June 24, 2022 • 25 mins
This week Matika sits down with the Worimi/Biripi man Jake Simon and talk about his creative journey and starting his business INYADOT Art 🖤💛❤️🌈
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
This podcast is recorded on Stolen Land. We acknowledge and
pay our respects to our elders, past, present, and for
future generations.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Hi. I'm Atika and I'm Courtney and we're two Queer
First Nations women passionate about representation for our community. We
created this podcast to share our stories. We want you
to join us on the journey.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
You're listening to Coming Out Black.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Hello, welcome back to another episode of Coming Out Black,
or welcome with Actually, if you're just jumping in in
the middle of this, why are you starting here? I
don't understand what you're doing, but we're happy that you're here. Today,
we have a very exciting guest. I'd love to introduce
you to Jake Simon, a Queer First Nations creative, all
(00:49):
around boss, bitch, sassy man. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Tell everyone listening who you are, what you do.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Thanks for having me on this sh show. Love. I've
listened to a few apps and I need to get
up to speed so I can get up to the
point to where it's relevant and recent. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Every time someone goes to listen to the podcast, they're like, oh, wow,
you have a podcast, I'll go listen and I was like, bitch,
don't start with the early episodes. I mean, like they're good,
but in terms of quality, like listen to this, we
like a little someone's listening and I hate that right now.
But like the quality is obviously much nicer now than
(01:34):
the early ones. But they're fun. They're like lovely memories.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
And we all have to grow in certain ways and forms.
So like the studio we're in right now is just
it's uptown.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
It's black excellence. That's what I'm getting.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
It's serving black excellence, it is, and it's painted black.
So I should introduce myself.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah you should.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Thanks for a little introduction. Yes, I am Jake Simon
Proud wearing my beer Pine living on Getigol Lands. If
you don't know where where am I is? That is
up in the Port Stephens area from like Stockton all
the way up to Foster Tiree area. So that's my mob,
that's my people. I'm salt water fresh water. Yeah we
(02:17):
we water people were salty and fresh.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Tinder buyers.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Yes, I need to change that now. Thank you love that.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
So when did you move to Sydney?
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Then? So I moved to Sydney. About it's like four
or five years, it's coming up. I don't know. I
have to check when Facebook gives me a memory, then
i'll know. But my cousin moved down here first, and
then I was down here every weekend so we could
go out, and I'm like, I'll just move here, So
I did, and then, yeah, it was perfect, and I've
been here ever since. I was in a westy. You know,
(02:56):
get the planes every six minutes flying over and have
to stop a conversation pass sick. And when we had visitors,
you know, they just kept talking. It's like, no, there's
a rule, you just stopped, like actually, just shout. And
then I'm over my little bubble over in like Eskinville.
I love it. It's leepy, it's green, and there's puppy
dogs everywhere. Yeah, so close to the MP. Yes, it's
(03:18):
literally like upper road around the corner. Yeah that's all
right coming home, like because it's all downhill.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
When you're at the MP, you can be like, actually,
I like I live not far away.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Yeah, my house is just down there. Can you walk
me to the corner.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So the reason I wanted to have you on the
podcast today is because we've actually been working with each
other quite a bit more, not only because you work
at Black Aboriginal Corporation, which I believe we've talked about
before on the podcast, but also because you're an artist
and we've recently got you to start working on the
City Gayler's been Mardi Gras Reconciliation Action Plan art work.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Arend.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yeah, that's really exciting, and so I thought it was
a perfect opportunity to have you come on the podcast
tell a bit about it, your story, but also just
talk about your creative process and what it's like being
a queer First Nations artist in this space. So when
did you first get started with art? Did it start
with painting or drawing or digital?
Speaker 1 (04:21):
So I think my first fascination with like art and
stuff was like I was only probably about six or
seven and my mum was doing this printing class, like
screen printing with this local artist and she gave me
a purple shirt and had a kidner on it. And
then like like I love the kidnas and I remember
(04:44):
that shirt like I wish I still had it. I
wouldn't fear but you know for MEMSA for mems Yeah,
and just growing up you know, as always like would
I have like painting things at school and you know,
you know, if the topic was traditional ask, you know,
the whole class just turned around looks at you and
it was like, okay, well you can look at me now. No.
(05:06):
But then it's sort of evolved over the years. It
wasn't so much I put like a lot of time.
It was just like, oh, I just want to paint,
like it just came out. I just wanted to feel it.
And then before I med to Sydney, I did a
huge mural in my mum's garage. Oh wow, Yeah, it
was cute. Like I'm like, I'm just gonna get some
pain painting the garage because I was living in the garage.
(05:27):
Like everyone's had that time where they've lived in their parents'
garage and that was yeah. So I did that and
then I was like, oh that's cute. Now paint over it. Yeah,
you've done, okay, move on. Yeah. And then so when
I went to Sydney, I moved into a really creative
house and my mate their jests just so creative. It's
(05:47):
probably a no herd little shout out to an Anglo
creative and like she does all different mediums, paint digital
and then I like was doing little paintings in the house.
