Five questions with... Musician and writer, Elani Evangelou
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We caught up with one of those chosen to create a new work for My Story – musician and writer Elani Evangelou – about her inspirations, creative process, hopes for the future, and how venues like The Box are supporting LGBTQIA+ voices in the arts. For her commission, Elani created a digital zine featuring her poetry, visual art and photography to tell her own and her friends’ stories.
You’re one of four people The Box chose for My Story. How important do you think organisations like The Box are in supporting and amplifying the work and stories of LGBTQIA+ creative practitioners?
Organisations like The Box can provide a platform for people that otherwise may not be available to LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially in smaller cities like Plymouth. Having the opportunity to share my work, and the work of other members of the community, offers a chance for people outside of this culture to gain an insight into the queer experience. Not only that, but it allows those of us within (and on the fringes) of the queer community to connect with one another. I’ve already met so many amazing LGBTQIA+ people through this project.
Can you tell us what inspired you to become an artist, and what drew you to music and the other art forms you use?
I am fortunate to have been raised in a family full of creative people. I grew up surrounded by music and art, so it’s always come naturally to me to pursue a life driven by creativity. When I was a kid I used to write songs with my cousin Amie, and I started performing when I was about 14. My mum has been involved in promoting and organising gigs and festival stages for years. I’m lucky to have been given the opportunity to play live from a young age!
Can you tell us about your creative process, and how you adapted it in a Covid-19 context?
My creative process is, and always has been, very sporadic. I usually thrive off working with other people. I love to play in bands and as a session musician. I love to take photographs of people and bounce off their energy. Adapting this collaborative nature of creating has been a huge challenge over the last year. Fortunately, I live with another musician and we write music together whenever we can. Being commissioned by The Box was a brilliant opportunity to learn new ways of connecting with artists and collaborating remotely.
LGBT+ History Month provides an opportunity for us all to better understand the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. If someone were to take one thing away from your My Story commission, what do you hope it would it be?
Queer people are everywhere. We always have been, and we have stories to tell.
What are your artistic hopes and aspirations for the next five years?
I would love to continue writing music, in the hope of one day recording an album. This has always been a dream of mine that has not yet been realised. I would like to continue making this zine, see where it takes me, and what I might learn from it. Hopefully I will be able to connect more with the creative LGBTQIA+ scene in Plymouth, and anywhere else in the world!
Find out more
You can see all four My Story pieces on The Box’s website, and stay up to date with Elani and her work here.
