How Body Paint Can Explore Gender Equality: Interview

Trina Merry, an artist known for her innovative work in contemporary fine art body painting, is taking on gender equality and body image in one of her recent works.

Merry’s urban camouflage series paints over bodies so they merge with the surrounding landscape. 

Recently, Merry merged Meara Rose, a body-positive influencer, into the landscape of The World Trade Center Oculus in New York City.

The Oculus--a bright, light-filled, architectural beauty--serves as a transportation hub located at Ground Zero, where the twin towers fell during 9/11. It invokes hope, redemption, and freedom.

The architect,  Santiago Calatrava, intended the structure to look like, “a bird being released from a child’s hand.”

Merry’s work takes a topless Rose and paints her into the Oculus, the outline of her body just visible. She becomes the Oculus but is still embodied within herself. 

The work was meaningful to Rose.

She thought it was an act of “desexualizing nudity.”

New York City is one of 14 cities in the U.S. that has been, “top tested,” according to Gotopless.org, meaning it’s one of 14 cities that women have been topless in without persecution.

Since 1992, it’s been legal for women to be topless in New York State wherever a man is allowed to be topless.

Rose, who is a plus-sized model, described the work as a form of empowerment. “It's okay to have a body and no matter what it looks like, it's still beautiful,” she said of her experience working with Merry. “We are all art.”

The work not only normalizes Rose’s body, it celebrates it by melding Rose into the Oculus, an already famous piece of art.

Rose touches on Merry’s purpose as outlined in her artist’s statement. 

Merry herself was a model for body painting before she took her own to brush to others. She was struck by lightning while driving in Los Angeles. The effect made being around electricity painful. 

While she healed, musician Amanda Palmer suggested that Merry participates in the opening act for Palmer’s then band (the Dresden Dolls). 

Merry stood on stage, nude, and was body painted. The experience gave her a new perspective on art. “Art had a heart beat. Art could be vulnerable. Art was… happening,” writes Merry in her artist’s statement.

Since then body painting has played a central role in Merry’s work. 

By using a living canvas, Merry feels as though her art is more effective when discussing issues such as race, gender, and body image, according to an article from The Argonaut. Painting nude women, in particular, allows her to reclaim the feminine body from the male gaze.

Rose stated that as soon as she found out about Merry’s art she knew she had to work with her. According to Rose, there still isn’t a huge demand for plus-sized modeling in New York City.

While being painted into the Oculus, she felt free and liberated. “And to be camouflaged and immortalized into this building felt really, really, cool and important because I'm not used to seeing architecture like that in my daily life,” she said.

How to Avoid Coronavirus and Lawsuits on Bodypaint Projects Guide

Why does Hygiene Matter?

Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of those things you always hear you're supposed to do, but not everyone does it. And how many times have you used a tester at a cosmetics store without cleaning it first? Or grabbed a swipe of a friend's mascara? Chances are, you've probably done something similar once or twice.

In a time when we are becoming hyper-aware of cleaning, but also reopening the country, how do you know what is the right way to ensure your safety from coronavirus and avoid infecting your clients?

According to The Mayo Clinic, staph infections are caused by staphylococcus, a super commonly found bacteria. Sometimes, the bacteria causes an infection of the skin, and can be treated easily with antibiotics most of the time. It is possible, however, for a staph infection to escalate and become deadly if it's left untreated or if it spreads to the lungs, bloodstream, joints, bones, or heart. So yeah, they can get pretty serious.

In a lengthy caption that she called "a letter to makeup artists and those getting their makeup done," Page explained that she observed some not-so-hygienic practices from the makeup artists while she was getting her makeup done. "I do feel my safety concerns were dismissed as if it was part of my job to put up with these unhealthy conditions," she continued. After a visit to the doctor who diagnosed her infection, Page said she wanted to share her story in order to bring more awareness to the issue of makeup hygiene and warn others about what can happen when products are shared. (And apparently, this isn't the first time this has happened to her, either.) "If you are getting your makeup done or using any testers, check everything has been cleaned to your standard even if someone scoffs at your concerns."

