Art by Astrid Tobrand.
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Having left home with only a single month’s rent at 17 years-old, Harley learned two things quickly: the miraculous role that creating art plays in surviving hardship, and that persistence breathes life into that miracle.
Harlequin rediscovered his passion for circus just before the world shut down in 2020. Before becoming an entertainer, he formerly was an undertaker for 80+ funeral homes across the pacific northwest.
After meeting a former Cirque du Soleil clown, Harley worked under him for two years at JaJa Circus in Portland, Oregon, and committed himself to training relentlessly until he broke into the performance industry.
Also author of the novel The Black Carnival and a content creator with a broad audience, Harley’s work echoes his belief that “In circus, nothing is impossible,” and the important role that art plays in society, in reminding us that hope and joy exists wherever and whenever we choose to conjure it.
Harlequin’s Patreon is a place where people can support his journey, and join the Grim community.
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