The Art of Painting the Human Body

The most common reactions that I get when I tell people that I paint human bodies is... "Do people actually hire you for that?" "What do you do with it? or they are just overall intrigued. To be completely honest, the first time I body painted I didn't really know what it was myself. I had seen the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues with body paint and the infamous cover of Vanity Fair with Demi Moore adorned in a spectacular painted suit; this was not the type of art I wanted to create. I wanted to do something different, something more. I literally wanted to create fine art using the human body as my canvas.

The art of painting bodies is quite unique because you are literally working with a living, breathing canvas. Throughout history, body art has captured how humans relate their experiences to their physical body. Examples of body art come in many formats, including tattoos, photographs, drawings, engravings, books, films, sculptures, and paintings. This particular form of art goes back thousands of years and is perhaps one of the oldest forms of art there is. Holding very high importance in many different cultures, it is still practiced as ritual and healing practices.

I have embraced this ancient art by creating art or full canvas pieces on the body. My spirit often leads me into some form of tribal markings within my pieces which leads me to believe that my ancestors play a very significant role in the works created. I'm quite sure the reason this kind of art chose me is because I was very receptive to it. During the time that I started, I really needed a change in my life. It also helped me heal through some very trying periods in my journey of finding myself.

When I paint a human body, I am always aware that my subject and I are having a very personal and intimate experience. Painting a living breathing canvas is very powerful and energy is always exchanged; what I end up creating very often is coming from them, not me. I am no energy thief but I definitely love to be around and share positive energy with others. Occasionally I will work with someone who's vibe might be a little off but we make it work. I actually appreciate getting to know my models ahead of time. I often ask them questions to get a feel for what they like and dislike. During the painting process I also tend to have personal conversations with my models. We laugh, sometimes cry and always connect in some way. The experience is very therapeutic for me and I've learned throughout the last few years that the models find it therapeutic as well.

Galaxy Girl. painted on my model, Samantha - New Orleans. She is an aspiring artist and beautiful soul. Shot by Photographer, Phil Brown.

A body paint I completed in 2014 on model Jonnie Reboira who had been battling Alopecia for three years at the time. Shot by photographer, Stacey Lopez.

The creative process of painting a live canvas isn't easy by far. Often times a model may be restless or need to take a break. I am always aware of their well being so I check in and ask if they need to walk, stretch, use the bathroom, drink some water. This is another reason I like to talk to my models ahead of time, so they know what to prepare for. It usually takes me an average of four to six hours for full body paint but that is never set in stone. I have created partial body art pieces in an hour or two depending on the detail needed, which is where most of the work is required. I always hope for my models to be on the same frequency with me because it helps to make the process go very smoothly. I don't usually even take breaks while I'm painting because once I get into my creative zone it's almost as if my bodily functions shut down completely until the piece is done.

Face Painting is a form of Body Painting and ironically it's how I got started. There was something about the brush to skin and the human connection that drew me in. Face painting doesn't require as much energy because I usually know exactly what I'm painting and the timeline is much shorter. Kids do get a little restless sitting for long periods of time so I paint little faces as quickly as I can. I have learned through trial and error how to prepare myself for either type of painting.

Of all of the forms of art I have a hand in, body art is by far my favorite.

I'm Going to Greensboro

Life brings us to different places at different times, for many different reasons. Sometimes it will bring you to the point of understanding that in order to move forward in your journey you must take risks. Risk is not to be confused with faith; faith is something believed in and hoped for that may be unseen but you know it's there. I'm talking about risk, something you visualize or feel but don't know exactly which way to go about executing it because you don't know the outcome. A risk is "the potential of gaining or losing something of value", so when you weigh the options on losing something you may cherish or hold in high value it becomes more than just believing. It takes tenacity, strength and endurance to gain the ability to ride out the emotions and inner turmoil, waiting on the responses of your actions. It's not easy to take risks because there is always something of value at stake.

We all take risks everyday no matter how small or subtle they may seem. Much of the time we only look at the big risks because they seem to hurt a lot more than the ones we take for granted. I am learning daily that every risk taken will affect our lives in one way or another even if it's not immediate. Conquering the fear factor placed on risk taking is the first step to having better outcomes through the experience.  Once I understood that fear is the driving force of emotions during the risk taking experience, I had to learn to release that fear into the universe because it didn't belong to me. As an artist, I have no room in my experience to doubt my creations. I have no room for negative energy in my positive realm of thought. I have no room to stand in fear. I have a responsibility to bring truth to light and help to mend what has been broken.