“ “I do feel my safety concerns were dismissed as if it was part of my job to put up with these unhealthy conditions,””

— Page

Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD, Board Certified Dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center in NYC, explains why it's so important to wash makeup brushes regularly: "Dirty makeup brushes are one of the main causes of acne concerns for women. When applying makeup, you are using the same brush every day that has left over foundation, powder etc. on top of what you are applying. This can clog up pores! If you don't wash your makeup brushes enough, you spread dirt and bacteria from your face, to your makeup, then back to your face. Bacteria and dirt builds up, leaving you with stiff bristles that can really aggravate your skin. This can cause infections on the face."

Generally, experts recommend cleaning your personal makeup brushes once or twice per week using a gentle cleanser of your choice, depending on the type of brush. Not only will this help you avoid infections, but it will also decrease your chances of breaking out and prolong the life of your brushes.

Most dermatologists will tell you to soak your tools, especially foundation and concealer brushes, once a week — at minimum — to prevent product buildup. Because these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner, the better, says Bobbi Brown. "Brushes that are used around the eyes should be cleaned at least twice a month," she says. "All others can be washed once a month."

Our System to Keep You Healthy

Starting last year, we adopted a new standard for the highest hygienic practices in the body painting industry making us different from 99% of the bodypainters. Each of our team models receives a personal bodypaint kits and follows an inexpensive 3 step process to remove bacteria, viruses- including dangerous ones such as Coronavirus, STDs and Influenza- and stubborn fungi - Sanitation, Disinfection, and Sterilization.  This practice should be followed on any product used on your body including makeup, makeup brushes, nail kits, and more.

Sanitation:
Sanitation is the process of making something clean, to make it healthy. When we sanitize we
are killing the one-celled vegetable micro-organism we call bacteria. There are hundreds of
different types of bacteria, they are divided into two groups: Pathogenic (harmful) bacteria and
Non-pathogenic (beneficial or harmless) bacteria. We sanitize things most commonly by
washing them. But keep in mind that sanitation will not destroy some spores and viruses.
To make our hands sanitary we need to wash them for 20 seconds with soap (preferably
antibacterial) and water as hot as can be comfortably tolerated. How long is 20 seconds?
Remember the ABC song from your childhood? Sing it while you wash, it lasts 20 seconds.

How to Sanitize Your Brushes:
Rinse brushes until they have the majority of the paint off of them. Apply some dishwashing
soap to the palm of your hand, briefly run your brush under the tap and then swirl your brush in
the palm of your hand. This will gently clean the bristles through the entire brush. rinse under
luke-warm water. Do this until all paint has been removed from the brush and the water runs
clean. Lay brushes on a towel to dry. Some body painters swear by washing brushes 3 times to
fully sanitize and fine artists wash their brushes until the water runs clean- it’s up to you.  Obviously you should set aside a day to wash them when you know you're not going to be using them. Less obvious, however, is how you should set your brushes up to dry properly. You never want to stand your brushes upright when they're wet; the water will potentially damage the handle and dissolve the glue, leading to brush shedding. Instead, either lay them flat or — better yet — hanging upside down to help the bristles keep their shape and to keep the water from dripping down the handle. You can place them on a paper towel or clean washcloth to dry, or better yet, hang them from a drying rack for brushes such as this one or this one.

Disinfection:

To disinfect something is to render it free from pathogenic organisms or to make them inert.
That is, to kill the germs and bacteria or to render them harmless.
In the salon this is most commonly done by immersion in a liquid solution. Some of these
solutions include: Alcohol, Quats, or a Phenol compound. To be effective these solutions must
be prepared according to instructions and the items to be disinfected should remain in the
solution at least 10 minutes. Most disinfection solutions are weakened or rendered inactive by
contamination by organic material such as skin or nail dust, they should be replaced daily or
according to the manufacturer's directions.

How to Disinfect Your Brushes:
Pour a little 70% rubbing alcohol into a small jar or cup. Place brush tips into the container and
leave for 10 minutes. Wipe off any remaining alcohol and lay flat to dry.