Was really cute. And then I started working around on
the iPad in that digital space and I love it
because it's just like tap tap gon, like you can
edit stuff so quickly. I was like, we're painting, like fuck,
(06:08):
I gotta let it.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Dry and if you fuck up, like you can't do
anything about it. Yeah, I'm actually enjoying starting to get
to know like digital art as something. We were talking
before we started recording and then I was like such
a fucking snooty teacher's pet as a kid, and my
mom was always like she always thought I was going
to be an artist, Like the first drawing that I
(06:29):
ever did was on a maca's napkin or that this
is what she tells me, this is the story you
know of an artist. I was on the back of
a maca's napkin in a blue pen and she has
it framed at home because she was like, you're can
be an artist. Everyone knows your last name, Metika, you
got uncles who are artists, like whatever it is. And
so I grew up with that like inflated ego of like, oh,
(06:50):
I'm an artist, and whenever it was just in primary school,
we do art projects, and I'd like put my hand
in the air and be like, sir, could you please
tell the other students not to ask me to help
them with their artwork?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
I only have ting and there's twenty kids in the class.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Or we play Mister Squiggle a lot, yeah, and everyone
be like, wow, Mytika, You're so good at mister Squiggle,
and I'd be like, yeah, I know. And then in
recent years I've like returned to now that I'm dating
Taken and she's much more creative than I was at
the time, I've like returned to being a really artsy
creative person, like I make rugs now and I do
(07:31):
water painting and stuff like that. So it's been nice
to sort of like not be such a douchebag about
like enjoying art now.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
So like who's hand you're gonna put your hand up to? Who? Now?
Speaker 2 (07:43):
No, I can't, no one, But when did you, I guess,
start taking art seriously and think, hey, I think I
might want to like start a business here.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
So I think a lot of stories in the last
two years, like things have developed through lockdown. When we
went into the first lockdown, you know how people get
those little.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Like what's my hobby gonna be, what's my hobby gonna be?
Speaker 1 (08:08):
And whatnot. I'm just like, well, I'm gonna take some
money out of my super and pay for some electronics.
So she brought an iPad and then I just started
working around with it. And then someone's like, oh, can
you do a logo for us? I'm like cute, So
like that's my first little job.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
That's so awesome.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
And then they told someone, they told someone, and then
I did another artwork for I think it was like
a Nate oc weak thing, and did lenyards for a
business and they're like cool, and then someone else and
then like I just wear a mouth keept getting around.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
That's great that it's like authentically grown.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Yeah, it was like amazing and like and it's gotten
bigger since, like in the last twelve months. The stuff
that I've been a part of art wise, has I
never thought like, oh, I never thought, oh I've got
a I'm showing art somewhere next week, or I'm launching
my artwork as part of a wrap for a huge business,
(09:03):
and you know, it's it's a bit mind boggling because
I'm more of a you know, to the left in
the shadows. Give me that check. I don't want to
talk to any one.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
But now everyone's like, please tell us about the art.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Yeah, now here, I am on this podcast.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Actually this has happened. Well, we've talked about wanting to
have you on the podcast before anyway, but I just
happened to be Oh, sorry everyone, Cotney's not here today.
She got pulled into a meeting. She says, hi, and
she loves you all. But Cotney was in town and
she was like, oh, let's record a podcast. So I
was like, oh'll text Jake and be like, are you
doing anything tonight? Do you want to come record a podcast?
(09:41):
And that's just us so yeah, yeah, so I was.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
I was planning to sit on the couch and me
like forty dollars worth a CAFC.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
But this is I'm doing this for your health.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah, well close the gap. I'm no longer statistics. Oh god,
inside jokes, guys.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Some white person's listening right now. They're like, I do understand.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
What's kind sorry Becky?
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Okay, so it's it's blown up. Are you loving it?
What do you think contributed to that? Because I know
not only just because I'm me and obviously love Queer
First Nations representation, but I also of course work at
Mardi Gras and spend a lot of time looking into
First Nations talent, be they singers, DJ's artists, and trying
(10:33):
to find Queer First Nations artists because of course we
want to have people from this particular community work on
projects with us. There's like only a handful in there,
so I'm sure like a bunch of people are like,
we really want to uplift artwork from this particular community.
Do you think that's been part of it or do
you think like people just really love your stuff and
it's just grown.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
I think like now, because I'm I'm like past the
point of like I know my worth. So prior to that,
it was like, you know, I couldn't pick and choose
and like I was just like, yeah, just give me
the money, give them money, oh yeah, and you know,
filling those tokenistic gaps throughout the year for clients for
(11:13):
a check hey bucks. Now, so past that point of
you know, knowing my worth and being in a position
to pick and choose the clients, it's it's really liberating
and it's such a great feeling to be in that position.
(11:36):
But also sorry, I'm off track with your question. Yes,
in the space of art where it comes to black
queer people.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Think it's growing.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
It is definitely growing.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
They want it to grow.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Yeah, because like working for an organization and we're sorting
out these artists in these spaces, it's like, holy shit,
there's a lot like it's growing. And then I'm like,
oh my god, Like I didn't know that person was
black and queer. I knew that black, but I didn't
know all that one that person is queer dinner, they're black,
and it's like, oh shit, they were just coming out
like that's great, and it's so amazing. And you're seeing
(12:10):
a lot more people sharing everyone's talents and like just
putting a spotlight on someone. It's amazing. I'm seeing it
a lot lately.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
And I love that in our community in particular, the
majority of the time, we are all so happy to
uplift one another. It's never like, oh, you do art
and I do art, or you have a podcast and
I have podcast, so we can't talk to each other
or whatever. It is like where we know we're a
small community and we're stronger when we empower one another
(12:40):
and collaborate and work with one another on like really amazing.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Projects like you think, yeah, like you think in the
like Sydney for example, like the queer community so fricking small.
