Farida Alvarez

A multicultural Londoner, for whom the term multicultural never really sat well; identity has always been a strong theme for Farida. She still doesn't know how to answer the question, “where are you from”. As a lonely only child, diary-keeping was a sort of refuge, and that habit of daily reflection and recollection has evolved into irreverent personal essays and autobiographical fiction.

Farida is in possession of three passports and lives close to an airport. When she’s not writing or thinking about writing, she’ll be vagabonding somewhere or other; pandemics permitting. She also teaches people for money, though in a parallel universe is most definitely a spy.

Meet Farida

How would you define your poetics?

Cheaper than therapy. 

Can you describe your creative process?

There’s a level of catharsis; a purging. An idea that starts out slow and squirmy until it metamorphoses and forgotten words gain legs and march forth onto your screen. They win. It’s amusing, painful and cleansing. 

What’s in the room of your own where you create your Artworks?

I’ve been nomadic for the best part of six years so there’s no room per se. My room is in the Cloud in ‘untitled doc’ and photo form. Back in the physical world, I’ve hung on to my hefty postcard collection of museums, galleries, cities, churches and various, from all over the world. They encapsulate memories, voyages of discovery and joy.

What keeps you inspired and motivated?

The knowledge that I feel a whole lot saner when I do write and finish something. Inspiration is everywhere and the burden of choice can overwhelm. In darker times when the words don’t come and my hands find other tasks, reaching out to my friends reminds me of who I am, my history and moments to draw upon.

How do you think projects like Tits’n’Tales can make a difference?

The benefits of shared experience are invaluable. We’ve got to keep reminding ourselves that there are places to go to escape prejudice, stereotypes, the male gaze, conformity; where we can step into the warm and welcoming judgement-free limelight. Tits ‘n’ Tales is such a place.