We recently had the chance to connect with irishimo and have shared our conversation below.
irishimo, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is creating art (sewing & drawing) & watching films. My favorite types of films are Horror, Adventure & Animated. I try to read Oracle & Tarot cards everyday for self-reflection, guidance, & spiritual exploration. I sometimes practice performing for shows, when I have some coming up. I do these things before going into work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is irishimo & I’m an artist & performance artist. My partner Dr Graves & I have a small business together. We make all sorts of strange art including: Prints, paintings, jewelry, plushies, tails, head pieces, stickers, etc! We have an online shop: irishimoDrGraves on Etsy. You can also find us on Instagram. We try to vend when we can at local shows & events. I also do some face/body painting.
I’m starting to work on mascot/Fursona head pieces. I recently made a couple of head pieces for my cosplay acts. I love to create. My goal is to inspire & to be inspired~
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Content Warning: Bullying
Growing up I was always misunderstood, I didn’t understand why. I knew I didn’t quite feel right in my body. I had always loved dressing in whatever clothing I thought was nice & I loved to play with the guys. Though, a lot of the times the guys wouldn’t let me play or I didn’t fit in with the girls. I would keep to myself most of the time, which is where I learned to draw. Drawing had always made me happy. I could escape & enter in a whole other world. When I was in second grade I went to a Christian private school. I was called all sorts of terrible things & one day one of the bullies shoved me into a pole, leaving a permanent scar on my face. That moment shaped my life & how I saw the world. Not everyone is accepting or nice. I learned that some people will try to destroy whatever happiness you have if you’re just a little different. I didn’t let that stop me from being me.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Being bullied has left some scars inside & out. I’ve learned that people will use & manipulate you with their words & actions. I’m still growing as a person & stepping away from people & situations have helped me heal; & that I need to be treated better. It can be very hard realizing that you might be “alone”, but there are people out there who want to love & support you. Sometimes it just takes a while to find those good people. Shadow work, trauma therapy, good friendships & self empowerment has been helping me on this journey of healing.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Sticking up for what’s right. The political environment is really rough right now & has been for so many people. It is our responsibility to do what’s right & stick up for them. People are being harassed, taken from their homes & being killed, because of bullies. It is our duty to do what we can to spread awareness & protect others. People’s human rights are being violated & it’s wrong. We also need to protect the earth & stop treating it like a personal trash can. We take & take but rarely give back as a human species. We need to be more self aware with how we treat others & the earth. “When the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught, we will realize we cannot eat money”-Cree proverb
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve gotten things that I thought would help in business or other situations & it didn’t satisfy what I really needed at the time. I’ve had situations where I thought moving would help in other aspects, but it didn’t last long due to uncertain circumstances. I couldn’t satisfy myself because everything was up in the air.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: irishimo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/irishimo?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5e0a9855-a5be-4189-9c5e-6e9ec2934e30
Image Credits
Jojo Binx
Dr Graves
