Featured Artist: Stacey Small

Intrinsically curious and inquisitive, my most recent work explores the art of drag. These iconic figures, who blur a multitude of sexual boundaries, defy society’s crippling conventions with unashamed and sometimes outlandish pride. My paintings, like those who perform, colorfully illustrate that the world in reality is not so. The visuals in the majority of my work originate from photographs I took at various drag performances this year. My desire to render bits and pieces of drag culture stems from numerous sources; from my (some may argue ‘excessively’) liberal upbringing, my mother consistently instilled within me values of respect and appreciation for all humans, regardless of appearance. I admire those who are able to deliberately place themselves outside the norm and take an active role in defying strict social codes of behavior, knowing that they may well indeed receive criticism for doing so. Painting the colorful life is almost as seductive, challenging, and exciting as being a true drag diva!

http://www.staceysmall.com