It ain't six degrees of separation, it's like one. And
then then you put it as like black were, then
it's like zero minus two. Yeah. Yeah, but no, like
(13:04):
the spaces for queer black artists is like it's growing. Yeah,
and even like being like going to queer like creative
spaces has opened up like I didn't even know that
they're someone introduced me to them, like holy shit, like
and now I'm part of that space. And also like
(13:25):
there's artists unknown who some aren't really advertising that they're queer.
They're just like a you know, First Nations artist.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Yeah, they're just like doing their thing. They don't feel
like their sexuality has to come into it, which is
also obviously.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Totally fine, totally fine, Like you know, you don't have
to be in that box.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Oh, and I think some people worry about putting themselves
in that box. Like I even I reflect on my
career in general, every single job I've ever had has
been an identified role. And there was a period there
where I was thinking of like am I pigeonholing myself
by going for these identified positions because I'm like good enough.
(14:04):
You know, some people have the misconception that identified roles
you get it because it's an identified role. You don't
get it because you're fantastic for the job. And I
was like really rebelling against that for a while. I
was like, should I go and work in a in
a non indigenous space, But also I don't want to
do that, Like I love working within and for community,
(14:25):
so it makes sense that I would land in positions
that are identified because I'm here and I'm like, I
want to uplift community. I want to work with mob.
So of course I'm not going to work for like
a random bank that doesn't have an Indigenous program. That
doesn't make sense for the kind of work that I
try to do.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
But I think I'm like in the Black Girl the company,
no one.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Wants that and that, and that reminds me of when
you were talking about like being able to pick and
choose what you do is a point that can be
I think scary to get too, and I've seen it
with like my public speaking work, like when I started
charging people for me to appear on Panels. I was
(15:09):
really nervous about it, and I like, I one can
guarantee you I'm definitely still underselling myself, Like when people
ask would you like to speak for this, and I'm like,
is this paid opportunity? And usually they're like no, and
I try and be like, well, look, I would usually
charge X amount of dollars, but I'll do it because again,
I like, I want a black person to be on
(15:31):
that panel. I want a black person to be where
whatever these spaces are that I'm being invited to. But
I think it's hard for mob when like you have
that push and pull between I want us to have
representation here, but I also deserve to be paid for
the work that I do. And I think that's a
huge issue within the artistic space.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
And I think the message to take from this everyone
that's listening is no, you're fucking worse, Like, don't understand yourself.
Go for the maximum, Like, don't even go for like
the coffee table or the cup on the coffee table,
go for like the fucking ceiling, you know what I mean,
by the room, by the room. And then they'll talk
you down and then it's like okay, well, you know,
(16:11):
like Okay, we're can agree on that because I was
only going to charge you this much anyway.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
So that's good. That's pretty good. Did you did you
just learn that because you're staunch in general, or by
having creatives around you?
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Did you?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
I've had I have creatives around me, and I've leaned, leaned,
I've leant on them and asked questions about you know, this,
this and this, and it's like then then they asked
me questions, are you going to do this, this, and this?
I'm like, oh shit, I didn't think of that. So
every time I'm asking, I'm learning. I'm learning. I'm learning.
But I think I've set a bar now. Like I said,
(16:47):
I can pick and choose because if someone doesn't align
with me, then I'm just like I'm sorry, it's out,
or I don't really say that I overcharged, and then
I don't want to say no, so I'm staunching dollars.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
I love that. But like it's wonderful to see people
in community like holding themselves to their worst and being
like no, because yeah, it's just it's for me personally.
It's something that I continue to struggle with a lot
with the work that I do in community even without
podcast Like according and I are always like, oh, should
we like try and figure out a way, like, oh,
(17:28):
maybe we should apply for a grant or something, And
we're always like between the do we try and create
funds to do what we love and continue to create
content for community? When really this started recording on my
phone and I was just doing it because I loved it. Oh,
I will always continue to do it because I love it.
But boy or boy money short us help me record shit?
Speaker 1 (17:53):
And if we weren't like those like high Death Audio.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
See what you're hearing right now, it's because Neil let
us do this for free. If we had to pay
for studio space just to have a quality podcast, then
like that's coming out of Courtney nice pocket. And I'm
sure it's the same thing of like you're buying equipment
to whether it be like physical painting, drawing that sort
(18:19):
of stuff or the iPad and all of the systems
that you used to and like where's that coming from, bitch?
