We’ve been trying to feature Derek Wanker’s work for a while now, but the right project is yet to arise. So in the meantime we asked him to take his clothes off and talk about tacos and tattoos.
Your alias is The Unikorn. Is that your spirit animal?
It’s totally my spirit animal. In junior high and high school my friends always told me I was like a gay unicorn because they thought I was such a rare breed. Plus I’m totally magical. My pseudonym as a musician is A Horse with a Horn because of this as well as the fact that I have a protruding sternum (pectus carinatum) that people now refer to as my ‘horn.’
Which models, celebrities made you want to get into photography?
Honestly when I got into photography I was first just documenting my college party life and all the queer parties we were throwing in Norman, Oklahoma. Then this lead to me taking dark and eerie fine art photos of myself. I didn’t really start taking photos of others that often until I moved to Los Angeles honestly. So, I guess to answer that I didn’t have any models or celebrities specifically that made me want to get into photography. I don’t even think I ever realized I wanted to get into it. It was just a natural occurrence that slowly took over my life and offered a great creative outlet.
How would you describe your style?
My signature style I would say is trashy queer gore. But sometimes it’s just trashy queerdo bizarreness. And then sometimes it’s just sexy and queer. But it’s always queer.
Who would you most like to shoot? And for whom?
I would really like to shoot Rick Genest because I find his tattoos fascinating and oddly sexy. Weird and sexy wins me over every time.
How often are you on the other side of the camera?
I usually never model for other photographers though I model for myself quite regularly. That is mostly because I’m bored at home in my studio and come up with some bizarre idea that I feel the urge to shoot immediately and so I’m the most readily available model. However this year I have modeled for a few photographer friends but I never really feel comfortable. I hate being out of control of my image.
Where would you take us for a first date?
I’m terrible and I give everyone the same first date. Well a lot of people. Tacos from a taco truck and a horror movie, because basically that is my everyday life. If we’re lucky they will be showing a horror movie in the cemetery.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
I don’t really get embarrassed because I’m the person that will definitely get hit in the face with a football if ever a chance or fall in front of crowds. I’m quite clumsy and unaware a lot so embarrassing things are always happening but I’m pretty sure I’m desensitized to the feeling of embarrassment.
What is your favourite Cher era?
Cher exists only in my head in these three eras, Sonny and Cher, Mermaids Cher, and old lady Cher. I was kinda fond of that song ‘Woman’s Wold’ and the only other songs I can think of are ‘Turn Back Time’ and ‘Believe’ so I guess I’m into old lady Cher. I’m really bad at this and I’m sure my gay card is gonna be revoked but that’s okay because I’ve got my backup queer card.
What is your favourite Mariah song?
I literally don’t think I can name a Mariah song. She’s definitely not somebody I have ever really listened to. Isn’t there like a video of her on a tree swing or something? Since that’s all I can think of let’s say that song!
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