The second step of my understanding of taking risks is recognizing and honoring your "Spirit". However you decide to identify with your spirituality; is understanding and walking in alignment with those feelings you get before something goes either amazingly well or terribly sour. This is usually your spirit trying to guide you into better experiences, giving you a sense of direction leading you into that final decision to move. When intuition tells you not to do something, I have found that it is almost always in your best interest to listen.

As I watch my children grow into adults, the risks become more evident. I want to protect them from everything that will hurt but I have to let them go out into the world and experience those pains anyway; that is what will make them better people. Experiencing their own trials, developing their own strategies and creating their own lives. It is not our job as parents to create our children's destiny for them, we are here just to lay a foundation so when they take their own risks they have something to go by. This is step three of my understanding of risks: "Letting Go" and not holding onto preconceived notions about what outcome you may or may not have.

Obtaining a driver’s license doesn't make you a good driver, it only gives you permission to get behind the wheel. I make that analogy because it takes practice to become better at changing lanes or moving in different directions. Obtaining the tools to our lives doesn't make us better operators unless we practice using those tools. Sometimes you have to let go of your emotions and take the risk because not taking the risk will most likely leave you asking "What if..."

Take the risk!

Take The Risk

Life brings us to different places at different times, for many different reasons. Sometimes it will bring you to the point of understanding that in order to move forward in your journey you must take risks. Risk is not to be confused with faith; faith is something believed in and hoped for that may be unseen but you know it's there. I'm talking about risk, something you visualize or feel but don't know exactly which way to go about executing it because you don't know the outcome. A risk is "the potential of gaining or losing something of value", so when you weigh the options on losing something you may cherish or hold in high value it becomes more than just believing. It takes tenacity, strength and endurance to gain the ability to ride out the emotions and inner turmoil, waiting on the responses of your actions. It's not easy to take risks because there is always something of value at stake.

We all take risks everyday no matter how small or subtle they may seem. Much of the time we only look at the big risks because they seem to hurt a lot more than the ones we take for granted. I am learning daily that every risk taken will affect our lives in one way or another even if it's not immediate. Conquering the fear factor placed on risk taking is the first step to having better outcomes through the experience.  Once I understood that fear is the driving force of emotions during the risk taking experience, I had to learn to release that fear into the universe because it didn't belong to me. As an artist, I have no room in my experience to doubt my creations. I have no room for negative energy in my positive realm of thought. I have no room to stand in fear. I have a responsibility to bring truth to light and help to mend what has been broken.

The second step of my understanding of taking risks is recognizing and honoring your "Spirit". However you decide to identify with your spirituality; is understanding and walking in alignment with those feelings you get before something goes either amazingly well or terribly sour. This is usually your spirit trying to guide you into better experiences, giving you a sense of direction leading you into that final decision to move. When intuition tells you not to do something, I have found that it is almost always in your best interest to listen.

As I watch my children grow into adults, the risks become more evident. I want to protect them from everything that will hurt but I have to let them go out into the world and experience those pains anyway; that is what will make them better people. Experiencing their own trials, developing their own strategies and creating their own lives. It is not our job as parents to create our children's destiny for them, we are here just to lay a foundation so when they take their own risks they have something to go by. This is step three of my understanding of risks: "Letting Go" and not holding onto preconceived notions about what outcome you may or may not have.

Obtaining a driver’s license doesn't make you a good driver, it only gives you permission to get behind the wheel. I make that analogy because it takes practice to become better at changing lanes or moving in different directions. Obtaining the tools to our lives doesn't make us better operators unless we practice using those tools. Sometimes you have to let go of your emotions and take the risk because not taking the risk will most likely leave you asking "What if..."

Take the risk!

The Lion King

When I was 15 years old The Lion King came out in movie theaters. I was so intrigued with the previews and just knew I was going to fall in love with this movie. My Godson Isaiah was a brand new baby at the time and I insisted that I take him to see the movie. He slept through the whole thing of course but I was wide awake and fell hopelessly in love with The Lion King.

Last week I celebrated yet another year on earth. My birthday happened to fall on a Tuesday and what does one do when their birthday falls on a Tuesday? Hop a train to see The Lion King on Broadway of course! It was a selfish act, the kind that is very necessary every once in a while. It's something I've been wanting to do for such a long time and here it was plain as day. I actually purchased my ticket just two days in advance and it was the very last ticket in the orchestra section (If you're going to splurge, do it right).

My sense of direction is awful at times and I know nothing about New York City. It's not the best place to travel to alone especially with little or no sense of direction but I wasn't going to miss this show. As I made my way to the theater on foot from Grand Central station the anticipation was high and the energy was surreal. I was finally there!

