I am so thankful to be offering my first Artist Series with Zombie Pux. I could have not asked for a better partner to work with on my first collaboration ever.
My experience with Dan was fun, exciting, motivational, inspirational, and thrilling from day 1. Our first phone call went on and on because we couldn't shut up. Our DM's and voice memos throughout the project were just ridiculous, filled with laughter and motivation and downright love for one another. We wanted to do something spooky, unusual, unique and something that wouldn't pigeon hole us to our typical teams. I suggested Halloween - Dan suggested "Hughes Bros." The rest, as they say, is history.
But I'll let Dan tell you the rest!
-Lacey
September 13th, 2024; Midnight
What is your hockey story, how did you get into it?
I’ve always been a Bruins/hockey fan, but it was Tumblr that got me into the fandom side of hockey years ago! It was the need to draw
As a queer person, why do you stay in a community that is pretty vocal (at least online) about not wanting queer folks in it?
Because we deserve to be here! I’ve dealt with harassment, and would love to keep showing up until it’s safe for everyone to even just go to a hockey game!! I want younger generations to never have to worry about what bathroom to use or if they’ll get picked on for being themselves.
If you could change one thing about hockey culture right now, what would it be?
The toxic masculinity. Very broad, but it has to go. Let everyone sparkle and smile and be pretty. Let everyone in. Don’t be afraid to just be kind and sweet to each other! What’s wrong with that?!
How does your artwork make hockey more inclusive?
I am here to bring a dark energy to my hockey pieces! Everyone gets to be beautiful, handsome and sexy. A little goth, a little vampiric. I love playing with dark, inky line work and vibrant colors you might find in an 80s gay dance club.
How did you get started in making art/hockey art?
Hockey art started on Tumblr years ago, but I fell off and focused on band art. But then I saw an interview with David Pastrnak and had to draw him. I haven’t stopped since, and I’ve never felt so good in my life! His sense of fashion, his bright colors and sparkly personality (and cute fingernail polish) are so fun to illustrate and inspire me to make the best art I can and be the best person I can!
Have you ever given your artwork to a hockey player you’ve drawn or has someone you’ve drawn ever seen it online or engaged with it? What was their reaction?
I have been lucky, I have tons of amazing stories about giving people art! It’s been the most magical experience. I did get to give David Pastrnak some of my prints, and he was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met about it. Please go out and give people your art! You’ll make someone’s day with it
Why do you think it’s important for queer artists to make hockey artwork, whether it’s queer-based art or not?
Because it’s our time to start taking up space. We love this sport, we love illustrating it, we have every right to be here just like all the illustrators before us. And we’re gonna make everyone look amazing!! The amount of queer artists who like hockey is crazy, everyone else needs to see the talent we have waiting in our community! You’ll be stunned if you haven’t seen it yet!
How does your hockey artwork make room for acceptance and growth for the next generation of queer or otherwise marginalized hockey fans?
I draw all the things I want to be here, but also keep my comments and DMs open so everyone can talk to me! Because I think having support, community and examples of other queer people jumping into the hockey art scene is vitally important to building a space for the next generation. Plus making sure everyone I draw has cute eyelashes, very needed, very necessary.
How did the idea to work with Double Hockey Stix come about?
We were yappin about gay hockey stuff, and Lacey asked me! I couldn’t stop screaming about it. I still am. It still feels surreal this is even happening!
What was the process like for you? How did you get inspired, when did you work on it? Did you have a muse?
Lacey was soooooo funny and sweet and encouraging!! They were a dream to work with, it seemed like we basically had all the same visions for everything! As far as getting the art done, I listened to Pam Rabbit basically the whole time I worked, and now she’s basically the soundtrack to this collab for me! (I encourage you to check her music out, she’s the best vibe) David Pastrnak is also always my muse, even when he isn’t featured. I look at him and wanna draw cool things!
You recently started your own hockey brand that features your artwork. What was that process like and did you ever think you’d be a brand owner in the field of hockey? Please tell us about that and drop a link so people can shop it!
Ahhh this is still so surreal to me, too!! I always wanted to sell my art, but was so lost, and Lacey helped get me the courage to jump on board and make my stuff available to you guys to purchase!! It’s Bruins-centric, but with love for other teams, too!! You can find me at zombiepux.art
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey as an artist, hockey fan, or queer person that you think our audience needs to know?
I need everyone who’s thinking of making hockey art (no matter what kind it is) to put it out there. You deserve to be seen, we need to see your work!! It’s scary getting started, but you’re doing something amazing. Also, I hope David Pastrnak had a great day today, he deserves it.
Please share all relevant social media, websites and places where people can reach you, support you, and follow you!
Sure thing!!
Instagram and twitter are @zombiepux
And my website is zombiepux.art
