Ophelia N. Cyde

Season 3 Promo

**Ophelia N. Cyde** is the drag character of **/u/child-of-nova**  and a participant of Season 3 of Ms. Paint's Art Race.

## Meet the Queen

**First of all: why drag?**

I’ve known since I was 8 that I’m gay (as hell) and kept it hidden for a long time, trying to conform to the cultural rules set by my upbringing; I tried to butch it up, if you know what I mean. Did this to the point where I even started to think feminine traits and behaviours were bad and were not something that could be accepted in a man. After coming out at 16 I started to feel more comfortable in my skin. I came to accept that “feminine” behaviours were not bad and are just a part of who I am. Around that time I discovered RPDR. I had heard of it but never took the time to watch because at the time I didn’t really understand what drag was and I thought it was just a bunch of talentless gay men running around in dresses screaming and gossiping. Eventually I came to realise and admire the Art that drag is and the immense talent that drag queens possess. They are performers, dancers, seamstresses, hair stylists, make-up artists, comedians and so much more. I especially love the concept of being able to create a character and be able explore different ideas, fashion styles etc. through drag. Things that usually wouldn’t be possible in a “normal” life. I’ve done TERRIBLE boy drag at parties and don’t think I’d be able to do it as more than just a few times a year. Which is why MPAR is a great opportunity for me to be able to express myself through drag and show the world my talents and ideas.

**As an artist and a designer, what would you say your strengths are?**

I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember. It’s my escape from my busy life as a Biology student. I do a lot of small sketches and collages but most of the time I’m designing characters for my own little comic/graphic novel project called Citadel. So, I guess I’m really good at creating a character around different themes, focusing on the fashion and making it a full concept. Fashion and special effects really inspires me and I’m a big Project Runway and Face Off fan. I also have a very eclectic taste in everything (and a culturally mixed background) which would allow me to use references and take inspiration from things that maybe have not yet been seen on MPAR.

**How about weaknesses?**

A practical weakness would be time. Hopefully I will have enough time to work on the lerks each week if my university schedule allows. I also sometimes struggle with colour use because I’m very black/white/grey oriented. But I’ve been working on it and there’s progress.

**Which past MPAR challenge would you have won?**

Oh my god I would have loved to do the Painted for the Gods challenge. I think my Gaia (Greek earth goddess) look would have slayed af.

**What challenge are you hoping for on Season 3?**

A club kid/tranimal runway would be a lot of fun. Another challenge I would die for is a Divine Ball runway; where we would have to make 3 looks inspired by Heaven, Hell and Purgatory.

**What’s your signature look?**

What would Dali’s side hoe wear to the MET Gala? Very that.

**Do pineapples belong on pizza?**

Yes. Sue, me. Anybody who has a problem with that can come over and catch these hands for the low low price of 0$.

**Why do you think you will win MPAR?**

Because I’m whAT? SICKENNING! I’m confident that I’ll be able to rise to the occasion every week and turn some stunty looks.

**Is there anything else that you want viewers to know?**

Does anybody know how to get out of the emo phase? ……….asking for a friend.

### Countdown to the Crown Awards

* Ultimate Dark Horse of the Competition
* Tightest Lip-sync - Honorable Mention, vs. Elise Utried
* Best Unused Lip-sync Look - Week 8, "I Don't Care"