Today we’re joined by Lex, who also goes by Ceinos. Lex is a wonderfully versatile artist. They’re an aspiring writer who specializes in short stories and flash fiction, both of which they’re quite passionate about. Aside from writing, Lex also dabbles in crafts and does some jewelry making. They’re also starting to do some cosplaying and costuming. Lex is incredibly enthusiastic about art, as you’ll soon read, and is obviously incredibly dedicated. My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
I am mainly a writer, especially of short stories and some flash fiction. I haven’t been published yet (aside from self publishing online!) but I’m working on getting together a collection of ‘expanded’ fairy tales that I can try to get published. I’d love to write novels someday but right now I don’t have the endurance to do that.
I also do some crafting on the side, mostly jewelry making and a little bit of costuming/cosplaying (I’m working on getting more into it!).
What inspires you?
Almost anything can inspire me to write a story, from a dream to a piece of visual art to a story prompt. Most of my stories start out as an image in my head based on my inspiration, and putting that image into words is what kicks off the writing process.
Jewelry that I make is usually based on a specific person that I intend to give it to.
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
I’ve been telling myself stories since I was very young, and my love of reading was probably a big help in wanting to write. As I get older, looking back on the way reading and books have influenced my life, I want more and more to have a positive influence like that on other people.
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?
None that I can think of, although maybe incredibly detailed descriptions of scenery count? Since I’m usually writing from an image in my head, I want to try and give my readers that same picture, if I can.
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
Practice, practice, practice! I know you’ll hear it a lot, but it’s the only way you’ll get better. If you feel really stuck, put it down and look at it again the next morning. Don’t throw out your work, even if you don’t like it—you can look back on it and see things you did well and things you want to change. And most of all, don’t let anyone (even your internal critic!) stop you from doing something you love to do.
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I’d call myself very asexual. I’m also sex-repulsed.
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
Definitely a lot of ignorance. There seem to be so many people who think that Relationship = Must Have Sex, or that it’s something that everyone wants, and it’s very tiring to be reading and enjoying something and then suddenly the love interests are sleeping together, or sex is being described as the be all end all of love and relationships, or the existence of ace people is being ignored.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
Mostly that it’s the same as aromanticism. I get a lot of surprised, “You’ve dated people? But I thought you were ace!”.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
You’re not broken, there’s nothing wrong with you. If you need someone to talk to, there are lots of us here who can help. Don’t let yourself get pressured into anything you’re not 100% comfortable doing. And don’t worry about if your labels or identity change: the possibility that they might doesn’t invalidate the fact of how you feel about yourself now.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
I maintain two Tumblr blogs: draconiclore.tumblr.com and pallis-cat.tumblr.com. I also go by Ceinos on Archive Of Our Own: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Ceinos/pseuds/Ceinos
Feel free to come talk to me!
Thank you, Lex, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 