How to Disinfect Your Makeup and Bodypaint:
Wipe down your paint pods with a baby wipe. Pour alcohol into a small spray bottle. Spritz
alcohol directly onto bodypaint & coat completely. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and wipe
down your containers. Make sure you also do this for your plastic pouches.

Sterilization:
Sterilization is to completely eliminate microbial viability . This process kills all non-pathogenic
and pathogenic spores, fungi, and viruses. This is what we strive for in our practices.

In the salon, sterilization is not really necessary, this process is only required on instruments
entering the body cavity or coming into contact with body fluids (for example if you have a cut or
are painted nude). This procedure is normally used in the medical and dental field. Some
salons, however, do use heat to sterilize metal instruments. In the state of Texas and Iowa,
salons are required to use a dry heat sterilizer (as opposed to a UV sanitizer oven).

If you want to go an extra step, you could purchase a dry heat sterilizer oven. However, there are really two primary methods for sterilizing brushes which work-
10% bleach (+90% water) or boiling water. While we have used a 10% bleach process in the
past, it doesn’t combine well with alcohol (it smells really toxic) and it irritates skin. Since we
paint around especially sensitive areas like the eyes, it's not recommended for our purposes and we recommend boiling brushes instead.

How to Sterilize Your Brushes:
Boil some water. Dip the hair of your brushes for a few seconds into the water and then lay flat
to dry. Do not submerge it over the ferrule- the metal part which contains glue and holds the
bristles in place, and never put the whole handle because it makes them twist into really funny
shapes. The same goes for a dishwasher- it unfortunately does not work well with wooden
objects like brush handles. There is no way to sterilize bodypaint which is why you have
individual bodypaint kits.

Special Note: Do Makeup, Face Paint and Body Paint Artist’s Need to Wear Gloves?:
It is not necessary to wear gloves when applying makeup or bodypaint unless coming into contact with open wounds, body fluids, etc as there is a long brush handle. It is the models and client’s responsibility to communicate any potential germs that could be passed to the artist & to reschedule a session (anything from a common cold to a herpes outbreak).

Conclusion:
There are very few things in life that are 100% free of germs and we acknowledge this applies
to performance art and bodypainting. However, with this 3 step process we are ensuring the
highest safety compliances that are FDA approved.

*****

Addressing Some (Change) Concerns from Other Bodypainters:

The first one usually goes something like:

“I dont’ want to spend money on product.”

“I’m a poor artist!”

“Or ______ brand sponsors me and I don’t want to ask them for too much product!”

1) When I started bodypainting there was hardly any product to buy.  We are super blessed that there are now so many body paint companies offering amazing products.  We are thrilled to support these brands and help keep them in business.  Make sure to add a materials or kit fee to your commissions.  It’s a logical itemized expense and businesses will be thrilled to pay to maintain a safe environment for all (not to mention, their legal team will appreciate it!).

2) Hire the same models over and over and get them a bodypaint kit like I do.  The more you work with them, the more experienced and professional they become, which leads to improved quality in your work.  Also if you pay them consistently to work for you, they are creatively fulfilled as performers and able to live their dream too.  Suddenly- BAM!- there’s a fully thriving bodypaint industry.  Many bodypainters have been too greedy and either not paying models at all or paying models what they’re worth.  And to add insult to injury, they’re passing seriously dangerous bacteria, viruses and fungi to them.  Eeek!  I know you don’t want to harm others, especially people who are trusting you with their bodies.

3) Here are some practical ways to save money on bodypaint and observe safe practices for your clients, especially for private clients: purchase only what you need and try the paint brands that are around $5-6/color like TAG, purchase & customize kits in smaller containers (ie wolfe fx and cameleon), break pods down and put them on palettes like makeup artists do (Kryolan is great for this), or if you’re painting several people trying using liquid paint and pouring them into cups (or make your own in a blender- I’ll post this in an upcoming blog).  Royal & Langnickel sells some of the best inexpensive brushes out there and don't forget to try the sales at your local brick & mortar art store. 

The Second one usually is: “Well no one has sued me for passing them an STD”.  

