Advocacy, equality, self-expression, change: when it comes to Pride, these are just a few of the words that come to mind. The term represents something different to everyone who uses it – and as we reflect on the month, we’re thinking about how these meanings tap into our own values.
For us at Anthropologie, Pride is celebrating diversity, championing inclusivity, and showcasing the creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community in all its technicolour glory – not just for June, but all-year round.
And so, we’ve reached out to three artists leading our Pride-themed events: Gemma Curtis, Emma Hayden, and Linzi Brooks-Dale. From pompoms to pastel-toned portraits, lino-prints to rainbow yarns, the trio share more about their crafts, and why Pride is so important to them.
Read on to hear from the makers themselves (and prepare for a colour splash!).
Life in Colour
Introducing the vibrant minds
behind our Pride 2022 events.
Self-taught lino-print artist (and founder of Wild Water Art Store) Gemma is no stranger to finding magic in the everyday. Her designs capture little snapshots of life in London – a city shopfront, a pair of shoes, a reed-lined pond – and render them in bold ink.
“As an artform, lino-printing is immensely satisfying. My favourite part is the sound the ink makes as you roll it onto the lino block, and that magical moment when you peel back the paper to reveal your design.”
Reminiscing over her first Pride, Gemma tells us, “I remember jumping over the barrier to join the parade and dancing in the Trafalgar Square fountains covered in glitter, feeling freer than I’d ever done before.
“As an artform, lino-printing is immensely satisfying. My favourite part is the sound the ink makes as you roll it onto the lino block, and that magical moment when you peel back the paper to reveal your design.”
Reminiscing over her first Pride, Gemma tells us, “I remember jumping over the barrier to join the parade and dancing in the Trafalgar Square fountains covered in glitter, feeling freer than I’d ever done before.
That said, I know that Pride is as much a protest as a party. We’re not truly free until we’re all treated with love, respect and dignity and have equitable housing, healthcare and education alongside.”
We asked Gemma how allies can support the wider community. “There are so many ways,” she says. “Challenging bigotry when you see and hear it, reading queer-authored books to educate yourself, following queer creatives and supporting their work.”
We asked Gemma how allies can support the wider community. “There are so many ways,” she says. “Challenging bigotry when you see and hear it, reading queer-authored books to educate yourself, following queer creatives and supporting their work.”
Originally from Australia, Emma found her creative niche after moving to East London. Here, her passion for illustration evolved into a full-time career: Emma Hayden Art. Her vivid designs explore everything from bodies to self-expression, packing a colourful punch in the process.
“I like to collect images from just about everywhere – gig posters, sweet wrappers, brochures, graffiti, my own photography,” says Emma. “Anything can be a source of inspiration.
I also draw on my own lived experiences: being a queer woman, taking up space and navigating mental health issues. I've always enjoyed playing around with colour combinations, too – they’re a way to both highlight and celebrate the themes in my work.”
“I like to collect images from just about everywhere – gig posters, sweet wrappers, brochures, graffiti, my own photography,” says Emma. “Anything can be a source of inspiration.
I also draw on my own lived experiences: being a queer woman, taking up space and navigating mental health issues. I've always enjoyed playing around with colour combinations, too – they’re a way to both highlight and celebrate the themes in my work.”
“When I was younger, I didn’t always have LGBTQIA+ role models or creative outlets to help me understand my sexuality. Creating queer-centred art is really important to me, as it can help make others feel seen.”
“Having open conversations with young people about gender and identity is key,” she says, reflecting on how to cultivate more inclusive spaces. “Always ask for other people's pronouns, and try to use them in all settings – workplace included.”
“Having open conversations with young people about gender and identity is key,” she says, reflecting on how to cultivate more inclusive spaces. “Always ask for other people's pronouns, and try to use them in all settings – workplace included.”
Linzi founded The Pompomporium after medically retiring from her role as a teacher. What started as a hobby flourished into a vibrant business; today, Linzi’s love of colour, texture, and joy-sparking pompom arrangements is shared by an ever-growing audience, bringing brightness to homes across the country.
“I went through several periods of being bedbound,” she explains, “and during these times found myself turning to craft to help my mental health. Pompoms never failed to cheer me up! I find bold shades truly invigorating – you’ll find them in my house (and wardrobe) too.”
On the subject of Pride Month, Linzi tells us why virtual events are just as important as the parades and marches.
“I went through several periods of being bedbound,” she explains, “and during these times found myself turning to craft to help my mental health. Pompoms never failed to cheer me up! I find bold shades truly invigorating – you’ll find them in my house (and wardrobe) too.”
On the subject of Pride Month, Linzi tells us why virtual events are just as important as the parades and marches.
“As a wheelchair user, sometimes the bigger Pride events aren’t accessible, so I like to join online events such as local bingo and history talks. It’s very important for me, as a cisgender white woman, to amplify the voices of trans and Black queer women, and share their words where I can."
"I want to make sure that I’m using my platform in positive ways," says Linzi, "so I always make an effort to be proactive. I search for and back Go Fund Me appeals, and donate a percentage of my earnings to charity. It’s vital we support queer creatives all-year round.”
To round off Pride month – and as part of our ongoing commitment to charities supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion – we will be donating £1,000 to QUEERCIRCLE. This recently-opened space offers a safe, holistic environment that celebrates queer identity, champions arts and culture, and supports the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. To read more about the charity, or to donate directly, click here.
"I want to make sure that I’m using my platform in positive ways," says Linzi, "so I always make an effort to be proactive. I search for and back Go Fund Me appeals, and donate a percentage of my earnings to charity. It’s vital we support queer creatives all-year round.”
To round off Pride month – and as part of our ongoing commitment to charities supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion – we will be donating £1,000 to QUEERCIRCLE. This recently-opened space offers a safe, holistic environment that celebrates queer identity, champions arts and culture, and supports the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. To read more about the charity, or to donate directly, click here.