Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Glendon Hyde. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Glendon, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
When I was young the commercial with the Native American standing above a freeway, surrounded by litter, created a recurring nightmare of drowning in garbage. I never understood the desire for new, more, better, modern. The marketing of these ideas has created a human who does not buy new anything, and chooses second hand products in all forms. I than began to apply this to my art. Why buy new canvas, supplies, to express myself? So I don’t. I rely on donations from friends mostly, and have focused on using what is offered by my community, to express my artistic vision.
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?
Gay Raccoon Art. I am gay and was thrown out of my house for being so at age 16, and this gave rise to my activism of those persecuted for otherness. From my activism as Anna Conda, my drag name, I soon realized, homeless, poor, drug users, people of color, women, all share my tale of persecution, and as a white male, famed drag performer, and now artist I try and lend voice for understanding for these communities under siege due to ignorance.
Raccoons are clever animals who love shiny objects. I learned of how they will not let go of a shiny object in a trap, and therefor become prey to the hunter. As a queer person I refused to let go of that shine, opulence, and alternative life path, even when parents, teachers, social and spiritual leaders wished me to be punished for my core being. I never felt wrong, and refuse to be assimilated for an easier ride. I would rather take the verbal and emotional, sometimes physical abuse our culture heaps on the other, than give in to presenting what the oppressor says is right. They do not speak for me, have othered me, tried to lock me away, so why follow their words and desires for me. They don’t know me, and change comes from the outside, not through assimilation.
Art has always been my salvation. From drag in NYC and Sf, winning an anti smoking poster contest in second grade, to my daily practice, it has saved my sanity, given me purpose, and expresses my deepest desire, gratitude, and joy, at being alive. This has been expressly true since my AIDS diagnosis 35 years ago. It also helps me reclaim my childhood from a mother who sexually, physically, and mentally destroyed my sense of self. I find power in creating, and expressing myself with confidence now. I have healed myself against all odds, when so many around me have fallen prey to their demons. Art is my soul laid bare for the public, without excuses.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Honesty and forthright honesty no matter the circumstances has created a following that respects my vision. To say that all deserve a medal for trying is something I strongly disagree with. Many times I lost out, in my long swimming competition lifetime, shows and galleries, ever rejection by groups that refuse to try and see that difference is vital, and failing is how I learn the most. When someone says no I try harder to learn and succeed. I may never reach the pinnacle of the art world, but I find strength each time I fail to try again, harder, and more directly communicate to my audience
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
My worth is for me to decide. No one can make me less unless I give them the power to. What other people think of me is none of my business. What I think of others is none of theirs. Critical thinking is paramount to understanding who I am, what I am capable of, and the direction I choose to follow. Taking chances comes with others disapproval, because people often fear being seen, and once seen -challenged, but I choose this path because it makes me stronger, and more aware.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gayraccoonart.com
- Instagram: Gayraccoonart
Image Credits
Photo Credits Josh Gains