To which I reply “...yet.  The science is sound & now you know better.  How you choose to ethically behave with this knowledge is up to you.”

****

Every industry has a best practices compliance policy.  Bodypainting is still a new and small niche industry.  My team will be moving forward with the best hygiene practices possible that 99% of the bodypaint industry has yet to adopt and comply with.  We have the best interest of our models, our bodypainters, our private clients and our commercial clients (who don’t want to be sued) and before they even know to ask, we are ensuring their safety.  It's simple, inexpensive, and it helps to create a thriving body paint economy.

Three Art Activations For Alice & Olivia Review

As a body painter, I have the unique honor and privilege of being a part of shows that resonate with me. Back in 2017, I did three art activations for Alice & Olivia, a New York-based contemporary fashion company, one in Tokyo, and two in New York. One of the activations was at the NY Fashion Week, and the other was a live painting done at the Bloomingdale's on 59th Street. Even though it has been three years, I still remember the excellent feeling of working with Stacey Bendet and being a part of multiple displays that were empowering to women all over the world.

New York Fashion Week

During the New York Fashion Week of 2017, Stacey Bendet revealed her fall collection. The story behind the reveal was an incredible one. For her birthday, someone had given her The Enchantress Of Florence by Salman Rushdie (who, incidentally, was present). She loved the story of being able to command your destiny and chart a course as you see fit in life. That became the theme of her fashion show.

To create a magnificent piece of art around this theme, Stacey wanted a mural from which the enchantress would spring to life. Body painting is a fantastic medium for this type of art - where you want to blur the lines between what's real and what's not, and how we exist with our surroundings. It's also a wonderfully empowering art, showing how we live and become part of our environment but also remain distinct from it. Much like the enchantress, through body painting, we recognize and shape our surroundings to create the art we want!

The result was a magnificent art activation that highlighted the powerful statements that Alice & Olivia were making, which resonated with me!

Bloomingdale's

One of the best aspects of body painting as an art is that it can turn heads, as well as evoke feelings of curiosity and wonder. I had the privilege of being able to do a live activation for Alice & Olivia's new availability in Bloomingdale's. During this installation, I painted a model live in the window of the store. After the painting, the effect was a surreal juxtaposition of beautiful fashion and the human body blending in with those surroundings. It was a fantastic, empowering display that helped showcase Alice & Olivia's latest offerings.

Tokyo: Fifth Anniversary Activation

To celebrate Alice & Olivia's fifth anniversary in Tokyo, I did a unique live painting at the store there. As a camouflage painting against an abstract backdrop painting of Tokyo and Alice & Olivia's place within the city, this art activation required quite a bit of detail to get it to look right. The result, however, was a fantastic piece of art that evoked curiosity and publicity for the brand.

A Continuing Partnership

I have been very proud of the partnership that I have had with Alice & Olivia. We're both lovers of Pop Art, which makes for a special bond. More than that, though, we're both equally passionate about women empowering other women. When this happens, phenomenal fashion and equally fantastic art ensue!

Meet the Team : Bodypaint Assistant Erica Etcetera Interview

Help Wanted:

Painter needed – and not to help paint walls! New York artist is looking for painting assistant to join her team. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with the human body and have experience painting live models. Candidates will have the ability to remain steady under pressure and be accepting of nude bodies, thongs and pasties. You will be painting directly on human bodies. No need to apply if you are awkward around other people’s nipples.

Chances are if I ran that ad, I may not get any responses, but if I did, the one reply would probably come from Erica Etcetera.

Erica joined our team as a body paint assistant two years ago. While she is a talented makeup artist and body painter, she also has a bit of a wild streak. Erica is unafraid. She tackles all types of projects without fear and is always up for a challenge.

One of her favorite projects include the Harper's Bazaar shoot we did in October 2018 that featured not just models, but all women, including photographers, editors and makeup artists. Another choice assignment was painting female models to look like statues placed in Central Park.

Erica just rolls with the punches and never acts surprised by anything we ask her to do. We traveled for a project in Los Angeles last year and I think she was one of the first ones packed and ready to go. She’s a world traveler, having grown up in Virginia and London.

