Del LaGrace Volcano in Two Minutes

Del LaGrace Volcano -“More than any other artist, Volcano’s oeuvre has presented queer, trans and intersex people as subjects rather than objects, since herm’s images are created through looks of identification, affiliation and desire exchanged between the sitter and the photographer.” (Dr Jay Prosser, 2015 from Del’s website) Image: © Del LaGrace Volcano (+ Gerard Rancinan), Paris 2004

Where are you from?

I was conceived in Kansas City, (Missouri) but born in California. I lived in London for more than 26 years, which is longer than I lived in California. For the past 15 years I have lived in Sweden. So I am not sure where I am really from. . .

When did you realise you could make a living from your photography/art?

I am still trying to work that one out. Some years I make a living wage but most of the time I have not and therefore have had to find other ways and means to survive.

What influences your practice?

My practice is informed by my life and the situations I find myself in, be that community or, as is presently the case, the unexpectedly joy of parenting.

Five words that sum up your practice?

Life, Love and the pursuit of happiness.

What is/was an important image for you?

Scott’s Bar, Charmaine & Velinda, San Francisco 1980, which was my first published queer image. This is where I really my photographic journey.

The company that you keep: When you google ‘Del LaGrace Volcano’, the web tells us that “people also search for …” Jack Halberstam, Gabriel Baur and Virginie Despentes How do you feel about being in their company?

Well, I have known, loved and photographed some of the major LGBTQI icons of the 20th century and could add quite a few to the list above. I place an extremely high value on friendships and keeping connections live.