BODY PAINTING

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It all started with my interest in special effects makeup application. Being big into horror and sci-fi movies at that time Tom Savini and Rick Baker were the top pros. 

I was also influenced by musicians Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, KISS and George  Clinton of Funkadelic.

I started in 1989 at the Blue Ash Festival. Fellow ACA classmate, Penelope Sweet hooked me and Pam up with the gig.  

Some kids wanted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or flowers. Other kids wanted the gore... Horror effects! Scars, gashes and bullet holes across their faces, necks, hands and arms.

It was an instant hit! I had kids waiting in line up to 15 mins each as I painted them with custom wounds in the middle of the summer sun.

After the second year and bigger crowds, some parents started to complain that the effects were too gory looking and I wasn't invited back for a 3rd time.

Performances, Public Street Fairs and Erotic Festivals were the areas that I did this in over the years. Stage makeup, brushes, sponges, glitter and powdered paint were my tools. I also think that I am tapping into some subconscious tribal memories which may determine some of the designs and colors that I paint on my face and others.