It’s easy to tell that Erica been an artist her entire life. She has a great sense of color and an enormous amount of creativity. She never ceases to amaze even if she didn’t really set out to be a body painter.

Erica said she was always attracted to fine art, drawing and painting mostly. But ever since her 12th birthday, her attention turned to makeup. It wasn’t until after she earned her BFA in Painting & Drawing and Art History from James Madison University that people started asking her why she wasn’t a makeup artist. After hearing that for the millionth time, she decided to merge her world of paint and body paint.

I met Erica at her makeup graduation from MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy in SoHo, NYC. Her final was a head-to-toe body painting and I was so impressed with her work and the manner in which she went about it that I went right up to her after and the graduation and said, “Hey, I think you'd be a really great addition to my team!”

Erica is a wonderful addition to our team. I love her outlook on life. In a YouTube video we recently made, she said that one of her favorite things about humans is how contradictory we are.

“So, I really love body painting because it is both amazing because it's both so public and intimate at the same time,” she said.

That unique perspective is why we are thrilled to have Erica on our team!

Empowering Women in the Age of Donald Trump: Video

Meet Trina Merry, with over 12 thousand Instagram followers, the New York based artist is highlighting the problems within femininity and gender equality at a time when President Trump has made so many Americans feel invisible. Trina’s latest series in New York aims to face these issues head on, using bodypainting to create a simple yet powerful statement that contrasts landscapes of power with human reality.

Right outside Trump Tower itself, Trina’s boldest project in the series featured two nude, female models as she once again created new images in the framework of something much greater, this time exploring femininity within the context of Trump Tower and everything it stands for.

Captivating and discreetly bold, Trina’s artwork blends in to stand out.

Camouflaging her two models using Trump Tower as their backdrop, Trina’s Fifth Avenue piece was a reaction to the meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. What started as artwork showcasing gender equality through the top free act and questions surrounding women’s rights, transformed into something much greater and posed the question to Trump - Are Americans invisible to you?

Each of Trina’s female models stood nude and proud as she covered the front of their bodies in red paint - a deliberate nod to Trump’s Republican stance. Their chests read the hashtag #AreWeInvisible, highlighting so many unanswered questions about women, Americans as a whole and democracy. On their backs, Trina replicated the physical view of Trump Tower, as her models gradually became camouflaged within the setting and their bodies became part of the structure. In light of Trump’s troublesome past with the female body, Trina’s body painting showed two striking messages - the invisibility of felt by many and the demand for answers.

“A lot of people came up and took pictures of what we were doing and really wanted to engage with us on social media”

One thing’s for sure, Trina’s message and her models were not invisible that afternoon. Her amazing artwork caught the attention of passersby and sparked conversations about her intervention. This reaction continued on social media where people discussed their opinions about Trump and Putin.

Trina believes that while she has the ability to express herself, it’s important to not stand down and take action over what’s currently happening in America. The unconventional medium of her artwork places emphasis on the problematic and often overlooked issues surrounding not just gender, but power, control and the right to have a voice in America. In her series, women are opposing landmarks of power around New York City, juxtaposing the hard lines of the architecture and what these buildings represent, with the soft curves of the female body and the interesting dialogue these buildings create for us.

You can keep up to date with Trina’s latest projects by following her on Instagram @trinamerryart where you can get involved in the conversation and see more of her masterful bodypainting around the world.

What's the Best Kind of Bodypaint for Sensitive Skin? (Q&A video)

If you’ve ever been curious about the art of bodypainting and what goes into it, this interview with Trina Merry, an accomplished New York City artist, will answer some of your questions. 

What is technically the most challenging aspect of bodypainting?

I mean when I'm doing my camouflage body paintings outside.  Definitely time is the hardest aspect of what I have to deal with as well as things like changing light, environmental factors like weather or other people. Technically the hardest aspect about body painting is that you're painting on a person and that person can be fidgety, they can be ticklish, they can need to use the bathroom, they can sweat, they could have not eaten or drank too much alcohol the night before and you have to sort of babysit them. When you just want to paint. So I think working in community is.. can be challenging sometimes but it's so richly rewarding and I love that every piece of artwork that we make has a heartbeat and a twinkle in the eye. So I think that the technical difficulties that we sometimes have to encounter in a human being is 100% worth it.

