Books, bunnies, and the occasional brush with the surreal—LA’s soft-spoken shadow queen lets us into her world.

Books, makeup, a dog, and a rabbit. Violet Morphine’s world is quiet, strange, and full of texture. Originally from England, with a stint in Australia before landing in Los Angeles, she brings a quiet intelligence and offbeat calm to everything she touches—whether it’s a makeup brush, a thrifted book, or a moodboard full of forgotten things. In this interview, she shares thoughts on visual storytelling, goth interiors, favorite authors, and what’s next.

You’ve lived in England, Australia, and now LA—how has each place marked your style or worldview?

I'm sure they have! Someone once told me I was a mutt and that's probably true, a bit of a mix of all three places. LA is home though.

Do you feel more like yourself when acting, modeling, or doing makeup—and why?

I don't/can't act, I've just been thrown in as an extra on things I've worked on as a makeup artist if they needed somebody. I love being behind the camera and getting to bring a concept to life. Modelling is fun because along the same lines usually the photographer and I have a concept in mind that's our own we're bringing to life. My big love has always been makeup and art though.

Your visuals hint at something haunting beneath the glamour. Is that intentional, or just instinct?

Not necessarily intentional, just remnants of baby goth me.

When you're not creating, what grounds you or brings you back to yourself?

I love music and drawing and reading. I sound like a grandma.

What’s the most surreal thing that’s happened to you since moving to LA?

I couldn't say 🤫

Your aesthetic feels literary—are there books or artists that shaped it?

Definitely! My favourite author is Alice Feeney, I wait on her preorder new books like a puppy. For artists I loved Dali growing up, and learning about Frida Kahlo was fascinating. I have works from Lindsey Kustusch and Redd Walitzski that are beautiful.

You’ve got a dog and a bunny. Which one’s your energy on most days?

Hands down my dog. He makes sure I get plenty of exercise. Bunny is very chill and just likes to cuddle.

Goth and punk flirt with decay and beauty—how do those themes live in your day-to-day?

I think my home decor would speak for that!

What’s a question no one asks you—but should? And what’s your answer?

That's a hard one, I'm not sure! I'm always happy to talk about music and artists though.

What’s on the horizon for you—creatively, personally, or otherwise—that you’re excited to share or explore next?

I have a couple of cool things coming up! One is a collaboration with a poet I'm excited about.

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Keep up with Violet on Instagram: @violetmorphine

More Black Ravens interviews: 👉 TBR Blog