Exactly Like we don't want any creative to have to
do this. And I'm sure Neil. I only say Neil
because I can literally see him through the window. Sorry, everyone,
if you don't know who Neil is, Go listen to
the other podcast episodes as a musician. Same thing like
(18:42):
booking space. So I think it extends to anyone within
a creative field who's making anything to be able to
like put ourselves what's the word thinking of, to be
able to like show ourselves that way worth something.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Yeah, and on that too, I would ply mention, you know,
if you have a skill set or you have a
hobby that you enjoy and you want to start making
money off it, don't be scared to do it. Yeah,
there are costs involved eventually, like you know, there was
some more money, more problems. But like like for example,
you know, I didn't realize the costs in taxes when
(19:15):
you get over a threshold, right, taxes, your own super insurance,
all the programs you use, like in Adobe is not
freaking cheap, you know, things like that. And if you know,
I fall sep with my iPad on my bed and
I flick the dinner in the middle of that, the
iPad is flying and like if I break, I'm like,
you know, there's you know, stuff like that you don't
think of. But the like as you get more busy
(19:37):
at the costs go up. But like you'll be making
more money, so I'll be right. But at the start, like,
don't freak out, just do it. Yeah, get your head
around it. You'll be right. Just dive in the deep end,
like just do it. Don't be scared to follow your dreams.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Oh my god, inspiration just like dropping facts every day
on the podcast, someone's gonna like make you know those
Instagram things where it's like a beautiful photo in the background,
it's like the quote across.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
That guy who's that chubby guy, or it's like there's
that photo of him like looking up to the sun
and the clouds, and he's always like and then was
like my first day of my diet or something like.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Is it well for real?
Speaker 1 (20:21):
No, not him. That's a singer like the Husky Voye.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Yeah, I know exactly.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
I don't know. Like he's got that like distinct laugh.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
He's in all of those comedy shows.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Zaki, Miriam, Maker Porno.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
He is the guy that, oh god, we're gonna remember
someone tell us, so you're would you call it a business?
Would you call it an organization? Like in your dog
like tell us about how we got to that name,
because I kind of love it.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Yeah, So yeah, if you don't already follow me, it
is on Instagram. It's any dot art in your in
your dot it's I was looking back on my Instagram
and it went back to like seven years when I
(21:15):
put up the first couple of like little paintings and
I named it in your Dot art, and I was like,
ha ha, like this is funny. Yeah, and then it's
just gone from there. And I think, also it's a
good little giggle to myself when you know, like white
(21:35):
people have to say it, Yes, that's hilarious.
Speaker 2 (21:37):
And also they might not like kind of understand the
lingo of like why that's a bit funny.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Yeah, Like they get it though, like you can tell
they get it. Yeah, and then like some of them
try and like put a spin on it and like
sound French or something when they say it. I'm just like, no,
it's in your not in you or something. Oh, that's fine,
it's hilarious. So, like, for example, today I did a
(22:01):
launch We've got some artworks in a rap and I
was being interviewed and the lady who was interviewing me
kept saying, in your dot and then I can see
her smiling, and the guy, like the sound guy was
like like smirking as well, and I'm just like, all right,
just stop saying the name. I will say it because
I can compose myself. But when someone else says that
(22:22):
it's different.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
I love it. And I feel like it gives it's
aligned with the energy that you give as a person,
Like it's funny, it's playful, and of course like you
want that myriad within your business as well.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Yeah, and it's like a it's like a like lingo
that we use as Blackfellows was like in your dot
you know what I mean. Like, so it's just like
that's it. That's it. Like it's got nothing to do
with like dot painting or any like. It's just it's
just the thing, you know.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I don't know, it's so fun. So you've got some
really exciting things coming up. Tell us a bit about
all of the things that you're juggle.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
So, because we're just coming out of Reconciliation Week, we're
coming up to a nighttoc week, so you know, it's
very very busy in that space. But once that cools down,
then I've got a couple of things that will be
launching leading up to World Pride. So watch this space.
I can't deal, Like, it's blowing my mind that I'm
(23:23):
even a part of this. There are two things. One
thing is very close to home and the other thing
is next level. I can't wait for it to drop
because I'm going to share the shit out of it.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, I will share it as well. We'll be like
drive over that episode we listened to when he said
something is happening, this.
Speaker 1 (23:41):
Was it and in saying that, like if you just
want to purchase some stuff off me now before you
know that name goes like in the sky that up,
So hit me up. But yeah, watch this space. A
lot's happening. I'm really excited be on that journey with
me and be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
All right, thank you so much for having an amazing
chat with me. I really love digging into indigenous startup business,
creative and just like holding ourselves where we should be,
which is at the top. And I think that you
do that every single day in the work that you do.
So where can people find you? Just your website, Instagram,
all those sorts of things you want to drop your number?
