Work samples
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cancer.jpgCancer flexes tender hearted pinchers in illustration in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Moon, the home planet of Cancer. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, Jupiter which is in its exaltation, Neptune which is in its exaltation, Saturn which is in its detriment and mars which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Cancer. created in the summer of 2016 -
jupiter.jpg20"x20" sewn tapestry of Jupiter, designed and created by me in the Summer of 2016. -
TT-virgo.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with TT the Artist, my Virgo muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
pisces2.jpgphoto from the Pisces 'queer zodiac project' photoshoot which took place at Kilgore Falls in Maryland's Rock State Park.
About xander
Baltimore City
Hello, I am xander dumas, a multidimensional queer artist who lives in Baltimore. I am self taught and love to practice illustration, fiber arts, photography, graphic design, poetry, film & performance. The ‘Queer Zodiac Project’ is my first independent series, most of my work is created collaboratively with elliot mittens cooperson, we moonlight under the names ‘Ephemeral Fossils’ & ‘The Dandy Vagabonds’.
Aries
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aries.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Aries Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives strength & determination which embody my expression of Aries. Aries hangs in her ring of fire symbolizing Aries’ element & expansive skill in resilience. This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mars, the home planet of Aries. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent the Sun, which is in its exaltation, Pluto which is also in its exaltation, Venus which is in its detriment and Saturn which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Aries. created in the fall of 2016 -
mars.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mars, the home planet of Aries. designed and created by me. -
regina-aries.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Regina, my Aries muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension. -
aries1.jpgillustration of Aries muse in progress. Illustration done with Prisma Markers & a black, fine point pen -
aries2.jpgPhoto of Regina during our Aries inspired photoshoot. This project was done collaboratively in which I asked each of my participants to choose an expression that personified a feeling. Regina practiced her ariel and stilting skills to express her Aries self through the lens of ‘strength & determination’. -
aries3.jpgPhoto of Regina during our Aries inspired photoshoot. This project was done collaboratively in which I asked each of my participants to choose an expression that personified a feeling. Regina practiced her ariel and stilting skills to express her Aries self through the lens of ‘strength & determination’. -
IMG 7477In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed a dynamic queer Baltimore artist or activist who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here Velocity Charms embodies 'Aries" ; known for thriving through obstacles.
Taurus
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taurus.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Taurus Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives grounded & confident which embody my expression of Taurus. Taurus stands firm & dedicated. This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Venus, the home planet of Taurus. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent the Moon, which is in its exaltation, Mars which is in its detriment and Uranus which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Taurus. created in the Spring of 2016 -
Venus.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Venus, the home planet of Taurus. designed and created by me. -
dulcey-taurus.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Dulcey, my Taurus muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension. -
IMG 7496In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Taurus muse grounds firmly with passion & strength. The music is used by permission by Baltimore artist Hyster Majesty created in the Spring of 2016
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dulcey taurus photoshoot2.jpgtaurus muse sharing a story during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
dulcey taurus photoshoot1.jpgtaurus muse sharing a story during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot
Gemini
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gemini.jpg3'x3' multidimensional vignette of my interpretation of zodiac sign Gemini. Within this vignette, I have created a sewn tapestry to represent Mercury, which is the home planet of Gemini. I have the illustrations of the ‘twins’ representing the duality of this air sign based on a photoshoot with Baltimore artist, Alex. I have also included a smaller archival print of sewn tapestry, Jupiter which is in its fall in Gemini. -
mercury- gemini.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mercury, the home planet of Gemini. designed and created by me. -
alex-gemini leather.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Alex, my Gemini muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
alex-gemini.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Alex, my Gemini muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
gemini2.jpgPhoto from our ‘Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
gemini3.jpgGemini muse, Alex, embodying air/soft/light in contrast to deep/hard/dark for our duality photoshoot. -
gemini4.jpgGemini muse, Alex, embodying air/soft/light in contrast to deep/hard/dark for our duality photoshoot. -
IMG 7297In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Gemini muse personifies duality through hard & strong, long & grace.
