Tag Archives: traditional portraiture for alternative lifestyles

Noeline la Bouche for Black Fae Day!

Noeline la Bouche for Black Fae Day seated by Suzanne Forbes May 14 2022 digital editWhat a great adventure!

Do you know about Black Fae Day? On the second Saturday in May, Black fantasy lovers and their allies celebrate positive Black representation in fantasy!

When my beloved friend and muse Noéline la Bouche hosted Uncaged Cabaret’s “Return of the Fling”, I loved the fantasy look she created. I asked if they would be interested in being sponsored to create a look for Black Fae Day, and doing a zoom life drawing session in it.

Noeline la Bouche for Black Fae Day by Suzanne Forbes May 12 2022Noéline said yes! Look at this amazing look!

You can see the selfie photo session Noéline did here. They chose materials and costume components and I ordered them, and I booked her for the session at the highest rate I could possibly afford as well paying for makeup time.

I’m so grateful that my Patrons make supporting creative equity like this possible!

Noéline is a consummate professional and we convened for the zoom session with them completely in costume and makeup, set up with camera and beautifully lit. We took breaks as needed for our disabled bodies, and got to visit too. Because working with Noéline is a safe space for me, I experimented a LOT with the Liquitex Acrylic Ink I’ve been trying!

I am so glad Black Fae Day exists.

“We are showing the world that Black people deserve more positive representation in mainstream fantasy and fairytales! We’re out here and magical. Will you join us in uplifting minority voices?”

Learn about Black Fae Day Founder Jasmine la Fleur and co-founder Carlos Williams Jr. here. Follow on twitter here!

Insta here, linktree, website, IRL celebration. Venmo to support this wonderful event!

If you’re interested in disabled performer life and building the emotional intelligence to cope with radical physical challenge, I highly recommend reading Noéline’s posts.

And of course paying her some money because we don’t take the labor of Black femmes for free!

Noéline’s website here, Insta here, burlesque accessory line here, Paypal.me here!

Noéline in a headpiece I made! And as the Goddess Yemaya last month.

Many other Noeline drawings in my Noéline Muse Album on flickr.

I am so grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to continue documenting Berlin performers as a vaccinated but Covid-vulnerable disabled person.

 

 

Adenauerplatz portrait series continues with New Berliner Lani!

Lani at Adenauerplatz by Suzanne Forbes April 29 2022 smLani is a New Berliner, but an old friend!

Lani and their spouse Rob have visited Berlin before, and stayed with us, years ago. I immediately connected with Lani over our shared interest in comics, goth fashion and many other things.

I was so excited to resume my Adenauerplatz portrait series on a just-warm-enough April day with Lani. And so happy to make Lani’s portrait, which I’ve wanted to do forever!

Lani at Adenauerplatz by Suzanne Forbes April 29 2022 sm detailWe have been hoping for years that Lani and Rob would move here, and now they have!

And, Lani kicked so much ass at the flat-search that they actually FOUND a super-sweet flat in a super-convenient area right by the party tram. So our friends have a home in Berlin!

Lani is going to be my support person/carer at the Big Gay Wedding this month. We will be fabulously dressed.

Happy news for hard times. You can follow Lani on Insta for hot goth club looks, Berlin snacks, and the cutest art!

So grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to continue making art as a vaccinated but Covid-vulnerable disabled person.

With your support, I can work from home or safely outside and keep telling the stories of Berlin.