skatin’ n love

Jayveon Caines

(he/they)

23, Brooklyn

New York based illustrator, Jayveon Caines, has been honing his skills in digital & traditional art for the past several years- his work spans a wide range of media: magazine spreads, children’s book illustrations, character designs etc. Originally from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Jayveon enjoys incorporating aspects of his cultural heritage into his work – such as jeweled tones and madras patterns.

Queer Advocacy, Empowerment & Autonomy looks like unequivocal equality. Supporting members of our community, and taking pride in our identities is arguably the most effective way for us to demonstrate queer empowerment and autonomy.

Art allows me to illustrate a joyful reality and a luminous future, and while things are strenuous right now, I feel that visually imagining a better reality brings us one step closer to actualizing it. Art empowers me by reassuring me that I do belong and it serves as a testimony to my queer identity.

My piece features women of varying identities, openly loving one another- a direct result of our queer elders’ efforts. That being said, advocacy should always be a part of our toolkit. A silent voice will never be heard, and speaking proudly will always come with risk, but such risks are necessary for our continued survival as a community and we should acknowledge that.

Cashapp: $jayveon26