Wednesday, August 29, 2012

"Why Areola Borealis?" Bilinear Art House MC Explains

Areola embraces the light and urges you to do the same.
© Shena Lee
 
When I felt the calling to create this drag queen character, I asked myself, “For the sake of what?”  I decided that I wanted to convey warmth of spirit, inclusion and female power.  In my life, I’ve experienced far too many forces that contradict those ideals. I realized the only way to combat those negative messages was to be what I wanted to see in the world.  I needed to find a name that would convey this.
Areola Borealis at Bilinear Art Grand Opening - ©Karen Ready

When I was seventeen, I spent the summer living on an isolated army base just about as far upstate as you can get in New York.  While there, I was able to see the aurora borealis for the first and only time so far.  I was immediately enamored by the enigmatic, beautiful spectacle, even though it was quite faint to see at the time.  It left a lasting feeling of happiness and wonder in me.  I wanted to incorporate those senses into the character I created nearly twenty years later.  
Areola Borealis and Drag King, Lil Monzster Garcia, at Bilinear Art Grand Opening - ©Karen Ready
Areolas are body parts that both genders posses; however, it’s more commonly associated with women.  Too many of my fellow drag artists have taken on names that incorporate female body parts in a negative context.  I purposely chose Areola Borealis to be flirty, sassy, but not rude.  Everybody has fun with sassy.  
Areola Borealis (right) at Miss Bacon Strip - ©Kathy Bugajsky
In the drag community, there is a strong undercurrent of what we call shade.  Shady people feel they gain strength by cutting others down.  There are many artists and audiences out there who believe being shady is synonymous with being a drag queen.  Those who embrace shade, embrace a life focused on competition and one-upmanship.  While I’m far from perfect, focusing on shade feels unbalanced and I’m not willing to build my message around it.  Areola embraces the light and urges you to do the same.
Areola Borealis at Bilinear Art Grand Opening - ©Nate Gawdy Photo

Despite what many of us have been told, I have gained power by embracing my feminine side through Areola Borealis.  I had battled that side of myself for so long.  When I embraced it, I was surprised at the results.  I urge others to embrace their own internal power in order to create something beautiful and meaningful in their lives.  We all have it inside of us.

--Christopher Haase

© Shena Lee

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Chernobyl Refugee Turned Wounded US Soldier Heals Through Contortionist Dance

Galina was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine.  At the age of 8, Galina and her family fled to Seattle due to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant radiation leak disaster.

In 2001, at age 21, Galina joined the US Army due to her patriotism, benefits available, and future education opportunities.  Standing at 5’ 1” and about 100 pounds, Galina was commanded to carry 80 pounds of equipment during obstacle course training with shoes that were too small.  
(left) Galina with her companion, Diva; (right) Galina performing her variation of contortionist dance
Photos courtesy of Karen Ready
In this environment, Galina was injured with a stress fracture in her heel which led to surgery. Not aware of her allergy to metal due to the exposure of radiation from the Chernobyl catastrophe, the surgeons put metal screws in her foot to keep the bone in place.  After an extremely painful outcome, two of the three screws were removed.  Now she is in constant pain and suffers from muscular skeletal nervous system disorder from the single metal screw left in her body.   At times, Galina's companion a Long-Haired Chihuahua named Diva was the only deterrent from suicide. 
(above) Diva, Galina's life saving dog, watches the performance
Photo courtesy of Karen Ready
To this day, Galina is unable to walk and has difficulty with balance.  She is able to mobilize using a cane or walker.  Through many variations of physical and psychological training, she now finds her childhood love her most healing option—dance.  Galina has titled herself a contortionist dancer.  Her debut performance will take place at Bilinear Art Gallery with Bilinear Art House Master of Ceremonies Areola Borialis.