I often say about myself that I am everything and nothing. We’re all walking paradoxes, carrying entire spectrums of contradictions that somehow make peace with each other.
Lynx speaks about something similar when she describes the two versions of herself: the one drawn to nature, the sea and a slower rhythm, and the other that finds freedom in performance, sensuality and self-expression — on stage, in the studio and in the city. There is softness and boldness, introspection and confidence, a desire to disappear into nature and, at the same time, to take up space. Perhaps we are never just one thing anyway.
Photographer Talie Eigeland followed Lynx through East London towards the end of the heatwave. With nowhere particular to be and nothing to rush towards, they wandered, stopped, laughed and turned around whenever something caught their attention. As the light faded, the streets grew busier and the colours stranger.
The resulting images feel like stills from a film — moments somewhere between places, conversations and changing light. Playful, spontaneous and slightly surreal, they capture the simple freedom of a day without much of a plan.
Lynx, what is taking up most of your headspace these days? (smiles)
Although I’ve always been a singer/actor/dancer/creative, in recent years I’ve got into songwriting. It’s a process which has really held a mirror to me. I’ve been made aware of my fear of vulnerability (not particularly conducive to meaningful writing!) And so I’ve been quite self-reflective; taking the time to really focus in on who I am, how I engage with the world and then unraveling any unhelpful knots I’ve come across. It’s an ongoing process!
Do you remember the first song that made you think: I want to sing too?
Ooooh good question! I remember sitting at the computer table with my Dad (back in the days where the Internet was only accessed through the PC) and him showing me Eva Cassidy. I remember him saying “her voice is so pure, yours is too”. As a major Beyonce fan, I remember thinking that she wasn’t doing anything particularly ‘impressive’ with her vocals, just freely singing, but then I clocked that that’s what made her performances special. It’s not necessarily about the big notes or the riffs, but how you make people feel. Is your soul coming through when you sing? Are you being honest? Hearing her felt like seeing her. That really inspired me to sing.
I also enjoyed your dancing videos on Instagram (smiles) — there’s something very sensual and confident about the way you move. Tell us more about this side of you.
Thanks! I grew up dancing, it was my first love. I have a background in ballet, jazz and contemporary and danced at every opportunity up until my early 20s. These days, dance (and much of my work) is a place to express my sexuality in safety. Onstage or in the studio are some of the few places where women can be overtly sexual and also in control, which I find quite therapeutic. It’s a way for me to feel free, to engage with my body and to express the parts of myself I would otherwise hide. Credit to the choreographers too – I’ve done some intensive heels classes with @ch8rryontop_ who really is an expert in mind/body connection and sensual expression. Learning from her definitely influenced my movement.
You recently spent a day in front of the camera for this C-Heads series. Tell us a little about the day — where were you, what was the mood like?
Yes, with Talie! We were in Hackney Wick, an area I know really well. I lived there for 3 years so we went on a little tour of some of my favourite spots in the area, guided by the last light of the day. First we headed over the canal, buzzball in hand (they should sponsor me at this point), and took some portraits against the bright orange brick walls which are very characteristic of the Wick. Then we chatted our way down the canal which felt sort of like being in a memory. Like when you’re a kid and the summer felt endless – I think because of the long wave of heat we’ve had in London it’s really felt like living in a childhood memory. The light was sort of hazy and yellow and dreamlike. And because the grass has dried out, it really feels like you’re not in London anymore.
There’s a cool spot under the bridge that’s used for free pop-up events, it’s covered in graffiti and these cool sort of 3D murals made of old printers, toy cars, spray cans etc that are glued to the pillars. So much evidence of life and creativity! I’m a fan of the events because I really believe in free partying. It’s a human right! Take up shared space, connect with people, fill your cup! It’s so important to do this, especially in the times we’re living in, so I was glad to get the angel wing shots in a space that is so often a hub for connecting to the human spirit.
Then we headed back to HWK, a great community spot in HW run by Mike. I’ve had many good chats over matcha, shots with strangers and dances in the courtyard at HWK; Mike has really made it a community staple, so I was glad to get some shots in there.
“I tend to live in my head.”
What makes you feel comfortable in front of a camera?
The connection with the photographer. I’m definitely one for second-guessing myself so having positive reinforcement from the person I’m working with really puts me at ease. I’m like a lil dog, I just need praise!
Is there one photograph from this series that feels particularly like you?
The one where I’m putting on lipliner feels quite me. I’m from Cornwall but have lived in London for about 10 years and so I feel like I almost have two versions of myself. My home self loves to be outdoors, by the sea as often as possible and connecting with nature. My city self feels more explorative, experimental and focused on personal expression; like I’m still creating myself.
I feel like you can see both in this photo – the trees, the end-of-summer light and the pigtails feel quite childlike and countryside-esque. The scaffold piercing and eyeliner heart (which I draw on every day) and the application of the lipliner show me still building myself and experimenting. It’s like who I am mixed with who I’m becoming. The one with my chin on my hands also feels quite me because I tend to live in my head – a bit of a dreamer, bit of a thinker, usually wondering “what if?”.
What does a really good day look like for you when absolutely nothing is expected of you?
Hmmmm. Wake up, see blue sky out the window. Look in the mirror, I’m having a great hair day and my face is not puffy at all! Go get a matcha, journal in the sun, feel very grateful. Walk in the park, have a long phone call with a friend, they’re doing great and we belly laugh a lot. Go thrifting, find absolute gems (there’s a sale, everything is 50p). Head to Soho, grab a cheeky drink and people watch. Find a £1 oyster happy hour, eat 30 oysters and wash them down with champagne. The waiter is hot and fancies me, the bill is free. We kiss. Leave my number on a napkin and mysteriously leave. Meet a friend. We have more drinks and discover that my favourite club (The Cause but when it was in Tottenham) has reopened. We go and have the best night ever.
Are you good at letting things go, or do you tend to hold onto people, places and memories?
My room is full of things I’m too sentimental to get rid of. So’s my head. I’m definitely a dreamer and so get caught living in memories and fantasies – what could have been, what could be… So no, I’m not good at letting things go hahah! I have been known to hold a grudge but also to hold on to the idea of someone long after the truth has been revealed.
The most important thing in life?
The most important thing in life? Omg, I wish I knew. At the beginning of the year, post-breakup, I read Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton and that really highlighted the importance of friendship. Good friends can outlast numerous loves, losses, life events, illnesses, celebrations – all of it. Having people who know you to your core, people who you know inside and out and who you can figure out life with is probably the most important thing to me. I am immeasurably grateful for my friends.
