“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.
Current Work in Progress
"Mrs. Kasha Davis"
(Video of work in progress)
"Sister Roma"
c. 2024 (28" x 28" oil painting on panel board)
4th in my "Slay the Canvas" series of oil paintings is the legendary Sister Roma from my photoshoot at the beautiful furniture showroom at Coup D’Etat in San Francisco. So honored to immortalize her extraordinary spirit and beautiful artistry on canvas. For more than three decades, Sister Roma has been one of the most outspoken and globally recognized members of San Francisco's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. From fighting on the front lines in the war against HIV/AIDS to creating the Sisters' Stop The Violence campaign to taking on social media giant Facebook as the creator of the #MyNamels movement, Roma has dedicated more than half her life to community service, activism, and fundraising. As an event producer and tireless volunteer, Roma has helped raise well over $1 million dollars for countless charities and LGBTQ organizations. One of the LGBTQ's most colorful personalities and emcees, Roma has appeared everywhere, from the main stage of San Francisco Pride to Easter in the Park, headlining events worldwide. She's just as comfortable walking red carpets and hosting big-ticket galas as she is marching for human rights and serving holiday meals to our unhoused community.
“Fabeyonce”
c. 2024 28"x 28" (oil painting on panel board)
Introducing “Fabeyonce”, my third oil painting in the “Slay the Canvas” Drag Artists Series. Fabeyonce has been a drag performer for eleven years and in Fabeyonce's words "Going forward, I promise to continue turning heads, sparking conversations, and inspiring my community with elegance, professionalism, and kindness. I am dedicated to consistently raising the bar and staying true to myself". Fabeyonce's mother-in-law is his personal fashion designer and sews his beautiful dresses for his drag shows. Fabeyonce and I met at the Velvet Rope in Palm Springs and spent a few hours capturing photos for this first painting. What a fun time and thank you so much Fabeyonce for offering to model for this important series! You are fabulous in every way!
“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.