Josh Dymond, 23, cuts a striking figure in the often-crowded halls of Rideau Centre, where he works as a makeup artist. “I’m working three jobs right now, so it’s a bit of a struggle to make money and plan my future in this economy.” Dymond isn’t the first young person to comment on this hardship; he is unique however, in that each of his jobs provides an outlet for his artistry. The story of the struggling artist is not a new one, but Dymond’s is one that our society is only just beginning to accept. “I’ve been doing drag, performing as a drag queen, for five years now. That’s what got me interested in makeup and that’s why I’m here now, working in the mall.” Dymond describes the amount of makeup he wears as a partof his persona. “I can approach people differently as a woman in my drag makeup then I would as a man in everyday face makeup,” he explains. “As a man when I go out I’ll stay at the bar and just hang out; as a woman I’ll be dancing and having fun that way.” Dymond’s three jobs as a makeup artist, bartender, and drag queen performer each provide a way for him to explore his artistic self. “As a makeup artist I get to paint faces and in drag I do the same. I also design my own clothes, wigs, and jewelry for when I’m a woman.” Despite Dymond’s fears for the future, he is certain that he will continue to nurture his artistic talents; seeing himself as the manager of a makeup store or the owner of his own company.“Maybe I’ll have my own TV show,” he says

Author: Cara Powell