Weโre thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with John Jeffries, a self-taught digital illustrator hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Johnโs artistry is a vibrant exploration of nudity, sexuality, self-acceptance, and queer identity, rendered through his distinctive digital illustrations that celebrate the diversity of the human form.
In our exclusive interview, John opens up about his journey @mypinkyourpink, his vision for inclusive representation in queer art, and his innovative approach to celebrating diverse men, both cis and trans. He delves into his artistic choices, from the playful use of pink backgrounds and heart motifs to his unique coloring zines that focus on various body parts, contributing to a narrative of body positivity and self-love.
His commitment to depicting a broad spectrum of race and body types, and separating nudity from sexuality, aligns perfectly with the ethos of Natural Pursuits. Through his work, John challenges societal norms and fosters a dialogue of acceptance and celebration within the queer community.
Accompanying our insightful dialogue, the blog features a selection of Jeffries’ captivating artworks, each piece a testament to his talent and his dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.
John Jeffries Artist Interview
Natural Pursuits (NP): Can you share with us what initially inspired you to focus on illustrations of diverse men, both cis and trans, and what personal or artistic influences shaped this focus?
John Jeffries (JJ): When I began @mypinkyourpink, I knew I wanted to draw nude portraits, but I didnโt know exactly how the project would evolve. I started by exploring social media, searching for individuals who post content that might inspire an illustration. I was looking to have an engaging experience illustrating real people within the queer community.
I eventually began noticing that while representation for various bodies in art does exist, it rarely exists together in the same spaces. Wanting to create a space that included everyone, I expanded the types of bodies that I was including in my artwork. The response was encouraging and powerful and has kept me motivated to continue to keep my art as inclusive as possible.
NP: In your work, you emphasize a broad spectrum of race and body types.This aligns with Natural Pursuits in neutrally presenting the diversity of the human body. How do you maintain this neutrality, and why is it important in your art?
JJ: All too often queer art will focus on the bodies of athletic, white cisgendered men. I donโt like the messages that this lack of inclusivity sends and I want my artwork to be representative of the wide range of bodies that exist and to depict them in a proud and celebratory manner.
This is why I always use a real model or, at the very least, take inspiration from real bodies that Iโve seen online or in the real world. I want everyone to be able to see some part of themselves celebrated in my artwork and hopefully feel some extra pride about their own body.
I think that it is so import to recognize that we all have amazing bodies that are just as valuable and beautiful as those that typically get the most visibility. I still have a long way to go, but I hope to continue to make my work even more inclusive.
NP: Throughout your work you use of feminine elements, like pink backgrounds and hearts for nipples. How do these choices contribute to the overall message or aesthetic of your work?
JJ: I donโt really view these as strictly feminine or masculine elements. I chose the pink background to have something consistent that ties my work together while helping to express a joyful tone while still complimenting different skin tones.
Similarly, the heart shaped nipples were simply an aesthetic choice I made that made me smile while giving things my own personal touch and a sense of cohesiveness to my work.
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Artist Interview (cont.)
NP: Your coloring zines highlight various body parts, like butts and bellies, are quite unique. What motivated you to create these, and what has been the response from your audience?
JJ: Iโm always seeking ways to give my artwork life beyond just existing as a static post on the internet. This is why I started an online shop with physical products featuring my artwork while also keeping things as accessible and affordable as possible.
Almost everything I currently sell I make myself, from prints to stickers, including the colouring zines. The zines were created as an alternative way for people to own my artwork, while also being able to interact with it.
The artwork for the butt and belly zines are all based on submissions from my followers. The response has been very positive. Not only do people get to see themselves (or their butt) in my art, but they get to colour it in, too! Iโm hoping to make more colouring zines in the future!
NP: You often depict nudity without linking it to sexuality. Can you elaborate on how this choice impacts the viewerโs perception and the conversations around self-acceptance?
JJ: Since the society we live in paints nudity as inherently sexual (as shown by Instagramโs policing of nudityโ especially in queer art), I think we tend to shy away from sharing our bodies because they always feel linked to the perception of others. This can make nudity feel like a very vulnerable experience.
Even if we arenโt looking to be desired by sharing our nude body, we sometimes can get preoccupied with worries of rejection or how we will be perceived by others. By depicting nudity without directly linking it to sexuality, it becomes more of a celebration of the body itself for that individual and those who may also relate to it.
I have created an online gallery space where each body is given its own platform, but still exists alongside all different types of bodies. Iโm hoping this creates conversations about the importance of representation and feeling seen, and also the importance of supporting each other despite our differences and personal preferences. We all deserve to feel proud of and at home in our bodies exactly as they are.
NP: What kind of dialogue or reaction are you hoping to evoke in your audience with your art, especially in the queer community?
JJ: My number one goal is to create art that people can see themselves in and promotes feelings of joy and self-love. Nothing makes me happier than to receive a message saying โThis looks just like me!โ I want my artwork to make people feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated and to encourage them to do the same to others. I want us all to support one another and to cheer each other on!
NP: Is there anything else you’d like to share or promote?
JJ: Iโm currently working on a few different projects, but one thing to keep an eye out for is my upcoming dick themed colouring zine!
About John Jeffries
John Jeffries is a self-taught, digital illustrator from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With his art, he explores themes such as nudity, sexuality, self-acceptance, and queer identity.
Website: www.mypinkyourpink.com
Instragram: @mypinkyourpink
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