Cancer & Leo
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cancer.jpgCancer flexes tender hearted pinchers in illustration in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Moon, the home planet of Cancer. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, Jupiter which is in its exaltation, Neptune which is in its exaltation, Saturn which is in its detriment and mars which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Cancer. created in the summer of 2016
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moon.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of earth’s Moon, the home celestial body of Cancer. designed and created by me. -
elliot-cancer.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with elliot, my Cancer muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
elliot cancer queer zodiac.jpgCancer muse flexing at Baltimore's Jone's Falls for part of the Queer Zodiac Project photo series -
IMG 7492In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my tender-hearted, nostalgic dandy strongperson flexes to personify the pinchers of the Cancer crab.
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leo.jpg -
sun.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Sun, the home celestial body of Leo. designed and created by me. -
talani-leo.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with Talani, my Leo muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension -
leo1.jpgPhoto from our ‘Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot. Talani smiles proudly with a sunflower in front of a Baltimore mural of Lion & constellation of Leo. -
IMG 7494In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Leo Muse proudly stands, poised and confident radiating her Sun royalty self.
Virgo
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virgo.jpg3'x3' multidimensional vignette of my interpretation of zodiac sign Virgo. Within this vignette, I have created a sewn tapestry to represent Mercury, which is the home planet of Virgo. I have the illustrations of TT the Artist representing the virgin, based on a photoshoot. I have also included smaller archival prints of sewn tapestry, Mercury which is in its exaltation, Jupiter which is in its detriment and Venus which is in its fall in Virgo. -
mercury-vigo.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Mercury, the home celestial body of Virgo. designed and created by me. -
TT-virgo.jpgillustration based on a collaborative photoshoot with TT the Artist, my Virgo muse. This archival print layers the illustration done with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen, with photoshopped layers on top to add to dimension
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virgo illustration.jpgillustration in progress, based on a collaborative photoshoot with TT the Artist, my Virgo muse created with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen -
virgo illustration2.jpgillustration in progress, based on a collaborative photoshoot with TT the Artist, my Virgo muse created with Prisma Markers and a fine black point pen -
virgo2.jpgphoto of TT in a Baltimore alley for the Queer Zodiac Project -
virgo1.jpgphoto of TT in a Baltimore alley for the Queer Zodiac Project -
IMG 7299In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Virgo muse shows off her many talents in which she has meticulously perfected. Music 'Zodiac Lover' used with permission by TT the Artist
Libra
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libra.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Libra Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives balance & harmony. The illustration of Ignacio is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Venus, the home planet of Libra. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent Saturn which is in its exaltation, Mars which is in its detriment and the Sun which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Libra. -
venus (libra).jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Venus, the home planet of Libra, designed and created by me -
libra1.jpgPhoto of Ignacio during our Queer Zodiac Project Photoshoot -
libra3.jpgPhoto of Ignacio at the 33rd street Labrynth during our Queer Zodiac Project Photoshoot -
libra2.jpgPhoto of Ignacio during our Queer Zodiac Project Photoshoot -
ignacio-libra.jpgmultidimensional archival print which layers illustration with fine black point pen and prisma markers, with photoshopped dimensional elements. -
IMG 7497In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Libra muse walks the 33rd street labyrinth in balance and contemplation.
Scorpio
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scorpio.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Scorpio Muse sits upon a collaged throne of ice-which represents the fixed water element of the sign- This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Pluto, the home planet of Scorpio. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent the Mars which is the classical home planet of Scorpio, Uranus which is in its exaltation, Venus which is in its detriment and the Moon which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Scorpio. created in the fall of 2016 -
pluto.jpg20”x20” sewn tapestry of Pluto, the modern home planet of Scorpio, designed and created by me -
scorpio2.jpgthe intense gaze of Scorpio muse : a photo during our Queer Zodiac Photoshoot in October 2016 -
scorpio 1.jpgmoment from our Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot, October 2016 -
scopio illustration.jpgillustration in process. Prisma Markers & fine black point pen -
Liz-scorpio.jpgmulti-medium archival print of Scorpio. The illustration created using a fine black point pen and Prisma Markers is layered with photos through photoshop to add more dimension -
IMG 7288In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Scorpio muse intently gazes, inviting depth, vast intent & wisdom. Music by Lurch & Holler, used with permission
Sagittarius
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sagittarius.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Sagittarius Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the adjectives warrior & fire. This illustration is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of Jupiter, the home planet of Sagittarius. The planet on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, it represent Mercury which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Sagittarius. created in the fall of 2016 -
jupiter.jpg20"x20" sewn tapestry of Jupiter, designed and created by me in the Summer of 2016.
