Blake Morrow explains it all for you.
"I created "Love Yourself" inspired by the art of drag as well as the passion and hard work drag performers put in to their acts. I wanted to create something that was entertaining, inspirational and educational. For those unfamiliar with drag, my hope is that they would look at my imagery of the performers and see the humanity in them."
"Drag is entertaining and subversive and can push our society to look at ourselves and ask questions about gender and equality for all, not just for those who line up with certain mainstream expectations. Drag disrupts for the common good in everyone. I admire drag as both an art form and a political force."
"I shot over half of my planned 16 portraits just before Corona hit society. An art exhibit of the imagery had been planned for Toronto's Gladstone Hotel for this past June, but Corona changed all that. I've now decided that the 9 images are "Volume 1" of the series, and I hope to shoot more portraits to be able to showcase in Winter 2021. I'd also like to include more types of drag, including bio-drag and non-binary drag. Drag is an artform that is continuing to grow and change. Ideally, I'd love to continue shooting drag performers and develop a coffee table book of the art form with a future cover portrait of RuPaul both in and out of drag, interacting with themselves. I'm just putting that wish into the universe. I'm here for ya, Ru."
Blake Morrow on Instagram: @ShootBlake. Blake's website: www.blakemorrow.ca
Drag Persona: Priyanka (Mark Suki)
Instagram: @TheQueenPriyanka
"I want the audience to feel like I'm their best friend because I am. That's what my performing is all about. I want to help the crowd watching me escape into a world where they can dance their troubles away."
Out of the 9 portraits, I've photographed Priyanka twice; as both Jasmine and Aladdin on their magic carpet, and as a traditional bride and groom celebrating their Indian wedding. I'm so excited that Pri won season 1 of Canada's Drag Race and that the world has been introduced to her brilliance!
I'm planning to do "#30DaysOfPri" throughout October on my Instagram feed to showcase the portraits I've created of Priyanka in different fan-favourite outfits she rocked throughout her journey on Canada's Drag Race. --Blake Morrow
Drag persona: Vicki Lix (DJ)
Instagram: @VickiLix
"Drag is for everybody, and every body! Throw others preconceived notions of what a woman or man's body should look like out the door. Your body is perfect the way it is, and if you want to see your body change, be the change. Drag helped me discover my beauty from the inside out, and now I live it every day of my life."
Drag persona: Hillary Yaas (Matthew)
Instagram: @HillaryYaas
"I pretend to be a woman because I have a hard time caring about what men have to say anymore."
Drag persona: Naomi Leone (Victor)
Instagram: @NaomiLeone_
"Drag allows me me to express my authentic self. Coming to Canada as a refugee, I'm proud of myself as I continue to tell my story and inspire others to dream big and encourage them to tell their story with self-love."
Drag Persona: Hugh Mann Trash (Breton)
Instagram: @HughMannTrash
(Breton identifies as TransMasc /Non-binary. They are a Drag King, whereas everyone else in this volume of the collection is a drag queen.)
"When I'm painting my face, it's so fun to watch that dude slowly taking shape. And then... bam! There's a whole other person. Something both entirely me and entirely beyond me. Drag protests the boundaries of what is possible. I put Hugh on my face and my body becomes a story, an art form, a wish".
Drag persona: Miss Moço (Adam Moco)
Instagram: @MissMoco
"Drag changed my life. It gave me confidence in ways I didn't think I had in me. From the places it has taken me to the people I have met, drag has shaped my life for the better."
Drag Persona: Tynomi Banks (Sheldon)
Instagram: @TynomiBanks
"It's ok to make mistakes in drag. It's the only way to learn, grow and connect."
Drag Persona: Priyanka (Mark Suki)
Instagram: @TheQueenPriyanka
"I want the audience to feel like I'm their best friend because I am. That's what my performing is all about. I want to help the crowd watching me escape into a world where they can dance their troubles away."
Drag persona: Selena Vyle (Nicky)
Instagram: @SelenaVyle
"The beautiful thing about drag is that there are no rules. I found drag at a time when I had lost myself. Creating 'Selena' on my own terms helped me rediscover who I am as a human being."
