This series “Slay the Canvas” celebrates the brilliant artistry, identity, and resilience of the drag community, the broader culture and impact of drag, highlighting its role in challenging societal boundaries and inspiring freedom of expression in all its forms.
Each painting in this series is a tribute to an individual drag artist, capturing their unique essence, strength, and the electrifying spirit they bring to the stage and beyond. These portraits are more than just visual representations; they are powerful statements of empowerment, diversity, and the breaking down of traditional gender norms, inviting you the viewer to appreciate the rich tapestry of human expression and the transformative power of drag.
“Ethylina Canne Play Mate”
c. 2024 36"x 36" oil painting on panel board
The first portrait in this series is of Ethylina Canne who played a pivotal role in the inception of this project. I had the pleasure of meeting Ethyl during her Bingo event at Pride in Phoenix last year, where we discussed the inspiration behind my idea of this new series. She graciously agreed to be my first model. We later met in Palm Springs at the Velvet Rope, a chic boutique hotel designed and owned by David Rios. During our time at the Velvet Rope, I captured several photos of Ethyl as reference for my paintings. The day was magical. I am inspired by Ethyl’s glamorous and fearless style, her fashion and makeup expertise, and her sassy, fun attitude that captivates everyone around her. In Ethyl’s words “My purpose on this earth is to spark JOY in others and that igniter is DRAG”.
“Pretty in Pink”
c. 2024, 24"x 24" oil painting on panel board
Painting #2 of Ethylina Canne. Ethyl’s drag career started in the mid 90's at the now legendary "Trannyshack", created and hosted by her dear friend Heklina. Ethylina has been celebrated by all and garnered several awards and titles throughout her career. She was Sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 2019, she was awarded GED Magazines “OUTstanding Drag Diva” in 2020. On her 50th birthday, the Mayor and City Council of Cathedral City declared July 9th “Ethylina Canne Day” with a city proclamation in 2023, and she was most recently honored by the City of Palm Springs as the Community Grand Marshal for the Pride Parade and Festival in 2023. Ethylina was a backup dancer for Belinda Carlisle at San Luis Obispo Pride as well as an ambassador for Drag Out the Vote in 2022. She is currently writing a one woman show revolving around the Christmas season and hopes to take it on tour next summer. Her next major FIRST will be sailing through the Mexican Riviera aboard the Norwegian Bliss in March of 2026. A bevy of drag queens from near and far shall be coming aboard as well.
Ethylina is an actress, hostess, comedian, entertainer, officiant, bingo ball caller, philanthropist, AND a Tupperware Lady residing in sunny Palm Springs.