 |
|
 |
|---|
Interview With Devious G of Devious Body Art by Cary Devious G is a tremendously talented artist. Through her amazing body painting she can transform you into the creatures of your wildest fantasy. How did you get interested in body painting? I have been an artist my entire life, working with a number of different mediums and "canvases". My BFA degree is in Conceptual sculpture and I started out as a painting major. When I was young I did children's birthdays and face painting while other kids my age were babysitting. It made extra money and it was fun and allowed me to be creative. as a grew up, I held a number of different jobs, but one in particular opened me up to the world of Face and Body Painting. I worked at a costume shop that carried professional products and carried a few Face and body paint magazine's. when I realized that it could be something so much more than kids parties, that it could truly be an art, it changed everything. I changed my major to sculpture. I couldn't paint flat canvases after painting a living form. It's an ever changing landscape to work with. There's a culture out there that people aren't aware of in the art world. Body painters have true merit as artists.
What special considerations and techniques are necessary when using the human body as canvas? I don't think that anything has to be altered as far as limitations. there are no limitations, except for chemicals. I would never use any harsh or dangerous chemicals on a person. I would never put anything on someone that I haven't used on myself. I like to use brushes and sponges that are soft. I decrease the pressure of my airbrush. Other than that, a human canvas is the same as any other. You eyeball your design in order to compensate for the curves of the body. you work with what the form has or doesn't have. you accentuate the positives and make the model comfortable. I like to make sure that my model's happy, because if they're not, the piece will not work. I choose pieces that fit certain models and vise versa. they have to work together. they are a symbiotic living unit of moving, breathing art.
What is the experience like for the person being painted? I have many comments on what it feels like to be painted. I myself have been painted by friends and it can be very relaxing, until you hit the 3rd hour of standing. then it gets a little tiresome. I never try and have a model stand for more than 2 hours. that's my max. I've been told that being painted with brushes is like a wet massage or that they feel like tongues all over. it seems that it's a sensual experience for most adults. Most people have never felt a sensation like having a wet soft brushed stroked over their body. the airbrush can be very chilly, but when it's hot, it's a blessing. Face painting has very often put children to sleep in my hand while I paint them with the other. and adults find it relaxing, spending most of the time with their eyes closed.
How long does the paint last and is it difficult to remove? The paint I use is made specifically for the skin and long wear. I use Wolfe FX, Mehron, and Kryolan. It's water based and can last for hours upon hours, depending on a few factors. very hot sweaty days will see some running in creases. As long as it's kept dry, or patted dry when it get's wet, I've actually had paint jobs last over 14 hrs. All the paint is water based and is removed easily with a non drying soap and warm water. any residuals come off with makeup remover or Wet Ones work great as well.
What occasions do people get painted for? I have painted people for birthday's, anniversary's, bar mitzvahs, club openings, promos for events, sushi girls (the ones that lay on the table with sushi on them) catering events where body painted girls serve drinks and appetizers, I work at Hedonism 3 in Jamaica for a body painting event they have, Ultra Music Fest and Bacardi B- Live in Miami. I've body painted for a designer on the opening night of Miami fashion week, I do private photo shoots with studios and clients that want something special. There's really no limit to what body or face paint can enhance.
What has been your favorite creation? My absolute favorite piece to date is one titled "amante de la muerte", or mistress of death. it is a piece that I spent a great deal of time on planning and designing. I looked forever for the right model and I spent hours with a photographer shooting over 400 images. The piece is a dedication to 2 of my favorite artists, Sylvia Ji and Pooch.
What is your formal arts background like? Like I mentioned before, I have been an artist my entire life. since elementary school I was in competitions and advanced art classes. I attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton Florida. There, I started out as a painting major, but became very bored with flat surfaces as my interest in painting the human form increased. I changed to conceptual sculpture; which allowed me the freedom to use any medium and any surface to express myself. I often used painted women in my performance work.
What other creative mediums do you work in? I create light sculptures, carve wood, create furniture, design costumes, design toys, I make silly pillows in the shape of cupcakes and hearts with wings. I build things and create things. I like to use my hands and have something tangible to show for it. the ironic thing is, the work I'm most proud of is washed away within hours after it's creation. I have participated in the lake worth street painting festival for over 8 years. that too is a labor of love that gets destroyed when the roads reopen and the next rain washes away all our hard work. But I think that I enjoy the idea of nonpermanence for the fact that I can always improve on a previous idea and start fresh again and again.
What do you like to do for fun? I love to go out and eat, i'm a foodie for sure. I have a big ox of a dog that requires alot of attention, I belly dance, and cook, but mostly... projects take up my time. i'm constantly starting and working on new art projects. something is always in the process of being finished. i'm sporadic and can't seem to work on any one thing for too long, so I jump around my craft room doing different things. I enjoy it and it keeps my mind fresh. I'm an artist for fun I guess. See more of Devious Body Art at: http://www.myspace.com/deviousbodyart
| See more of Devious Body Art at: http://www.myspace.com/deviousbodyart
|
