Elijah Mathiason
they/he
Martin City, MT, USA
Born in Montana 1982 and attended SCAD in 2006, I eventually changed my career to mental health after starting my own healing journey through transitioning and working to advocate for all marginalized people in the field of addiction.
“I have always wanted my work to make a statement or move the audience in some way but something was always missing...It wasn't until I started my transition that I truly found my voice. When I first started my transition, I thought I would try and ‘pass’ to stay safe. But with the political climate and human rights still being violated, I decided I wasn’t going to hide my ‘transness’. If my black and brown brothers and sisters can’t hide their skin color, then why should I hide my transness? It’s time to join the fight and stop hiding.”
“Queer means everything to me. Everything about queerness is about play and inspiration. It's about being open and curious, which completely correlates to the work I do creatively and interpersonally."
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
"Transphobia", 18 gauge copper sheet, repoussé and chasing, 10" x 10" x 2", 2023Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
“The work is queer because of BOTH fabulous elements being present!"
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“When I submitted that piece called, ‘Transphobia’, into a local show here, the judge refused to say the name of the title when it was chosen for an award. All she could say was, ‘This title is interesting...’ but wouldn't announce it. That was precisely the reason I choose the title and precisely what I am trying to convey. It is about normalizing transness for me and bringing that into the societal environment around me."