This month we had the pleasure of chatting with one of Victoria's local drag artists and performers, Immacolata Vintage.
Every few months we will feature local creatives to find out what they are up to, how they found their creative drive, and of course, their favourite pizza toppings. Read below to hear from our first feature, Immacolata Vintage.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, who is Immacolata Vintage?
A: There are a few parts to who/where Immacolata came from. Part 1 Immacolata came out of a time of self healing and self respect for myself about a year ago. Immacolata is the italian word for Immaculate and I kinda looked at that word as an encouragement to myself when I was feeling low or not worthy. I could look in the mirror and say you are amazing, you are worthy, you are immaculate (pun somewhat intended). The second part Immacolata was inspired by the character in the 1987 Dark Fantasy novel Weaveworld by Clive Barker where she is one of the main villains. It was more her ethereal appearance described in the book that really tickled my interest in this name.
Q: How long have you been performing and creating as Immacolata Vintage?
A: I’ve been performing for about 5 years but under Immacolata Vintage it has been less than a year which will be coming up in October.
Q: How did you begin getting into drag culture? Was there something in particular that made you decide that drag was for you?
A: I was first introduced to drag culture when I was 15-16 by drag artists/queer artists of the 70’s and 80’s also the aesthetics of the club kids of the late 80’s and early 90’s really captivated my attention and interest. The first time I got into drag I was 16 for my church's coffee house. My pastor was a really open minded lady and actually introduced me to the artists such as divine and the very early season of drag race. ( I admit I don’t really watch the show which may be blasphemy to some.) My name was Peppa Lovepumps for that event. I guess that also opened the Pandora box for my interest a bit more for the art of transformation and makeup.
Q: What does drag mean to you? How do you feel when you become Immacolata?
A: Drag for me means to be free to be authentic, to unleash your creativity to free you from stress and pains and to also celebrate yourself and your proud moments. For me being Immacolata I get to be an extension of my creativity and allow myself to display my authenticity. It also allows me to defy gender stereotypes and what beauty is. Doing drag has allowed me to be more authentic to myself out of drag in not having worries and living as free as I can be.
Q: Who or what are your biggest inspirations behind your drag? (can be anyone or anything!)
A: I love an artist of any medium. I was actually a drawer and painter and very into visual art mediums before I dabbled in drag and makeup. So I am always inspired by artists. My local drag community does inspire me so much and I love to see what they create. It allows me to push myself in my practice.
Q: When you are creating your outfits and looks, how does jewellry play a part? Do you plan the outfits around statement pieces or add your jewelry afterwards?
A: A little bit of both actually. If it’s a very inspired period piece of a certain idea I am trying to invoke I will plan my jewellery I have to help achieve the desired result. Also sometimes I get inspired by jewellery and will create makeup looks around a certain piece. I think people are always a bit surprised when they see something like an earring can inspire a full makeup look but I love it because it allows me to be creative and think outside the box.
Q: Can you recall your favourite performance that you did? Tell us all about it!
A: My favourite performance will be my Kate Bush Wuthering Heights. I built it out of a couple of bristol boards a giant window that I came out of. It was just so simple but one of those performances that people just loved and the silliness of the whole set up just really added to it. It reminds me to always have fun when I am in drag and to not be too serious.
Q: As drag is an art form, what is your creative process when designing your outfits, planning your makeup, performance, etc?
A: I will look into the song and listen to it a few times and kinda close my eyes and visualize the place I am performing at and then sometimes through that I will see outfits and hair and all the small details. When it comes to makeup I will see what the colour palette is going to be predominantly from the hair to the outfit. Then I will draw out my makeup look on a face chart and choose colours that will compliment it well.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being a drag artist?
A: The joy and impact I have on other people, especially complete strangers who are moved by me really hits a special spot in my heart and makes me realize how powerful and impactful drag can be for so many people at any age.
Q: Final and very important question, what are your favourite pizza toppings?
A: Hot peppers, Pineapple, Veggies , Sometimes Chicken.
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