Speaker 1 (24:21):
Sure, so she's currently single. Website is in your dot
art dot com rolls off the tongue. It's amazing. There's
still some things that need to be uploaded, so just
watch this space. Same with Instagram. It's at in your
dot art they're the two main platforms. Follow me, you
(24:41):
have any of my artworks, you may purchase at a show,
you know, put it out there, plug it, tag me,
whatese do the thing because everyone that's listening right now
and has anything of mine or is going to get
anything of mine before the end of the year. You
can say I knew him when I love that hashtaging
you don't.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
You remember we had you on the podcast, yeah, before
you were too much of a celebrity to talk to me.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
You can call my people. All right.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
You can follow us at Coming Out Black b l
a K on Instagram. We also have a Facebook page. Look,
I'm gonna be honest, we don't really use it, but
it's there if you want to go, and you can
also of course follow me or Courtney. Our instagrams are
in our instabio. Oh also, if you want to send
us an email, you can go to Coming Up Black
at gmail dot com and tell us that you want
(25:29):
to be on the podcast. All right, thanks so much
for listening and we'll see you next time.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Thanks guys, Bye bye,
This podcast is recorded on Stolen Land. We acknowledge and
pay our respects to our elders, past, present, and for
future generations.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Hi. I'm Atika and I'm Courtney and we're two Queer
First Nations women passionate about representation for our community. We
created this podcast to share our stories. We want you
to join us on the journey.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
You're listening to Coming Out Black.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Hello, welcome back to another episode of Coming Out Black,
or welcome with Actually, if you're just jumping in in
the middle of this, why are you starting here? I
don't understand what you're doing, but we're happy that you're here. Today,
we have a very exciting guest. I'd love to introduce
you to Jake Simon, a Queer First Nations creative, all
(00:49):
around boss, bitch, sassy man. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Tell everyone listening who you are, what you do.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Thanks for having me on this sh show. Love. I've
listened to a few apps and I need to get
up to speed so I can get up to the
point to where it's relevant and recent. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Every time someone goes to listen to the podcast, they're like, oh, wow,
you have a podcast, I'll go listen and I was like, bitch,
don't start with the early episodes. I mean, like they're good,
but in terms of quality, like listen to this, we
like a little someone's listening and I hate that right now.
But like the quality is obviously much nicer now than
(01:34):
the early ones. But they're fun. They're like lovely memories.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
And we all have to grow in certain ways and forms.
So like the studio we're in right now is just
it's uptown.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
It's black excellence. That's what I'm getting.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
It's serving black excellence, it is, and it's painted black.
So I should introduce myself.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah you should.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Thanks for a little introduction. Yes, I am Jake Simon
Proud wearing my beer Pine living on Getigol Lands. If
you don't know where where am I is? That is
up in the Port Stephens area from like Stockton all
the way up to Foster Tiree area. So that's my mob,
that's my people. I'm salt water fresh water. Yeah we
(02:17):
we water people were salty and fresh.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Tinder buyers.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Yes, I need to change that now. Thank you love that.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
So when did you move to Sydney?
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Then? So I moved to Sydney. About it's like four
or five years, it's coming up. I don't know. I
have to check when Facebook gives me a memory, then
i'll know. But my cousin moved down here first, and
then I was down here every weekend so we could
go out, and I'm like, I'll just move here, So
I did, and then, yeah, it was perfect, and I've
been here ever since. I was in a westy. You know,
(02:56):
get the planes every six minutes flying over and have
to stop a conversation pass sick. And when we had visitors,
you know, they just kept talking. It's like, no, there's
a rule, you just stopped, like actually, just shout. And
then I'm over my little bubble over in like Eskinville.
I love it. It's leepy, it's green, and there's puppy
dogs everywhere. Yeah, so close to the MP. Yes, it's
(03:18):
literally like upper road around the corner. Yeah that's all
right coming home, like because it's all downhill.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
When you're at the MP, you can be like, actually,
I like I live not far away.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Yeah, my house is just down there. Can you walk
me to the corner.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So the reason I wanted to have you on the
podcast today is because we've actually been working with each
other quite a bit more, not only because you work
at Black Aboriginal Corporation, which I believe we've talked about
before on the podcast, but also because you're an artist
and we've recently got you to start working on the
City Gayler's been Mardi Gras Reconciliation Action Plan art work.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Arend.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yeah, that's really exciting, and so I thought it was
a perfect opportunity to have you come on the podcast
tell a bit about it, your story, but also just
talk about your creative process and what it's like being
a queer First Nations artist in this space. So when
did you first get started with art? Did it start
with painting or drawing or digital?
Speaker 1 (04:21):
So I think my first fascination with like art and
stuff was like I was only probably about six or
seven and my mum was doing this printing class, like
screen printing with this local artist and she gave me
a purple shirt and had a kidner on it. And
then like like I love the kidnas and I remember
(04:44):
that shirt like I wish I still had it. I
wouldn't fear but you know for MEMSA for mems Yeah,
and just growing up you know, as always like would
I have like painting things at school and you know,
you know, if the topic was traditional ask, you know,
the whole class just turned around looks at you and
it was like, okay, well you can look at me now. No.
(05:06):
But then it's sort of evolved over the years. It
wasn't so much I put like a lot of time.
It was just like, oh, I just want to paint,
like it just came out. I just wanted to feel it.
And then before I med to Sydney, I did a
huge mural in my mum's garage. Oh wow, Yeah, it
was cute. Like I'm like, I'm just gonna get some
pain painting the garage because I was living in the garage.
(05:27):
Like everyone's had that time where they've lived in their parents'
garage and that was yeah. So I did that and
then I was like, oh that's cute. Now paint over it. Yeah,
you've done, okay, move on. Yeah. And then so when
I went to Sydney, I moved into a really creative
house and my mate their jests just so creative. It's
(05:47):
probably a no herd little shout out to an Anglo
creative and like she does all different mediums, paint digital
and then I like was doing little paintings in the house.
