Identity & creative intent

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This week I’ve been thinking a lot about identity & intent behind my creative work. I’m currently reading Carrie Marshall’s brilliant book Small Town Joy about queer music in Scotland.

The book opens with a view that people ultimately want to feel seen by art & for queer people especially to know that they’re not alone. 

I’ve had a couple of moments recently when I’ve heard my music has done that for others & it’s made me realise it’s a big part of what fuels me to make music. 

I grew up in the 90s under the cloud of Section 28, the homophobic legislation that prevented young people from learning about homosexuality in schools. Growing in a rural Scottish town, I don’t remember any LGBTQ+ role models & the media was still cagey about anything openly gay.

I made FIDRA at a point when I felt alone as a way to celebrate queer stories & use fictional characters to fill in some of the gaps of LGBTQ+ narratives that have been lost in Scottish coastal communities.

It feels like we’re increasingly living in polarised times when diversity & inclusion of all people in society is at threat. Building on Carrie’s point I believe art can also help to put us in the shoes of others so making & sharing queer art feels as important as ever for me. 

On that note, to celebrate & share LGBTQ+ art here are some of my favourites that I’d highly recommend to all people:

Song: Big guy & the very large men - cowboy boots

Musician: Brandi Carlile

Movie: Philadelphia

Book: The heart’s invisible furies by John Boyne 

TV: A tie between heated rivalry & tales of the city

Painters: The Two Robert’s (Robert Macbryde & Robert Colquhoun)

Who are your favourite queer artists ?

Have a great weekend!

Stewart