How long does it take you to bodypaint?

It takes me anywhere between one and three hours to do the camouflage style body painting. So really fast at those and then human sculptures can take anywhere from two hours to 18 hours. The longest body painting I'd ever did was the yellow human sport bike and that took me about 18 hours to accomplish. So it really varies wildly.

What’s the best kind of bodypaint for sensitive skin?

So for sensitive skin I definitely recommend the hypoallergenic water-based body paint and then I recommend testing for any allergies. So you could just take the inside of your wrist have your painter do some different paint tests on you and within 15 minutes usually you'll know.  I definitely recommend that you stay away from any metallic paints like any metallic powders or anything like that because I find that people even with regular skin are breaking out in rashes with it. So stick to hypoallergenic water-based body paints and you should be okay but again do a test just to make sure. Well that's all the questions we got this week. Do you have a question about body paint that you would like answered?  Leave it below in the comments and maybe I'll choose your question next week. Thank you so much for your curiosity and if there's a way that I can help you please let me know.

How Can You Deal With Feeling Vulnerable? (Video Interview)

Bodypainting is an extraordinary art form. Using the human body as the canvas for painting allows for some unique possibilities that can really WOW people. In New York City, it is legal for a bodypainter to use nude models because of a law allowing nudity when it is done for artistic purposes. Within the past decade, bodypainting has surged in popularity in NYC, with there even being an official Bodypainting Day.

While the models that bodypainters work with may appear comfortable in their skin, it doesn't mean they didn't feel vulnerable at first. Recently, bodypaint model Dara Swisher spoke about how she deals with feeling vulnerable when being a bodypaint model, especially in such a public place like in the middle of Manhattan.

Dara thinks that one of the most transformative aspects of bodypainting is its ability to change how the models being painted see themselves. They may sometimes look at themselves in the mirror and have negative self-talk about how they look. Yet, when they get painted, they transform into someone else...they become art. Their vulnerabilities melt away thanks to them turning into a canvas, a sculpture. Being camouflaged with body paint, even if you are standing on a busy sidewalk, can be all it takes to shed vulnerability. You shift how you think your body should be. You see it from the perspective that it is a vehicle for art. You can use it to express things in an extraordinary way.

Being vulnerable transforms into feeling empowered. You can be practically naked in the middle of a big city and feel like you belong in the spot you are standing. Rather than hoping people look away and stop giving you attention, you welcome it and invite the gaze of others upon the art you are displaying with your body. Being bodypainted allows you to take control of the narrative and invite people to look at you.

Bodypainting is an incredibly liberating, empowering, and enriching experience. With it only becoming more popular, it's something you should consider being a part of, like Dara has, especially if you want to unlock your personal confidence and power.

How do artists get their ideas? Here’s 5 creative sources

By Stephanie Bobak

Ah, art block: the bane of every artists’ existence. These are those terrible moments where your pencil gets shy and your brain decides to take a nap. If you’re an artist, I am sure you can relate to these art block struggles.

It seems that all artists have undergone these incapacitating periods; after all, generating ideas for the next great masterpiece has always been hard for creatives. Even the ancient Greek owed their random moments of inspiration to muses.

Nowadays, it seems like these muses make artists work even harder for their eureka moments! Luckily, there are lots of “modern-day muses” that can spark inspiration. Here are five resources you can use to fuel your next big idea:

1.) Other artworks

Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.'' Indeed, artists oftentimes utilize the works of others to inspire their next great masterpiece. By looking at artworks done in different mediums, styles, or centuries, you can take away key elements you enjoy and use it in your work. These elements may vary from themes to colors, and they can even be combined from different compositions. Although no one should directly copy another’s artwork, recycling ideas and applying your personal twist to them is encouraged. Creativity inspires creativity!