Was really cute. And then I started working around on
the iPad in that digital space and I love it
because it's just like tap tap gon, like you can
edit stuff so quickly. I was like, we're painting, like fuck,
(06:08):
I gotta let it.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Dry and if you fuck up, like you can't do
anything about it. Yeah, I'm actually enjoying starting to get
to know like digital art as something. We were talking
before we started recording and then I was like such
a fucking snooty teacher's pet as a kid, and my
mom was always like she always thought I was going
to be an artist, Like the first drawing that I
(06:29):
ever did was on a maca's napkin or that this
is what she tells me, this is the story you
know of an artist. I was on the back of
a maca's napkin in a blue pen and she has
it framed at home because she was like, you're can
be an artist. Everyone knows your last name, Metika, you
got uncles who are artists, like whatever it is. And
so I grew up with that like inflated ego of like, oh,
(06:50):
I'm an artist, and whenever it was just in primary school,
we do art projects, and I'd like put my hand
in the air and be like, sir, could you please
tell the other students not to ask me to help
them with their artwork?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
I only have ting and there's twenty kids in the class.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Or we play Mister Squiggle a lot, yeah, and everyone
be like, wow, Mytika, You're so good at mister Squiggle,
and I'd be like, yeah, I know. And then in
recent years I've like returned to now that I'm dating
Taken and she's much more creative than I was at
the time, I've like returned to being a really artsy
creative person, like I make rugs now and I do
(07:31):
water painting and stuff like that. So it's been nice
to sort of like not be such a douchebag about
like enjoying art now.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
So like who's hand you're gonna put your hand up to? Who? Now?
Speaker 2 (07:43):
No, I can't, no one, But when did you, I guess,
start taking art seriously and think, hey, I think I
might want to like start a business here.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
So I think a lot of stories in the last
two years, like things have developed through lockdown. When we
went into the first lockdown, you know how people get
those little.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Like what's my hobby gonna be, what's my hobby gonna be?
Speaker 1 (08:08):
And whatnot. I'm just like, well, I'm gonna take some
money out of my super and pay for some electronics.
So she brought an iPad and then I just started
working around with it. And then someone's like, oh, can
you do a logo for us? I'm like cute, So
like that's my first little job.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
That's so awesome.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
And then they told someone, they told someone, and then
I did another artwork for I think it was like
a Nate oc weak thing, and did lenyards for a
business and they're like cool, and then someone else and
then like I just wear a mouth keept getting around.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
That's great that it's like authentically grown.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
Yeah, it was like amazing and like and it's gotten
bigger since, like in the last twelve months. The stuff
that I've been a part of art wise, has I
never thought like, oh, I never thought, oh I've got
a I'm showing art somewhere next week, or I'm launching
my artwork as part of a wrap for a huge business,
(09:03):
and you know, it's it's a bit mind boggling because
I'm more of a you know, to the left in
the shadows. Give me that check. I don't want to
talk to any one.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
But now everyone's like, please tell us about the art.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Yeah, now here, I am on this podcast.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Actually this has happened. Well, we've talked about wanting to
have you on the podcast before anyway, but I just
happened to be Oh, sorry everyone, Cotney's not here today.
She got pulled into a meeting. She says, hi, and
she loves you all. But Cotney was in town and
she was like, oh, let's record a podcast. So I
was like, oh'll text Jake and be like, are you
doing anything tonight? Do you want to come record a podcast?
(09:41):
And that's just us so yeah, yeah, so I was.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
I was planning to sit on the couch and me
like forty dollars worth a CAFC.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
But this is I'm doing this for your health.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah, well close the gap. I'm no longer statistics. Oh god,
inside jokes, guys.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Some white person's listening right now. They're like, I do understand.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
What's kind sorry Becky?
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Okay, so it's it's blown up. Are you loving it?
What do you think contributed to that? Because I know
not only just because I'm me and obviously love Queer
First Nations representation, but I also of course work at
Mardi Gras and spend a lot of time looking into
First Nations talent, be they singers, DJ's artists, and trying
(10:33):
to find Queer First Nations artists because of course we
want to have people from this particular community work on
projects with us. There's like only a handful in there,
so I'm sure like a bunch of people are like,
we really want to uplift artwork from this particular community.
Do you think that's been part of it or do
you think like people just really love your stuff and
it's just grown.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
I think like now, because I'm I'm like past the
point of like I know my worth. So prior to that,
it was like, you know, I couldn't pick and choose
and like I was just like, yeah, just give me
the money, give them money, oh yeah, and you know,
filling those tokenistic gaps throughout the year for clients for
(11:13):
a check hey bucks. Now, so past that point of
you know, knowing my worth and being in a position
to pick and choose the clients, it's it's really liberating
and it's such a great feeling to be in that position.
(11:36):
But also sorry, I'm off track with your question. Yes,
in the space of art where it comes to black
queer people.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Think it's growing.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
It is definitely growing.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
They want it to grow.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Yeah, because like working for an organization and we're sorting
out these artists in these spaces, it's like, holy shit,
there's a lot like it's growing. And then I'm like,
oh my god, Like I didn't know that person was
black and queer. I knew that black, but I didn't
know all that one that person is queer dinner, they're black,
and it's like, oh shit, they were just coming out
like that's great, and it's so amazing. And you're seeing
(12:10):
a lot more people sharing everyone's talents and like just
putting a spotlight on someone. It's amazing. I'm seeing it
a lot lately.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
And I love that in our community in particular, the
majority of the time, we are all so happy to
uplift one another. It's never like, oh, you do art
and I do art, or you have a podcast and
I have podcast, so we can't talk to each other
or whatever. It is like where we know we're a
small community and we're stronger when we empower one another
(12:40):
and collaborate and work with one another on like really amazing.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Projects like you think, yeah, like you think in the
like Sydney for example, like the queer community so fricking small.
