Dr Carmilla: It's all about the hair

"It can be hard and difficult to face a society that doesn’t often cater for oddballs like myself- a disabled, interracial, trans & female-identified genderqueer artist. Of all the careers I could have chosen, why do I cling to something which society already seems to have a problem with dealing with. Few musicians make enough money to earn a decent living wage, yet I work my handful of hours to the best of my ability, much like many people. My job is taxing, tiring and often severely underpaid. If I’d chosen to be a lawyer or a banker, at least I’d be well paid. And money is something which, sadly, is in extra need for people who are at a disadvantage in life, like myself. Adapted equipment can easily cost thousands and all too often society asks that we take that money from our own pockets. Somehow.

But the world certainly doesn’t need more lawyers and bankers and, even if I was suitable for such a job, I’m not very money orientated at all; despite my needs. Above all else, I love my work. I truly, and utterly, love what I do. Sure the pay is lousy, but I get to be my own boss. I get to be utterly engaged with the projects I work on. Being an artist gives me focus. And when my mind and body refuse to cooperate, it still gives a me a reason to crawl out of bed in the morning and put a smile on my face."