2.) Music, film, and literature

Have you ever listened to a piece of music and painted a mental picture of how the music “looks”? Or have you ever read a book so intense that you could visualize the scene clearly? Has a film ever left you questioning yourself or society? Other artistic mediums like music, film, and literature invoke a flurry of emotions to all those who listen, watch, or read. Visual artists can get great inspiration from powerful songs, films, or stories. Whether an art project is trying to capture the overall feelings of a song, an emotional scene in a movie, or the story told from a poem, there is no denying that these creative mediums are a modern day muse for visual artists.

3.) Your life experiences

Great artists are known for pouring out little bits of their soul into every piece they work on. No one feels life the way you do, so that may be why your personal experiences can create such powerful artworks. Perspective is unique to everyone, so your versions of heartbreak, joy, or anger are going to be totally different from the rest of the world. Whether you like to display these experiences in an abstract, realistic, or surreal style, show the world your stories in your own way. After all, you are literally the only person who can tell them.

4.) The world around you

Oftentimes, inspiration can be found right in front of you. Take in your surroundings, observe all the details, and see what inspires you! Maybe it’s the color of the wildflowers sprouting in a nearby field. Or maybe it’s the carved detailing on a wooden chair. There’s always emotion-provoking elements around you, so you might as well incorporate them into your next artisan piece. How about creating a painting that only uses the colors of those wildflowers you saw? Or what about a composition that incorporates those wooden chair carvings? There is majesty in all things-big or small! Observe the world around you and let its beauty flow through you.

5.) Your old ideas

If you’re an artist, you likely have a fairly large “idea graveyard”. Yup- this is the place where ideas that never materialized lay to rest. Luckily, there is absolutely no harm in looking through these once-dead ideas and bringing them back to life. Old ideas can still be useful for new projects even if you don’t incorporate the idea in its entirety. Maybe you liked the story you were trying to portray but never liked the way it looked once you sketched out the piece. That’s okay! Try something new with that idea and see how far it takes you. Many famous masterpieces underwent lots of rough drafts, so don’t be scared to keep building upon your old ideas. If you thought it would be a good idea then, it’s possible it could lead to an even better idea now.

“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

— Picasso

BONUS IDEA! Take a break or make a little every day

While it may sound contradictory, artists work cyclically and it’s important to respect where you are at today, guilt-free. Sometimes you’ll have to give yourself a break. Especially when your mind is clogged up. According to research, taking a break from mental tasks improve creativity (Oppong, 2017). If this break is skipped, it can lead to stress, exhaustion, or a lack of perspective about your own process and intent. You might feel inspired and ideas coming up while taking a break. At that point, your brain is working like it is supposed to, detecting and responding to changes in a working habit. Be sure to take some time off when needed.

Conversely, having a practice that puts in a little time every day- even if its something as simple as mixing paint or sketching a cup will cumulatively help you develop your skills and discipline towards a lifetime practice. Have fun- go to a drink and draw, make a painty game of Twister with your significant other, try whatever you think looks like the absolutely dumbest TikTok art challenge, try a craft from your childhood like making snowflakes or a popsicle ornament in July, put on a song in a room where you are alone and move your body in a flow that opens your heart, or make a cardboard sign that says “free social distanced hi-fives” and go have a 15 minutes “performance” on the street corner. One time I had artist block and was stuck in Paris so I hired a model and painted a croissant on her. Why not?!? There are no rules, just get in the flow and have fun.

Conclusion:

Art blocks can be hard to overcome, but remember that you are full of wonderful ideas. Sometimes, you just need that one special something to help bring your imagination out to play. Don’t forget to give your mind some time, and remember to take inspiration from the things you love. If this list happened to get some of your creative juice flowing again, let us know!

How Art Can Change the World: Zachary Koval Interview Video

Bodypainting, just like any form of art, gives us the ability to explore ourselves, our world, and how we interact with our space. We have the freedom to create unparalleled experiences that give us a deep, meaningful connection to our surroundings.

