Elise Matthesen
Encyclopedia
Elise Matthesen is an American
essayist, journalist, poet, and fiction writer (primarily of science fiction
and fantasy
; she is an active supporter of the interstitial arts movement), and a crafter of art jewelry
. In 2009 she was nominated for a World Fantasy Award
Special Award - Non-Professional
"for setting out to inspire and for serving as inspiration for works of poetry, fantasy, and SF over the last decade through her jewelry-making and her 'artist's challenges'." She is an active member of science fiction fandom
, serving as chair of the 2009 Fourth Street Fantasy Convention.
Matthesen is an anorexia nervosa
survivor a speaker, facilitator, and activist on issues of body acceptance, sexuality and self-esteem, and a bisexual
activist
(she is self-declared as bisexual
and polyamorous
).
She was the companion of John M. Ford
for 13 years. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota
, has written for local GLBT magazine Lavender
, and is a member of the First Universalist Church
there.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
essayist, journalist, poet, and fiction writer (primarily of science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
and fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
; she is an active supporter of the interstitial arts movement), and a crafter of art jewelry
Art jewelry
Art jewelry is created with a variety of materials, not just precious metals and gems. In the late 19th century, René Lalique revolutionized jewelry design through his emphasis on imagination and technical virtuosity over precious materials and the imitation of past styles. Additionally, he...
. In 2009 she was nominated for a World Fantasy Award
World Fantasy Award
The World Fantasy Awards are annual, international awards given to authors and artists who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of fantasy...
Special Award - Non-Professional
World Fantasy Special Award: Non-Professional
This World Fantasy Award is presented to individuals for outstanding non-professional work in the fantasy field, and voted by a panel of judges at the World Fantasy Convention.-2004:...
"for setting out to inspire and for serving as inspiration for works of poetry, fantasy, and SF over the last decade through her jewelry-making and her 'artist's challenges'." She is an active member of science fiction fandom
Science fiction fandom
Science fiction fandom or SF fandom is a community or "fandom" of people actively interested in science fiction and fantasy and in contact with one another based upon that interest...
, serving as chair of the 2009 Fourth Street Fantasy Convention.
Matthesen is an anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Although commonly called "anorexia", that term on its own denotes any symptomatic loss of appetite and is not strictly accurate...
survivor a speaker, facilitator, and activist on issues of body acceptance, sexuality and self-esteem, and a bisexual
Bisexuality
Bisexuality is sexual behavior or an orientation involving physical or romantic attraction to both males and females, especially with regard to men and women. It is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation, along with a heterosexual and a homosexual orientation, all a part of the...
activist
Activism
Activism consists of intentional efforts to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing...
(she is self-declared as bisexual
Bisexuality
Bisexuality is sexual behavior or an orientation involving physical or romantic attraction to both males and females, especially with regard to men and women. It is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation, along with a heterosexual and a homosexual orientation, all a part of the...
and polyamorous
Polyamory
Polyamory is the practice, desire, or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved....
).
She was the companion of John M. Ford
John M. Ford
John Milo "Mike" Ford was an American science fiction and fantasy writer, game designer, and poet.Ford was regarded as an extraordinarily intelligent, erudite and witty man. He was a popular contributor to several online discussions...
for 13 years. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
, has written for local GLBT magazine Lavender
Lavender (magazine)
Lavender Magazine is a biweekly magazine, part of Lavender Media, published in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. It is distributed free of charge in the Twin Cites of Minneapolis and St...
, and is a member of the First Universalist Church
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism is a religion characterized by support for a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Unitarian Universalists do not share a creed; rather, they are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth and by the understanding that an individual's theology is a...
there.