If you existed in any folklore story or fairy tale world, which would it be?
There’s a Basque legend of a shepherd that hears the voice of a beautiful maiden. He follows it to a stream and finds the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. She asks him if he will marry her and he says yes. She gives him a ring. He goes home and tells his mom he’s going to get married but she’s concerned, not knowing who she is, what family she comes from, and warns him she might be a lamiak. She urges him to look at her feet. He goes back to the stream, unwillingly, and hides behind a bush to catch a glimpse of her feet. Duck feet! He goes home, breaking his promise to marry her. He dies of sadness. I’d exist in this one.
In what ways do you hope to be able to continue reversing stereotypical displays of femininity within your art?
Stereotypically femininity is seen as passive, naive, soft, nurturing, and accepting. I’d say that I’m not always those things. I’m deeply triggered by injustice and betrayal, often expressed with rage. I’m anything but passive when crossed, which generally makes people feel uncomfortable. I’d like to continue to explore that narrative, one that deals with vengeance, force, ancient weaponry, and dominion, which is often seen as pertaining to the masculine.
Why do you think donning non-traditional, unsettling, or distorted forms is empowering?
I think it has to do with intimidation, like wearing war paint to preemptively scare or shock your spectator and make them succumb to your will. It also has to do with accepting your ugliness and displaying it; you don’t always have to wrap yourself up in a pretty little bow for the sake of people’s comfort.
What are your plans to continue building upon the story that NIINFA has created thus far?
I’m taking it day by day but there are two Sappho quotes that I have written in my notes pertaining to the story that is and will be NIINFA:
“May I write words more naked than flesh, stronger than bone, more resilient than sinew, sensitive than nerve.” ― Sappho
“She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns.” ― Sappho