La Vida Veeta

Can you believe it’s been 5 years since the world shut down? 2020 both feels like yesterday and like 15 lifetimes ago. The world was such a different place. We were all in such different stages in life. As a drag performer- COVID was a wild fucking time. Obviously no one was performing or partying live (well, ALMOST everyone I’m looking at you Puerto Vallarta gays on the sinking boat). That being said- what Coronavirus didn’t prepare for was the fact that drag entertainers are like cockroaches- adaptable as fuck (no- not vectors for disease, or symptoms of filthy living conditions, or giant hissing insects- well maybe that last one is true). Digital drag shows popped off at the beginning of lockdown for like, 5 months (and then no one wanted to do it lol don’t blame y’all it was awk). Everyone bought green screens and phone tripods and ring lights and filmed content at home. It was wild though- like you’d be on your phone watching as content you sent in got cheered by the hosts and people would be tipping you and sending you comments and video chatting you and then once it was all over you’d be sitting in your dark, empty apartment. Times were truly wild.

As depressing as it could have been, I’m really grateful for the time being held hostage at home, because it really forced me to reflect on the way I was doing my drag, and gave me a safe space to experiment with new concepts, techniques, and visuals. I took risks that I’d always been afraid to try before. Looking back- 2020 was really a huge turning point for my drag. At the outbreak of lockdown I was living in a house with like 6 of my friends and 3 of their partners (and yes- you guessed correctly- it was absolute bedlam). One of these individuals was an extremely talented drag performer who ended up being on Drag Race. They truly helped me tap into a well of expression I never thought I would have the skills to access, and for that I will always be grateful.

And what- you may ask- was my personal favorite look to come out of this time? Well I am just SO GLAD YOU ASKED. Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine there’s an all night blowout drug fueled orgy on the beach at Copacabana and a Smurf, a Troll Doll, an 80’s hot pink and black houndstooth suit and skirt set from Goodwill, Jimmy Neutron, and Juno Birch all wander into the fray. Things happen (of which I will absolutely not go into detail just know they’re illegal in 157 countries, 15 US states and they violate the Geneva Convention). 9 months later, this big ol’ beautiful bad blue bitch steps out into the world, ready to fight crime, file invoices, and walk the runway in Milan. THAT, my friends, is the inspiration for this look.

Needless to say, Vel entered some brand new territory with this one. But damn, if that territory wasn’t fun as fuck. And messy (no seriously, there was blue paint EVERYWHERE after this shoot). And LIBERATING. As I spent the next 2 hours furiously scrubbing the blue out of every orifice known to man I just couldn’t wipe a damn stupid grin off my face because it was just so much fun. And let’s be real- if you’re not having fun doing DRAG- aka the art form where you can turn yourself into a slutty 80’s business-Smurf- then what can you have fun doing?? 2020 was a traumatic year for so many reasons, and I think it’s because of that context that when looking back and seeing these moments of creative (and moronic) triumph they hit a little harder. I can’t help but think that these will be the memories that will stick with me for a lifetime.

Vel may be on pause as I dive headfirst into this new chapter of my life, but just know that she’s always there. Lurking in the shadows. Silently watching. Plotting. Scheming. Whispering to herself and biting off fish heads like Shmeagol in the Lord of the Rings. When the blood moon rises, she will strike again. And no one will be ready.

………….

Enjoy the photos!!!

PS: If you want any of these as a print, let me know!! Shit, maybe I’ll make these my holiday cards this year. Or maybe I’ll just mail some to random people I find in the phone book. Do those still exist? Can you imagine just receiving one of these out of the blue (pun intended)? No return address. No context whatsoever. Just this photo, and written on the back, in red ink, are the words “HaVe YoU bEeN gOoD tHiS yEaR??” IDK I think it’d be fun. And let’s be real, it’s less deadly than anthrax, but just as threatening (if not moreso??)

PSS: Sorry for the long, winding, potentially incriminating PS- I just love y’all and want to loop you into all of my wacky misadventures!

PSSS: I’m so happy that the new season of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City premiered. We’re two episodes in and there’s already fights involving people calling each other gout dick suckers. This is a dark timeline we’re in but I’m just so grateful for these little things.

PSSSS: Ok bye for real!! 🧡🧀