Issue 4. KEVIN
KEVIN + DATE DIP
Kevin (he/him) and I sat next to each other on the first day of our MA program and we’ve been friends ever since. On the exterior, Kevin is practical and realistic, but as you get to know him, he reveals himself to be delightfully silly and tender. His consistency is something I’ve come to depend on. Without needing to be asked he will show up to your art shows, your partner's birthday party, and study dates (that he’ll bring a bottle of Prosecco to). He will rarely cancel plans, and if he does, is extremely (and genuinely) apologetic. He will remember all your friends' names and what they do, and fully embodies a “the more the merrier” attitude in all social settings. I feel lucky to get to be a part of his life and experience all these wonderful elements of him!
The Outfit
When I asked Kevin to describe his outfit in 3 words, he said: Comfortable, Welcoming, + Spicy
Kevin is someone who prioritizes his comfort when it comes to fashion. His taste runs parallel with how I described Kevin as a person - initially practical and realistic, but on further appreciation, delightfully silly and tender. At first glance, you see a comfortable pair of blue pants and a beloved salmon colored t-shirt. But as you look closer, his personality reveals itself through his pasta socks (Kevin loves a fun sock) and his clip-on hoop earring (he’s unsure if he wants to commit to an actual piercing). Whenever Kevin talks about something he’s wearing, he’ll share what material it's made of or the memory associated with it. He puts an emphasis on its quality, whether that’s physical or emotional. He appreciates detail and balance, creating space for his personality pieces to shine.
The Dressing
When I asked Kevin to describe his dip in 3 words, he said: Earthy, Soothing, + Hearty.
For his feature, Kevin created his date dip (a personal favorite of mine). When I asked Kevin about his taste, we dove into the experience of tasting. He is a true natural when it comes to flavor combinations, a talent that all started with boxed mac-n-cheese. Growing up, as he’d prepare it for himself, he’d mix in new flavors and ingredients. This experimentation took on a new force when he watched the critically acclaimed film, Ratatouille. Remember the scene where Remy tries different foods together and unique shapes and firework-like illustrations fill his brain? Kevin saw this visual manifestation of taste and was inspired. For one of his projects at university he cooked different dishes and created visual works that corresponded with the flavors he experienced. I was touched by this story - a love for cooking can sneak up on us in the most unsuspecting ways. For Kevin, it came to him through boxed mac-n-cheese and an animated movie. It’s so wonderfully real.
For this recipe, you’ll need a blender or immersion blender.
The realistic and practical side of Kevin goes out the window when it comes to cooking. He shows his creativity through unique flavor combinations and ingredients, enjoying not just the outcome but the entire process of cooking. In his clothes, we see glimmers of his personality, intentionally chosen and showcased in a way that feels authentically Kevin. In his cooking and his artwork see the fullness of his creativity, showing the fluidity of his creative expression.
For our final project at University of the Arts, London, Kevin created his illustrated works That Looks Gay! which explores how various cultures and places respond to homosexuality. You can read more about it here or on his instagram!
Thanks for reading! Until next time <3