True Colours
5 - min read
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Join us on National Coming Out Day in Australia as we celebrate the journey to self-empowerment with photographer Eric Brumfield and drag costume designer Kate Kelly-Johnson.
True Colours
REFLECTING ON NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
A message of self-empowerment is central to the work of photographer Eric Brumfield and costume designer Kate Kelly-Johnson, who join us in celebrating National Coming Out Day. Both Eric and Kate reflect on the power of a creative spirit that transcends age, race and gender. Whether it be capturing a portrait or designing a costume, the act of creation ultimately opens our minds and hearts to the diversity of the human experience.
Eric Brumfield continues to learn about himself with each person he photographs. Looking at one of his portraits, you are immediately struck by his subject’s magnetic aura, captured in the context of dynamic colour, lighting and prop elements. Thematically, Eric’s work often explores the vibrancy of Australia’s queer community, celebrating the unique personal journeys of those who have taken ownership of their individuality.
‘Being queer, I come from a place where queer people have always had to think outside the box and use their imagination, given the society that we live in. I’m always about empowering other queer people with my work, and really showing them their power that they sometimes forget they have,’ Eric says.
The storytelling lens
Having worked on projects with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the South Australian State Theatre Company, Eric’s approach to storytelling is centered upon the values of truth and optimism. From commercial campaigns to privately commissioned portrait series, Eric is dedicated to giving others a voice through his work, particularly members of the queer community.
‘I feel that it’s very important for people to be queer and comfortable in their own skin, and for that to be recognised in the community. National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to support people in acknowledging their queerness,’ he reflects.
The artform of drag is another recurring theme in Eric's work. As he notes, drag exemplifies the celebration of personal empowerment, and it is so widely celebrated today due partly to globally loved TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the presence of drag artists with millions of followers on social media. Drag is a dynamic synergy of persona, music, art and design, engaging multiple creative discourses in the performance process.
‘I think drag is the ultimate activism and ownership of your queerness and creativity. I have so much admiration for people who do drag. From the performance, to the costuming, to the makeup, it's got so many elements you can play with. It really goes hand in hand with photography. Each individual brings their own persona, and that makes for an endless collage of creativity.’
Messages of optimism
As Eric shares, being queer can mean you are on a path that isn’t necessary paved out for you in society. The world can feel dark and confusing at times, so the knowledge that your community is there to support you, and celebrate you for you who are, is greatly uplifting.
‘I’m always drawn to flowers and colour, which I want to capture in order to make others feel hopeful and optimistic on their journey. For me personally, art and photography has been a huge aspect in my journey to taking ownership of my queerness,’ he says.
What is some of Eric’s advice for overcoming the darker days when we feel blocked in expressing ourselves personally and creatively?
‘Get in tune with your body and your mind. Become familiar with the feelings and energy that is inside you. It might be that you take a few deep breaths and reflect on what your purpose is, and how you can lift others in the process of fulfilling that purpose,’ he offers.
‘Also think about colour and what you respond to emotionally. Find a colour you connect with and use it more often in daily life, whether that be through art, makeup or fashion. It can tell others a great deal about you too.’
A colourful life
Melbourne-based drag costume designer Kate Kelly-Johnson also perceives the importance of colour and design in the expression of authentic self. While overseas on a university exchange in Manchester, UK, Kate became intrigued by the art of the drag performance, which she witnessed as part of the city’s welcoming and dynamic queer community.
‘I quickly realised that drag design embodies everything I loved about being creative; mixing fashion, costume, art and storytelling. So when I returned home to Melbourne at the start of this year, I began working as a freelance fashion designer specialising in custom made drag designs,’ she shares.
Kate’s work has a delightful child-like essence to it. Her sketches are bright and quirky, and she admits to being a ‘self-confessed colour enthusiast’. Having created custom outfits for friends, clients, and even the likes of Juno Birch - one of the world’s most celebrated drag identities - Kate reflects that our fashion, style and colour choices show the world who we are and what we stand for. This is never something to hide.
‘Even if you don’t know someone who has come out, it is important to acknowledge National Coming Out Day and respect the bravery of those who are telling the world who they authentically are. The people in my life who are LGBTQIA, have the strongest personalities of anyone else I know, and to me they are very inspiring because of their confidence,’ she says.
Kate’s advice is to embrace our imperfections, acknowledging that the ‘messy work’ often yields the most authentic outcomes. Whether it’s an inflatable jacket, or a tiger-print coat, owning your individuality comes from trusting yourself. Her work favours bright and bold colours that are impossible to ignore, and she notes Pomegranate Red as her favourite shade from the MAISON de SABRE collection.
‘My design teacher at Manchester Metropolitan University said to me one day after looking at my work, “You’re a little crazy, aren’t you? Don’t stop being crazy, people like crazy”.’
‘I think that sums up everything I believe about trusting your individuality and creativity. Everyone’s vision is unique, and the world should see it,’ says Kate.
Juno Birch's portraits are shot by Jade Hannah
Eric's still life series shot exclusively for MAISON de SABRÉ features The Phone Case in Black Caviar, The Pocket Bifold in Emerald Green and The Clutch, now available to pre-order with a refined new silhouette.
What do you stand for? Shop our collection of personalised leather goods in an uplifting colour palette, inspiring others to join you in celebrating your authentic self.
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