ARTIST Q&A

Born: Atlanta, GA

Currently lives: Allston, MA

Title of artwork: Riot For Marsha

What’s it about? I drew this portrait to honor Marsha P. Johnson as a mother of the American queer liberation movement, and to raise money for the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, an activist organization working to continue Marsha’s legacy by defending the human rights of Black trans people.

Where else can we find your work? noahgrigni.com; @noahgrigni on IG; patreon.com/ngrigni; etsy.com/shop/grigni

Where have you been finding inspiration as an artist lately? As a trans person from the deep south, I have always found inspiration in the resilience of my community. This is true now more than ever. I am inspired by my friends and chosen family, supporting each other and embracing mutual aid and activism as a way of life.

One thing you learned about your self or creative practice during COVID-19? This year is a shit show, but quarantine did help me slow down and explore new techniques which I may not have picked up otherwise. I taught myself how to do stick n pokes, and got into pyrography.

Where is your favorite public art piece in the area? My favorite mural in Boston was the Roxbury love mural, before it got torn down!!!!

What would your last meal be? Extra spicy drunken noodles with tofu

Go-to karaoke song? Higher by Rihanna

Title / Author you would choose if it was your turn to host Book Club? People Of Paper by Salvador Plascencia

Favorite take-out spot in Allston/Brighton? El Carrizal Taqueria