We recently connected with Barbara Handy and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Barbara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I decided to take my love for cosplay towards a scholarship opportunity taking me down a path with meaningful projects along the way.

As most students attending college: money was tight. I did not let that deter me. Unable to find a pattern I took apart an old vest and skirt and created a new cosplay ( Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water). I bought second hand flats; dyed them ,sewed elastic to create sandals with leg wraps, constructed hair clips from craft foam, and painted floral rings creating African jewelry. My teachers and the scholarship board were so impressed with my hard work I did in fact win that scholarship. I remember having such a sense of pride.

Many years down the road I decided to create a pill box hat for my DC Bombshells: Catwoman cosplay. Once again I did not have a pattern but still had that tenacity. I deconstructed the basic pill box hat and added the cat ears. I cut a yoga mat for the mold with the use of buckram I made my first vintage hat. I hand stitched the fabric and birdcage veil as it was a delicate item.
Once completed I was off to Convention where I met the creator of the Comic Ant Lucia. He was so taken back by the design he asked me for a picture and autographed a comic for me. I wanted to cry as it was the time I had received such an honor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my love for the arts as a little girl. I was constantly imitating singers, actors, and even cartoon characters( My favorites were Janet Jackson ,TMNT and Jem and the Holograms). I had all these ideas in my head but didn’t have the tools and skills to produce creative works. As I grew older I began to take various classes and just overall life lessons as a way to nurture my creativity. I studied Theatre in college and it was like someone gave me a magical key.

I learned different makeup skills from everyday to glam, FX with a specialty in battle damage. Built historical wigs and designed ornate hair pieces with found objects.

There is a “gatekeeping” issue in many fandoms. Which in turn has pushed many away. I had so many negative comments thrown in my direction ranging from sexism to racial fueled hatred. I don’t ever want anyone to experience such heartache and pain.
Some of the people I have spoken to want to make a cosplay or design their own makeup style but feel intimidated. Stating: They don’t know how to sew, don’t know how to plot out their design, they worry about the negative gatekeepers, or just don’t have the finances.
My services are teaching others how to sew and create cosplays with a budget friendly touch. Thrift store bedding can be used for fabric, craft foam at discount stores are a great resource for smaller projects. Nail polish is a good cheap paint for 3D prints.

My inspiration actually comes from those exact people. I love watching others grow and overcome obstacles. I remember walking out in my Vixen Cosplay and the feeling of accomplishment washing over me radiating outwards. Seeing the change and confidence.I have always had a nurturing spirit. I want others to feel the same and in turn continue the cycle of positivity
and encouragement in all fandoms.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I feel the most challenge when building or creating bigger props such as weapons. Science fiction is one of my favorite genres. I decided to cosplay as one of the few Black women characters: Alexa Woods from Aliens vs Predator. The character cosplay was easy enough, but it was her spear created from a Xenomorph tail that almost made me throw up my hands and quit.

I couldn’t for the life of me create this massive tail and resources were limited due to the pandemic. My frustration was at a high, not only from the stress and emotional toll of the pandemic but the idea I wasn’t able to create this really got to me.

Then I realized perhaps I wasn’t able to make the spear from scratch but I could always see things with different eyes. It was then I found a child’s Halloween bone scythe, I turned it around in my hands studying the shape and form, Then I could “see” the tail . I cut it apart glued it back together painted it in a shiny black to give it a more realistic look. Grabbed an old broom handle and attached it to the end…BOOM! There it was….the Xenomorph spear. This was my FIRST weapon I created, and it will not be the last.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I grew up in a smaller city in Kansas. My resources were very limited and my ideas were often overlooked and sometimes even frowned upon. Even though my family was always supportive I wish the rest of the world would be such a way.

I think if society gave people more “breathing room ” express themselves paired with programs. I know more creatives would flourish. I believe society would benefit from a massive resurgence of creative programs for the Youth. I want programs that everyone could enjoy without the worry of financial issues or judgment. All walks of life, different ages, a Renaissance of sorts that all could participate and benefit from with a society backing them up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @BabsNxy02

Image Credits
Storm/Catwoman/ Lady Tamayo by Micah Thompson Photography