Artist Statement
My work addresses how corrupt power affects identity and self-esteem, particularly in regards to LGBTQ+ issues. There is rampant narcissism and abuse of power in our government, religion, and social structures. I address these dynamics through music, storytelling, and mixed media.
“Artemis, love in stone and stars,” my debut novel, is set to be released in April 2026. It is a lesbian and feminist retelling of the myth of Artemis and Kallisto. It is about how women love and grieve while existing in a patriarchal culture.
I was raised in a Catholic household where I was taught that my same sex attraction was a demon inside me that could be “fixed” with prayer. I was taught that what felt bad was actually what was correct and good. This led me down a convoluted and painful path, and a long journey of healing and relearning how to be my natural self. In becoming my drag persona “Slay-tan, the Hottest King” I have become what I was taught to be afraid of. My work exalts the transformation of fear into courageous embodiment.
Embodiment has always been a challenge for me, and my work illustrates the struggles of gender incongruence I have experienced throughout life. I have written a series of songs that share both the pain this has caused as well as anthems celebrating and encouraging freedom of individual expression, even in the face of resistance. While I recognize that everyone has different experiences of exploring and defining their identity, I hope people will see parts of themselves reflected in the pieces and find reflection, companionship, and healing
ARTIST BIO
Newsong is a transdisciplinary artist, musician, educator, and healer living and working in Northern New Mexico. NewSong.Studio was created as the umbrella under which all of the magic happens. Their work explores issues related to and often stemming from the complexities and nuances of the human experience such as embodiment, identity, spirituality, and healing trauma. Newsong is also the author and illustrator of a the story “The Three Princes,” a commentary on corrupt power through the lens of a painterly fairy tale. Newsong’s latest album “Real” was released in July 2023 and comprises hopeful anthems and stories about gender dysphoria, identity, mental health, and spirituality. They are due to release their first novel in April of 2026- “Artemis, Love in Stone and Stars”- a pagan, lesbian, and feminist retelling of the myths of Artemis.
Newsong has called northern New Mexico home for more than 12 years. Raised in the Poconos in Pennsylvania by a family of musicians, Newsong learned from an early age the importance of music and artistic expression, which encouraged them to study at a local art school and endeavor on a multitude of artistic pursuits. Newsong went on to study art and music at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, where they received their BFA with a focus towards becoming an Art Therapist, and studied jazz with violinist extraordinaire John Blake Jr and head of music Micah Jones. Newsong also apprenticed with a woodworker and general contractor.
Newsong’s work has been included in several exhibitions in Philadelphia, while they also provided private commissions. Newsong’s career has been defined by opportunities to extend what they have learned from one context to contribute to the innovations in others—from playing violin in different bands, including jazz, kirtan, irish, folk, writing radio jingles, to doing drag, writing folk songs, studying classical music, acrylic and mixed media paintings, writing books, crocheting stuffed monsters, performing at ren faires, and growing a fabulous garden.
Even so, Newsong’s visual artistic expression has been a more inward journey, focusing on creating personal art for their own healing journey, avoiding the lure of social media, while creating poignant pieces for the people in their life. And, though that journey led to intermittent productivity as they addressed their own trauma, Newsong has come to understand that because of their own emotional work and undertakings, their work may also be of benefit to the viewer by holding space for conversations around difficult and emotional subjects. Newsong now hopes that by making their personal work available more publicly that the imagery held therein–born from healing and transformation–has a meaningful effect on all who witness it.
