I never really imagined
where my art would take me. For so many years, I have drawn and created in my
spare time, among other jobs, trying to reach a goal. I have always been
interested in the world of art: moreover, cartooning.I never really imagined
where my art would take me. For so many years, I have drawn and created in my
spare time, among other jobs, trying to reach a goal. I have always been
interested in the world of art: moreover, cartooning.
I
have been influenced by television and school. I perfected my talents with
various mediums such as pencil, pastel, inks and watercolors. One particular
librarian, Susanne, always insisted I practice, practice, practice. She
collected comic books and showed me the different styles and exposed me to many
“underground” artworks.
I
was very shy and never had many friends when young, and I used my artwork as an
escape into my own world. As a young male, I was extremely feminine (in a
natural way).
When
I turned 18, I had to make a decision – who was I? Sexual frustration and
confusion gave way to experimentation, which inadvertently was reflected in my
cartoons, pen and ink sketches and style.
I
have always been close with women my entire life. I was scared of other boys and
never talked with them unless I had to. I made the decision to have my sex
change and become a female.
I
was allowed to crossdress in my twelfth year at my high school. Everyone thought
it was just an “Artistic expression”, and that I was weird anyway. Everyone
let me be, and ceased to tease me. I was earning their respect.
After
one year of college, I decided to pursue my art career on my own. The
instructors said that I had already created my “style” and they could not
help me any further.
Being
a transsexual cartoonist and artist is not a very normal thing to be. I’ve
been turned down on many a job because of that factor. I guess that most artists
are considered “gay”, which created my being “taboo”. I have worked on
bulletin boards, posters, caricatures, school logos, mascot designs and even
band uniform designs.
I
also started advertising and promotion in the local gay community. I’m
currently working on a comic strip that will deal with transsexuals,
transvestites and the realism of their world. I hope it will open a few eyes and
ears to people who maybe do not understand.
I
enjoy drawing and making an expression of feelings and emotions. I feel my
artwork expresses a femininity that is there inside most people. I draw every
day and always search for new ideas.
‘Mindi’
I published Mindi’s work back in 1991…we kept track of each other for a couple of years after that, and then she just sort of `disappeared’. If you’re out there, Mindi, let me know you’re alive and well!