It ain't six degrees of separation, it's like one. And
then then you put it as like black were, then
it's like zero minus two. Yeah. Yeah, but no, like
(13:04):
the spaces for queer black artists is like it's growing. Yeah,
and even like being like going to queer like creative
spaces has opened up like I didn't even know that
they're someone introduced me to them, like holy shit, like
and now I'm part of that space. And also like
(13:25):
there's artists unknown who some aren't really advertising that they're queer.
They're just like a you know, First Nations artist.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Yeah, they're just like doing their thing. They don't feel
like their sexuality has to come into it, which is
also obviously.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Totally fine, totally fine, Like you know, you don't have
to be in that box.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Oh, and I think some people worry about putting themselves
in that box. Like I even I reflect on my
career in general, every single job I've ever had has
been an identified role. And there was a period there
where I was thinking of like am I pigeonholing myself
by going for these identified positions because I'm like good enough.
(14:04):
You know, some people have the misconception that identified roles
you get it because it's an identified role. You don't
get it because you're fantastic for the job. And I
was like really rebelling against that for a while. I
was like, should I go and work in a in
a non indigenous space, But also I don't want to
do that, Like I love working within and for community,
(14:25):
so it makes sense that I would land in positions
that are identified because I'm here and I'm like, I
want to uplift community. I want to work with mob.
So of course I'm not going to work for like
a random bank that doesn't have an Indigenous program. That
doesn't make sense for the kind of work that I
try to do.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
But I think I'm like in the Black Girl the company,
no one.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Wants that and that, and that reminds me of when
you were talking about like being able to pick and
choose what you do is a point that can be
I think scary to get too, and I've seen it
with like my public speaking work, like when I started
charging people for me to appear on Panels. I was
(15:09):
really nervous about it, and I like, I one can
guarantee you I'm definitely still underselling myself, Like when people
ask would you like to speak for this, and I'm like,
is this paid opportunity? And usually they're like no, and
I try and be like, well, look, I would usually
charge X amount of dollars, but I'll do it because again,
I like, I want a black person to be on
(15:31):
that panel. I want a black person to be where
whatever these spaces are that I'm being invited to. But
I think it's hard for mob when like you have
that push and pull between I want us to have
representation here, but I also deserve to be paid for
the work that I do. And I think that's a
huge issue within the artistic space.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
And I think the message to take from this everyone
that's listening is no, you're fucking worse, Like, don't understand yourself.
Go for the maximum, Like, don't even go for like
the coffee table or the cup on the coffee table,
go for like the fucking ceiling, you know what I mean,
by the room, by the room. And then they'll talk
you down and then it's like okay, well, you know,
(16:11):
like Okay, we're can agree on that because I was
only going to charge you this much anyway.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
So that's good. That's pretty good. Did you did you
just learn that because you're staunch in general, or by
having creatives around you?
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Did you?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
I've had I have creatives around me, and I've leaned, leaned,
I've leant on them and asked questions about you know, this,
this and this, and it's like then then they asked
me questions, are you going to do this, this, and this?
I'm like, oh shit, I didn't think of that. So
every time I'm asking, I'm learning. I'm learning. I'm learning.
But I think I've set a bar now. Like I said,
(16:47):
I can pick and choose because if someone doesn't align
with me, then I'm just like I'm sorry, it's out,
or I don't really say that I overcharged, and then
I don't want to say no, so I'm staunching dollars.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
I love that. But like it's wonderful to see people
in community like holding themselves to their worst and being
like no, because yeah, it's just it's for me personally.
It's something that I continue to struggle with a lot
with the work that I do in community even without
podcast Like according and I are always like, oh, should
we like try and figure out a way, like, oh,
(17:28):
maybe we should apply for a grant or something, And
we're always like between the do we try and create
funds to do what we love and continue to create
content for community? When really this started recording on my
phone and I was just doing it because I loved it. Oh,
I will always continue to do it because I love it.
But boy or boy money short us help me record shit?
Speaker 1 (17:53):
And if we weren't like those like high Death Audio.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
See what you're hearing right now, it's because Neil let
us do this for free. If we had to pay
for studio space just to have a quality podcast, then
like that's coming out of Courtney nice pocket. And I'm
sure it's the same thing of like you're buying equipment
to whether it be like physical painting, drawing that sort
(18:19):
of stuff or the iPad and all of the systems
that you used to and like where's that coming from, bitch?