The entire lobby was adorned with all kinds of African inspired royal decorations and Lion King paraphernalia. I picked up my ticket, program and tote and headed into the theater. It was pure magic from beginning to end. From the puppet-erring to the makeup and costumes I was so emotional and inspired all at the same time. I actually cried in the opening scene because I couldn't believe I was finally there.I cried when it was over because I didn't want it to end.

Everyone played their parts so well. They were so very beautiful on stage adorned in African fabrics and all shades of melanin. The way the performers brought the animals to life was truly out of this world. My favorite characters of the evening were Rafiki (Female in the live show), Mufasa, Zazu, and Scar. Everyone was really fantastic and I can't wait to return with my kids who are now old enough to experience the show and remember it. I look forward to the day where I am actually behind the scenes of this very show working on costumes and makeup. Until then I am almost certain that The Lion Kind will forever be my favorite Disney story and show.

If you haven't seen it, go see it! It's magic, just plain magic.

In the years after the movie was released I was affectionately known for my obsession with The Lion King. I worked at a video store where I would play the movie over and over on my shift. I watched it regularly at home and bought a copy of the VHS for just about every child in my life. The script was a permanent fixture in my brain as I knew every single word. I loved the characters, the story, the culture and of course the art.

Years later I had a child of my own and was fascinated by the idea of her being just as in love with the movie as I was. I played it every single day and it took a while but she eventually caught on and the obsession continued. Once I became a mom though, life caught up to me and I eventually stopped watching it everyday and eventually all together. This is not meant to be a sad story it's kind of just what happened.

When Lion King on Broadway came out the same year my daughter was born I made a vow to myself to see it. I love live theater, drama and grew up on musicals so what would be better then putting all of my favorite things together. This seems like an easy feat for so many. Especially because I live right in CT which is a short drive or train ride away. Truthfully Broadway tickets are costly and I wanted my baby girl to see it with me. Not too long after my daughter was born I had a son. They were both very small ad the idea of splurging nearly $800 on Broadway tickets for a show they probably wouldn't remember seemed ridiculous and completely not affordable at the time. Fast forward 19 years later and I still hadn't gone to see it...until now.

Sippin' & Paintin'

Last year I experienced a sip & paint for the first time thanks to a good friend and fellow entrepreneur, Terry Ann Walker (TW Home Essentials). She asked me to lead a sip and paint for her non profit organization, Power of 5. I had never attended one before. I paint at home and in the studio all the time so I had never thought of what it would be like to go to a sip & paint and have someone lead me through painting. It was sooooooo much fun! Once I got my first taste of leading a sip & paint I was hooked.

Sip & Paint's are a versatile and intimate social experience. They are essentially painting classes that include food, wine (BYOB), music, and all supplies necessary to create a painting to bring home. We cater to small or large groups and our customers include non, novice and experienced painters.

I honestly had no idea how popular and fun sip & paints would become. Now I look forward to having Sip & Paint events because of the creative energy that comes from them. The events have helped me to become a better artist and business woman. We come up with custom pieces all the time specifically catered to our clients and have come up with some really unique themes that continue to grow. It hasn't been smooth the whole way but we are learning every day. Janelle and I had a lot of business growth through this process as well as in our personal lives.

We started with just standard 16X20 canvas and had at least three pre-painted pieces for the group to choose from; the majority wins. We don't force anyone to choose any particular painting we've just found that it is easier for someone who has never painted to have a visual foundation for their creations. Now we paint on canvas, wine glasses, and we are venturing into some other mediums as well.

Sip & Paint events have been popular for a while but they were not really in my thought process. I have been so busy with body painting, face painting, traveling, murals, and canvas work etc.I hadn't really thought of them as a business prospect.I share a studio space with Janelle Gordon and Kedon Beckford of KBPhotoart. I went to Janelle and revisited our conversation about events to host in the studio. It was decided that we would bring sip & paints to Studio 208.

Along this journey I started attending a course called WIBO; it's purpose is to help entrepreneurs along their journeys in creating their business (brand) and teach the most crucial parts of business such as marketing, finances and customer services. For this course we were asked to focus on only one area of our business if we offered multiple services.As an artist I offer lots of different services so it was tough to narrow it down. Our sip & paints were going really well so I decided to hone in on them specifically.

At the time of attending this class the Sip & Paint events were not really a part of my business portfolio. This course and Janelle's experience in marketing launched our brand "Studio 208 Sip & Paint". Studio 208 is the Studio in which we host Sip & Paint events as well as many other services. I didn't really think in all of the time we have spent there as studio partners that we would create a brand together but that's exactly what happened. Janelle and I are still individual artists but the Sip & Paint events are something that we manage together.

The events vary in size and not always at the Studio208 location because we also offer travel services as well. They have now become such a stepping stone that we have actually created new venues outside of the studio.