Emily Savill Photography
Annajane Dauphine - Artist
I photographed Annajane in late October 2016, right before the 2016 presidential election. I had just come out of a deep depression, and was flung right back in again. I've never had great faith in humanity, but the fact that we as a whole nation could allow someone so repugnant in every imaginable way to take control of the country just wrecked me and took me back to that headspace that tells me that nothing I do is good, nothing I do matters to anyone, and there is, generally, nothing I can do. I barely touched my cameras in the last two years. Every time I would think to, I'd think of all of the far more talented and successful photographers in the world, and even locally, and know that I shouldn't waste my time or money. I am working hard to break these feelings again, in hopes of, at the very least, letting myself enjoy my favorite hobby again. To that end I want to continue this Weird in Lancaster project and continue connecting with local folk.
Annajane Dauphine is a local painter and living work of art. Her art is full of whimsy and color; it evokes joy and excitement. The best description of Annajane’s work comes from her artist's statement: “Annajane Dauphine is a multi-media artist who creates positive and colorful work without attempting to make a statement or convey a concept. Whatever the viewer experiences with each piece is individual. Influenced by folk and tattoo art, 20th century kitsch and camp, and a sex positive viewpoint, Annajane’s work is an amalgamation of things that make an ordinary life, magical.”
Weird Lancaster: How long have you lived in lancaster/are you originally from lancaster?
Annajane: I’ve been in Lancaster for 3 years, I'm from chester county.
WL: When did you know you were weird?
A: I knew i was weird in Kindergarten. I went to a Montessori school, it was very interactive, with lots of play and sharing and freedom. I had pomegranate juice for lunch one day, I was drinking it and a little girl sitting next to me asked me “Is that blood?!” Without thinking I said “Yes I'm a vampire!” That girl stayed away from me for like a week after that.
WL: What’s your favourite weird place in lancaster?
A: The Rabbit and the Dragonfly, I like thats its literary themed and that they have board games and good drinks. It's very comfortable.
WL: Where do you feel most comfortable being yourself?
A: At home or in the studio.
WL: How did you gain confidence?
A: I allowed myself the freedom to not pretend to be like other people.
WL: What inspires you?
A: Mythology, underground communities, and love.
WL: It seems that sex has a big role in your work, can you talk about your feelings on sex positivity?
A: I grew up feeling like sex, especially before marriage, was going to damn you to hell and ruin your life. A lot of my self worth was placed in my virginity, and I had such guilt about sexual thoughts and actions. Allowing myself to embrace my sexuality has allowed me to live a fuller and less stressful life. There's so much beauty in sexuality and I wish more young people were encouraged to embrace it rather than fear it.
WL: Who or what is most influential to your style?
A: In the grand scheme Tim Burton, but my style doesn't really emulate him anymore.
WL: How long have you been making art?
A: Since I was in kindergarten.
WL: What are your plans for your artistic future?
A: Whatever the fuck happens, happens!
WL: What mediums do you work in?
A: Mixed media, currently acrylic paints mainly.
WL: Do you express yourself with fashion?
A: Yes, and I would like to do that more,
WL: How would you describe your art style?
A: Illustrative pop art with a folk twist.
WL: How would you describe your fashion style?
A: Loud and slutty.
WL: What’s your favourite restaurant in Lancaster?
A: That's really hard, I'll give you three: Eastern Palace, Route 66, and A Slice of Brooklyn.
WL: What is your dream job/are you working it?
A: If what I was currently doing made more money than yes, and I'm trying to find ways to make that happen.
WL: Do you listen to music while making art? If so, what kind?
A: Yes, mostly country music.
WL: Do you have any favourite local artists?
A: Shadai Santiago, I also really love the tattoo scene in Lancaster.
WL: Have people been unkind to you about your weirdness? If so how did you handle it and what did you learn from it?
A: Yes, people have been cruel, specifically with my social interaction and sensory issues. For a long time i just tried to force myself to be what people wanted me to be and tried to socialize the “right” way and ignored my own feelings, and it literally broke me but i just try to live my life now without worrying about what others think.
WL: What would you like to be remembered for?
A: Making people laugh and helping people see things from a new perspective.
WL: How has lancaster changed since you’ve been here?
A: It's become a lot more artistic and people have sorted through a lot of toxicity. There's a lot of young people who aren't letting themselves be silenced and that's a good thing.
WL: What did 7 year old you want to be when they grew up?
A: A fashion designer.
WL: What was your first job?
A: An assistant to a theatre designer.
WL: What advice would you give a struggling young weirdling?
A: Fuck ‘em all!
WL: What motivates you?
A: My preference to live in my own world rather than one I'm forced into
WL: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: My empathy.
WL: What does weird mean to you?
A: I wanna say better. (Laughter)
WL: We did this shoot right before the 2016 presidential election, but I hadn't gotten around to interviewing you until now. Have your thoughts or feelings on the world changed since then?
A: No. I think this is just a cycling of what we've always done forever. The good is never as loud as the bad and it will all work out in the end.
WL: Do you feel art has a place in politics?
A: Yes but i dont think mine necessarily does.
WL: Who would you nominate for the next Weird in Lancaster spotlight?
A: Ellie Carman
WL: How can people buy your art?
A: Message me on Facebook and Instagram @dreamdauphine, Basura on East King Street, and coming soon marketplace on stationonecfa.com
I take commissions for paintings tapestries.
WL: I found myself in a deep depression artistically for the last two years, and I noticed a lot of other artists have too. Have you struggled at all with making art, and if so, how did you overcome it?
A: Yeah, i've struggled a lot because of depression. It makes me really uncreative the only thing that helps me is more cowbell.
WL: Do you think you have grown in the two years since the shoot? In what ways?
A: Yes, first i fell deep down in a dark hole, and I've slowly climbed my way out. I think I'm better at setting boundaries, i care less about people's opinions and i do what i want now.
Do yourself a favor and follow Annajane on all of her social media to keep with her. Her art is truly a light in the dark world we're living in.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamdauphine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamdauphine/
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I spend my own money, without any returns, so every little bit helps me be able to continue producing Weird in Lancaster!
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