Artist Interview - Ollie T (Pt. 2)

What are you working on now?

- Games art wise I'm currently working on the UI for a really fun upcoming indie game by Suncrash called Dream Engines: Nomad Cities. I also just finished a contract with the lovely people over at Thud Media bringing the children's book series Eloise to life in video game form. Drag wise my new digital performance debuted at Bristol Pride 2020 centred around my feelings as a transgender Harry Potter fan and JK Rowling's recent transphobia. 

Apart from Solitaire (obviously) what's your favourite card game?

- I think probably sh*thead, or it's at least the game I've played the most frequently from my gap yahhh. I'm also a big fan of Beeramid, although much like my feelings on glitter, that tends to be one that seems like a good idea at the time but less so the next day. 

2D over 3D - was that a choice or natural path for you?

- I suppose a natural path, although I think it's a path that I'm definitely still travelling on. I've been recently getting back into using Blender, which I'm finding fun again, so 3D is something I'm definitely not taking off the cards just yet!

Pastels or bright n' bold?

- Both! I'm non-binary and bisexual, stop making me choose!

How would you describe your style of drag?

- My style of drag is pretty varied. I typically perform as a deadpan comedy king, with a focus on playing with the theatrically absurd. Oliver's tagline is "the master of a million miserable faces", and my performance tends to involve a lot of puppets with a smattering of political satire on the side. The portrait I painted of myself for this project (the King of Hearts card) is from one of my more serious acts, where I am dressed as a painted version of Vincent Van Gogh, and I recreate Van Gogh's painting "The Starry Night" on my torso with body paint set to Don Mclean's "Vincent". 

What are you most proud of from the last five years?

- I think in the last five years I've made a lot of positive decisions for myself regarding my own mental health and personal choices. I'm proud of taking proactive steps to improve my quality of life, from working hard on my art and drag skills, to stepping up to my new responsibilities as a nearly-step-parent, to coming out as non-binary and living openly as the person I've always been, to allowing myself to find happiness with my incredible fiancé Artemis. Also, performing in New York City was pretty amazing!  

What are you watching?

- We're watching Lovecraft Country at the moment which I'd thoroughly recommend if you like weird spooky stuff. We're also re-watching Steven Universe with the kids, which I'd also definitely recommend to everyone!

Scrambled or fried?

- Both again, as long as we're talking tofu!

Do you have a favourite cabaret song?

- It's tricky to think of anything I haven't ruined for myself by playing it over and over a million times to learn it by rote! Although I still have plans to ruin the classic cabaret song "I Am What I Am" from La Cage aux Folles by dressing as a long Furby. Stay tuned, and afraid.

Clean shaven or full on beardy?

- I like beardy for myself and for other people just whatever makes them feel best about themselves!

Tea or coffee? 

- Coffee, although I'm intolerant to it, so I've become a begrudging tea drinker now :(

Thank you Ollie T for a fab and frank interview.. fully complementing your dazzling Drag Deck… fans are collecting your cards like crazy!