me more confident and aware of my position in the world, which inspired me to create more diverse art.
Your work is very body positive – can you speak to that a little more?
Promoting body-positivity is something I do intentionally in my art. I use vibrant colors to create a fun mood in my pieces. I often include straightforward statements in my work, such as, “#metoo,” “women’s rights are human rights,” and “my body, my rules.”
When you’re not making art, what are you doing?
When I’m not making art, I’m usually playing with my rats. I have two pet rats, Rufus and Artemis, and they are my babies. Since I’m still a student, my life pretty much consists of making art, playing with my rats, working, and going to class.
Stay up to date with Destiny’s work through her website, Instagram, and Redbubble.
Interview has been condensed.
