FWM: When did your love for the Arts begin?
When I was a toddler in Maryland, I wandered off into the art section of the library. I was mesmerized by a book Michelangelo’s work. My journey of learning to draw began.
FWM: What is it about body painting that appeals to you?
A lifeless media like canvas and paper just can’t compare to the living dynamics of personality and motion. You can be yourself as a work of art or transform into someone or something entirely different. It’s wonderful to see how a talent or client feels and expresses the character in front of the camera or audience. It’s easy to get into body-painting. Just purchase the safe makeup and brushes and start painting on yourself or a friend. Art classes in any media can help an enthusiast improve or develop new skills. I and other artists enjoy teaching workshops more specific to the concerns of body painting.
FWM: Can you share one of your favorite works of art? Why is it special to you?
So many are special for varied reasons. Although I posted a few hints, this is my first public disclosure about a collection of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel work on living canvases. It takes me back to the day art began for me and through all that has evolved since. It’s a very personal project that will take some time to finish.
FWM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Some artworks are deeply driven by my personal life experiences – good and bad. Worthy causes and dramatic world events drive me to draw and paint. My original work may be validation as an artist to some critics, but I see no shame in mimicking the masters. It’s a great way to learn from the best teachers no longer with us. Few are willing to brave that challenge. The comparison can be intimidating and a living body doesn’t give the artist days and weeks to render the final work. I’m also inspired by poets and the stories of others. Just a few minutes with a client about something that moved, changed, or defines their life will move me too. As they answer my questions or tell their stories, images come to mind. I think in pictures more so than words or calculations. In this way, the clients co-designed some of my more complex composites with their words and personalities. I just mentally arranged the images into an overall aesthetic. Adapting designs to different figures is an added challenge. But it’s also a source of inspiration. Adapting to any geometric portion of a human figure personalizes every image or abstraction. Like faces and facial expressions, everybody and posture tells a story.
“I am battling to be myself in a world that imposes compliance. I’m not always good with words, but I can draw and paint anytime. A universal language with no vocabulary limit. ”
FWM: Your extensive portfolio of fine artwork has earned you accolades. Please share with us some of your awards and what they meant to you.
The RAW New Orleans regional and national awards with my first year of work was a great start! RAW helped prepare me for the first season of Skin Wars and working in Hollywood. The Mac World Show Award in Austria was a boost after losing an hour of competition painting time and morale to adversity. Consecutive People’s Choice awards at Living Art America feels more valid than some jury wins. The first Body Paint Revolution at the Arnold Classic was incredible. It was a select invitational that included international award winners and the most popular stars from Skin Wars. I painted 7-months pregnant without an assistant surrounded by teams of amazing talent. Including World Award winners I greatly admire from India and South Korea. And a few more who will be! For my hometown model to meet Arnold as a winner on the main stage was my dream too. This win was the prelude to serving as the USA jury delegate in Daegu South Korea; truly an honor and treasured memory.
FWM: What does it take to be an Award-Winning Body Painter?
Hard-work, dedication, practice, an imagination that doesn’t quit, and a love for what you do that survives the tough hits. It’s easy to pick up a brush and makeup to start building your portfolio. Stepping out of conditioned comfort zones might also be needed. It might be easier for some to build competitive skills than to face the judgment of competition juries, prudish family members, and others who would rather hate than learn.
FWM: Tell us about Skin Wars for the Sony Pictures’ Game Show Network.
Reality TV production can be ironically surreal. I played my role well most of the time but the atmosphere was so intense! The challenges overall revealed so much about myself and my past that it helped me develop the strength to follow my path. It was an incredible learning experience and such a pleasure working with friends old and new. And of course formidable women like Rebecca Romijn and Ru Paul 😉 I believe I can accomplish anything after that experience and I am so thankful. Even though the initial round of press releases and mainstream promotions included photos of me at work, and I knew the Times Square billboard was there with a block by block notices from mentor Craig Tracy, I was still overwhelmed when I saw it. I was so excited, I tossed a camera bag and danced in the street.
FWM: What makes you a Formidable Woman?
I am battling to be myself in a world that imposes compliance. I’m not always good with words, but I can draw and paint anytime. A universal language with no vocabulary limit. Making our little world a better place for our son is my main priority now. Maybe we can make the world better. The pain of my past and lessons learned are now a foundation for better things to come.
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