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Sag3.jpgphoto of jubilant Sagittarius surrounded by element Fire during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
sag1.jpgphoto of Sagittarius muse surrounded by element Fire during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
Sag2.jpgphoto of Sagittarius muse surrounded by element Fire during out Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
sag illustration.jpgillustration in process using prisma markers -
JB sag.jpgmulti-medium illustration using prisma markers & fine point black pen with layered photoshop dimensions. -
IMG 7293In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Sagittarius muse warrior flirts with fire and possesses the flame. Music by Geo Wyeth
Capricorn & Aquarius
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capricorn.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Capricorn Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the element earth. The illustration of Aaron is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Saturn, the home planet of Capricorn. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent Mars which is in its exaltation, The Moon which is in its detriment and Jupiter which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Capricorn. -
saturn.jpg20"x20" sewn tapestry of Satun, designed and created by me in the Summer of 2016 -
capricorn2.jpgphoto of Capricorn muse within element Earth for the Queer Zodiac Project photoshoot -
aaron-cap.jpgMulti medium illustration using Prisma Markers and a fine point pen, with layered photshopped dimensions -
IMG 7487In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Capricorn muse, draped in the vibrant offerings of the Earth, grounds and expands
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aquarius.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Aquarius Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the direction ’breaking down archaic systems’. The illustration of Victor is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Uranus, the modern home planet of Aquarius. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent Saturn, the classical home planet, Mars which is in its exaltation, The Moon which is in its detriment and Jupiter which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Aquarius. -
uranus.jpg20"x20" sewn tapestry of Uranus, the modern astrology home planet of Aquarius. -
aquarius1.jpgphoto from our Aquarius 'queer zodiac project' photoshoot -
victor-aquarius.jpgmulti medium illustration of Aquarius muse, using prisma markers, black fine tipped pen & photoshop to add dimension. -
IMG 7286In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Aquarius muse, surrounded by language archaic & proper, formative & expressive, challenges societal norms. Music by Victor Torres, used with permission by the artist
Pisces
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pisces.jpg3’x3’ multidimensional vignette that layer illustration, a sewn tapestry, archival prints of other sewn tapestries, a painted backdrop, research & exploration. The illustration of my Leo Muse is based on a photoshoot collaboration inspired by the element water, and feeling of ethereal. The illustration of Morgan is in front of a 20”x20” sewn tapestry of the Neptune, the modern astrology home planet of Pisces. The planets on the side are archival prints of other sewn tapestries created for this project, they represent Jupiter, the classic astrology home planet, Venus which is in its exaltation, Mercury which is in its detriment and Mercury which is in its fall. The background is a shimmery painted night sky with the embroidered constellation: Pisces. -
neptune.jpg20"x20" sewn tapestry of Neptune, modern astrology's home planet of Pisces -
morgan-pisces.jpgmulti medium illustration of Pisces muse, using prisma markers, fine point black pen & photoshop to add dimensions -
pisces3.jpgphoto from the Pisces 'queer zodiac project' photoshoot which took place at Kilgore Falls in Maryland's Rock State Park. -
pisces2.jpgphoto from the Pisces 'queer zodiac project' photoshoot which took place at Kilgore Falls in Maryland's Rock State Park.
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pisces1.jpgphoto from the Pisces 'queer zodiac project' photoshoot which took place at Kilgore Falls in Maryland's Rock State Park. -
IMG 7290In February 2016 I started the 'queer zodiac project' in which i photographed 12 dynamic queer Baltimore artists or activists who embodied my interpretation of of their zodiacal sign. I turned these photos into a flip book stop motion 1 minute short film, layering together their talent, my illustration & editing. Here my Pisces muse ripples water, absorbing & gifting magic elixir. Music by Angel Olsen
