Los Angeles is a melting pot of talent; the city of angels prides itself on inspiring the masses who move from all around the world in pursuit of their dreams. Just like finding the perfect-sized dildo in an overstocked sex shop, we came across 5 incredibly experimental creatives, who through doing what they love have caught our eye. Their avant-garde approach to fashion, art, styling and performance have visually stimulated the online masses, and IRL, well they’re every bit as weirdly fantastic and hypnotically exquisite as you would imagine.
Cielo Oscuro – Artist/Stylist @bbysatan666
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I would describe my aesthetic as very editorial and messy. We all start somewhere and if you have to be messy well then be it. Be the messiest queen you can be. It’s definitely a look and sometimes a cute one. Overall I’m a versatile queen when it comes to my aesthetic because I don’t want to be predictable at all.
What inspires you as a creative/artist?
What inspires me creatively as an artist is my QTPOCC (Queer, Trans, People of Color Collective) friends and my hunger to make it in this industry. My friends are photographers, poets, artists, etc. They are just constantly breaking boundaries with their existence and their talents. They inspire me constantly and they motivate me to do my best. I’m blessed to have so many beautiful and talented friends.
What you are currently working on?
Well y’all are going to hear an exclusive here. I’m working on a zine and a blog dedicated to femmes, queer, and nonbinary folks of color. I want to showcase so many beautiful and talented people that are underestimated because they don’t fit the Eurocentric standards. I want to give these people a platform to speak so everyone can witness their beauty.
How would you say living in LA has influenced your creative development?
Living in LA has made a big creative development because just being surrounded by so many cultures and so many talents is amazing. LA is one of the places where you meet so many people that don’t fit the binary and so, you get to meet some unique people. With that you get to build a family, community, and a support system.
What’s one issue that you are really passionate about?
One issue that I’m really passionate about is TRANS RIGHTS. I’m really passionate about trans rights because I’m a nonbinary, trans femme and I personally have experienced the injustice that society has for trans people. We are the most marginalized people in the community, especially black trans womxn. A transgender person is being murdered every 29 hours. These are the hard statistics that we have to face. We are constantly being censored and seen as a joke on media. With my existence and my voice I’m going to speak about the injustice that’s in the institution and the system. Please repeat with me. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER WHERE?!!!! BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER HERE!!!! BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER WHERE?!!!! BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER HERE!!!!
Amahdeus – Model/Artist @amahdeus
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic is very free & constantly changing.
What inspires you as a creative/artist?
I’m inspired by life. My life, the lives of others, and life in general. Everything I see, hear, feel, learn, and believe goes into what I end up creating.
What you are currently working on?
Modeling, and music and mayhem.
How would you say living in LA has influenced your creative development?
Both positively and negatively; LA was rated the most stressful city in America, so I think it’s pretty easy to feel drained of creativity while living here. But I think it’s where I need to be to follow my dreams & I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
What’s one issue that you are really passionate about?
Equality. And any issue I’m featured in.
Noel Garcia – Make up/Artist @boiiparts
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I would describe my aesthetic as metaphorical because I dress to my mood most days. My original makeup looks have genuine emotions and meanings behind them all. From a more up front stand I would describe my aesthetic as a modern punk, Mexican Goth boi? I’m very all over the place, but when it’s seen together it makes sense to me.
What inspires you as a creative/artist?
My inspiration comes from my daily emotions and things in life I’m currently dealing with/feeling. For example my moth look came from me feeling like I was in a very dark place, but still trying my best to move forward and follow the light, like a moth always does.
What you are currently working on?
Currently working on some original art. I’m trying to challenge myself by drawing on a larger scale than I’m used to.
How would you say living in LA has influenced your creative development?
Living in LA definitely has helped me with my confidence. Coming from a more traditional Mexican background, what I do is considered sinful. We take for granted how open LA is. Even though there will always be people out there that disagree with almost every form of art that’s different. We are fortunate enough to not be as attacked. LA has pushed me to create more of my personality by showing me the acceptance I don’t really have at home. This acceptance fed my motivation.
What’s one issue that you are really passionate about?
I’m passionate about equality for all but especially in the queer community. Queer culture is still a fragile subject but I think we should be talked about in schools. Queer folk have been hung, beaten and tortured along with Native and African Americans.
Anika Perkins – Designer/Musician @anikaperkins
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Multidimensional illuminated communicator.
What inspires you as a creative/artist?
Frequency, dimensional depths, truth, pure expression.
What you are currently working on?
Finishing my album and music videos for my music project SEBEYU to be released in 2018. The videos will be featuring a lot of my new design work as well.
You’re a fashion designer, DJ/producer & creative director. Are there any other creative fields you want to explore?
I’ve dabbled quite a bit in several creative realms such as illustration and creative directing a VR experience. I would like to explore working more with new technologies to create more visual surreal ideas that I have.
What’s one issue that you are really passionate about?
Water. I think that protecting water is extremely important. It’s the essence of all creation and life. We all rely on it and everyone needs to recognize the importance and sacredness of it. Thank your water before you drink it.
Gabriela Ruiz – Artist/Designer @leather.papi
How would you describe your aesthetic?
C O L O R ! ! ! !
What inspires you as a creative/artist?
What doesn’t hahaha
What you are currently working on?
At the moment I’m currently working on a performance for PST Live Artist Live at USC, a new solo show for the year to come, and on my clothing brand. Trying to stay as busy as possible lol.
You’ve been involved in some very unique performances/installations. What’s your most memorable performance to date?
One of my favorite shows was my solo show ‘HAUS’ this past July. My work is very personal, so being able to share it with the public was a big deal for me. It legitimizes myself as an artist and helped me venture out into other mediums.
What’s one issue that you are really passionate about?
There’s so much shit going on that it’s hard to just pick one. It’s important for us to just stay educated and be open to other’s point of views.
Credits
Photography: Lloyd Galbraith
Make up for Anika and Cielo: Omayma Ramzy using Kevyn Aucoin beauty @miyma_ramzy
Interview: Sahar Nicolette.