Exactly Like we don't want any creative to have to
do this. And I'm sure Neil. I only say Neil
because I can literally see him through the window. Sorry, everyone,
if you don't know who Neil is, Go listen to
the other podcast episodes as a musician. Same thing like
(18:42):
booking space. So I think it extends to anyone within
a creative field who's making anything to be able to
like put ourselves what's the word thinking of, to be
able to like show ourselves that way worth something.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Yeah, and on that too, I would ply mention, you know,
if you have a skill set or you have a
hobby that you enjoy and you want to start making
money off it, don't be scared to do it. Yeah,
there are costs involved eventually, like you know, there was
some more money, more problems. But like like for example,
you know, I didn't realize the costs in taxes when
(19:15):
you get over a threshold, right, taxes, your own super insurance,
all the programs you use, like in Adobe is not
freaking cheap, you know, things like that. And if you know,
I fall sep with my iPad on my bed and
I flick the dinner in the middle of that, the
iPad is flying and like if I break, I'm like,
you know, there's you know, stuff like that you don't
think of. But the like as you get more busy
(19:37):
at the costs go up. But like you'll be making
more money, so I'll be right. But at the start, like,
don't freak out, just do it. Yeah, get your head
around it. You'll be right. Just dive in the deep end,
like just do it. Don't be scared to follow your dreams.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Oh my god, inspiration just like dropping facts every day
on the podcast, someone's gonna like make you know those
Instagram things where it's like a beautiful photo in the background,
it's like the quote across.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
That guy who's that chubby guy, or it's like there's
that photo of him like looking up to the sun
and the clouds, and he's always like and then was
like my first day of my diet or something like.
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Is it well for real?
Speaker 1 (20:21):
No, not him. That's a singer like the Husky Voye.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Yeah, I know exactly.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
I don't know. Like he's got that like distinct laugh.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
He's in all of those comedy shows.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Zaki, Miriam, Maker Porno.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
He is the guy that, oh god, we're gonna remember
someone tell us, so you're would you call it a business?
Would you call it an organization? Like in your dog
like tell us about how we got to that name,
because I kind of love it.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Yeah, So yeah, if you don't already follow me, it
is on Instagram. It's any dot art in your in
your dot it's I was looking back on my Instagram
and it went back to like seven years when I
(21:15):
put up the first couple of like little paintings and
I named it in your Dot art, and I was like,
ha ha, like this is funny. Yeah, and then it's
just gone from there. And I think, also it's a
good little giggle to myself when you know, like white
(21:35):
people have to say it, Yes, that's hilarious.
Speaker 2 (21:37):
And also they might not like kind of understand the
lingo of like why that's a bit funny.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Yeah, Like they get it though, like you can tell
they get it. Yeah, and then like some of them
try and like put a spin on it and like
sound French or something when they say it. I'm just like, no,
it's in your not in you or something. Oh, that's fine,
it's hilarious. So, like, for example, today I did a
(22:01):
launch We've got some artworks in a rap and I
was being interviewed and the lady who was interviewing me
kept saying, in your dot and then I can see
her smiling, and the guy, like the sound guy was
like like smirking as well, and I'm just like, all right,
just stop saying the name. I will say it because
I can compose myself. But when someone else says that
(22:22):
it's different.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
I love it. And I feel like it gives it's
aligned with the energy that you give as a person,
Like it's funny, it's playful, and of course like you
want that myriad within your business as well.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Yeah, and it's like a it's like a like lingo
that we use as Blackfellows was like in your dot
you know what I mean. Like, so it's just like
that's it. That's it. Like it's got nothing to do
with like dot painting or any like. It's just it's
just the thing, you know.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I don't know, it's so fun. So you've got some
really exciting things coming up. Tell us a bit about
all of the things that you're juggle.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
So, because we're just coming out of Reconciliation Week, we're
coming up to a nighttoc week, so you know, it's
very very busy in that space. But once that cools down,
then I've got a couple of things that will be
launching leading up to World Pride. So watch this space.
I can't deal, Like, it's blowing my mind that I'm
(23:23):
even a part of this. There are two things. One
thing is very close to home and the other thing
is next level. I can't wait for it to drop
because I'm going to share the shit out of it.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
Yeah, I will share it as well. We'll be like
drive over that episode we listened to when he said
something is happening, this.
Speaker 1 (23:41):
Was it and in saying that, like if you just
want to purchase some stuff off me now before you
know that name goes like in the sky that up,
So hit me up. But yeah, watch this space. A
lot's happening. I'm really excited be on that journey with
me and be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
All right, thank you so much for having an amazing
chat with me. I really love digging into indigenous startup business,
creative and just like holding ourselves where we should be,
which is at the top. And I think that you
do that every single day in the work that you do.
So where can people find you? Just your website, Instagram,
all those sorts of things you want to drop your number?
Speaker 1 (24:21):
Sure, so she's currently single. Website is in your dot
art dot com rolls off the tongue. It's amazing. There's
still some things that need to be uploaded, so just
watch this space. Same with Instagram. It's at in your
dot art they're the two main platforms. Follow me, you
(24:41):
have any of my artworks, you may purchase at a show,
you know, put it out there, plug it, tag me,
whatese do the thing because everyone that's listening right now
and has anything of mine or is going to get
anything of mine before the end of the year. You
can say I knew him when I love that hashtaging
you don't.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
You remember we had you on the podcast, yeah, before
you were too much of a celebrity to talk to me.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
You can call my people. All right.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
You can follow us at Coming Out Black b l
a K on Instagram. We also have a Facebook page. Look,
I'm gonna be honest, we don't really use it, but
it's there if you want to go, and you can
also of course follow me or Courtney. Our instagrams are
in our instabio. Oh also, if you want to send
us an email, you can go to Coming Up Black
at gmail dot com and tell us that you want
(25:29):
to be on the podcast. All right, thanks so much
for listening and we'll see you next time.
Speaker 1 (25:34):
Thanks guys, Bye bye,
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