Recently, Trina sat down with one of her bodypaint models, Zachary Koval (who was also named PETA's "sexiest vegan") for a podcast episode to discuss bodypainting, our world, and how art fits into it. They touched upon multiple different topics, ranging from hotspots in New York to the rich history of bodypaint art. Here are three key takeaways from that discussion.

Bodypaint Art Has A Rich History

Camouflage, where an artist paints the human body to blend in (nearly entirely) with the background, is an exquisite art form. It turns out that this art has a rich history as a tool for peace. The heyday, as Trina explains, was in the 60s and 70s with an artist named Kusama from Japan. Its original intent was to promote love and peace, not war, which was going on all over the world (Vietnam, for example).

Bodypaint shows that we blend in with our surroundings. It defines how we are one with nature, with each other, and the world around us. It's the ultimate statement of togetherness, not separation. This art form, throughout history, has always reflected that.

New York City Is Alive With Energy For Artists Of All Persuasions

Zach and Trina, who are both from the west coast, both agreed that New York is the place to be for artists. There is an energy to this city, but more importantly, there are thousands of people living here who are just as passionate about your art as you are. It's a magnifying effect that creates possibilities that aren't available anywhere else in this world. If you're looking at the power of art to change our world for the better, New York is the place to be!

Art, Including Bodypaint, Has The Power To Challenge Perceptions

Bodypainting, in particular, is a unique art form. It challenges perceptions. Zach discusses in the podcast how bodypainting takes away the boundaries. You're putting a person into the environment, and, at first, you think you know what that image is. But then you see the model, and you realize there's something hidden. The image is still reality - it's an illusion in the sense that the paint lets the human body blend in with the environment - but it's real because it shows how we are one with our surroundings.

Zach put it best when he noted that "it makes people take a second look and see that things aren't always as they appear... we need to do more of that in this world before we jump to assumptions or jump to conclusions or opinions." Bodypaint gives people a moment to pause, reflect, and see that humans are part of something bigger and that we don't have knowledge of the whole picture until we pause and think about it.

Listen To The Podcast

There's more to the discussion than just these three points! If you're interested in the world of art, you should check out the podcast. It's full of insights, fun discussions, and lots of thought-provoking ideas!

Sexy Lingerie Bodypaint on New York Baker Tess Kaytmaz

What hesitation did you have about purchasing the body paint service?

I guess, for me, it would be the price. Not that it's not worth every single dime, in value. It's just a matter of I am a bread baker, so every single penny counts. Honestly, there's only so many things you're going to get to do in life. That's what I told myself. How many options am I going to get to do something like this?

How many chances will I do that? If this woman is willing to let me pay off one month at a time, before we do it, then, you know what? At this point in life, it's worth it. I get to record myself in the prime. That was probably getting over that hump, justifying that to myself, was the first hesitation. Well, probably the only hesitation because after that, it was just like, "Yep, this is what I want."

What specific feature did like about getting body painted?

I hate bras. I hate bras so much. They are the bane of my existence. They've always been the bane of my existence.  My friend, literally, had to force me to go bra shopping. The last time I went bra shopping, like, literally, forced me into the store and had to talk to the sales associate. The sales associate still didn't listen to what I needed, still measured me wrong. I cried three times and tried to leave. She forced me to stay, and she went and found me bras.

I hate it so much that I haven't worn bras in almost three to four years because my boobs went down from DDD to D to C to B, then back up to C, then back up to D. It's like I'm not spending $60 on a bra to do all of that, but I love it I think it's gorgeous. I think it's beautiful. I think it's super sexy. The only time I do put on a bra is for five minutes, before I seduce a person and bring them home.

Usually, they're already coming to my home, but that's besides the point. Those are the only times that I ever wear it. I wanted to do a photo shoot, but one, I find I'm really uncomfortable. I don't think I'd be able to handle lasting a whole photo shoot with a bra one.

Two, underwear tends to cut me really weird because I've got wide hips and a high waist. They never make underwear to do that, so it always cuts me in a weird way that's really unflattering. I don't enjoy it.

I like the fact that I could do the shoot, sexy as possible, in lingerie, while not having to wear a bra, at any point in time. That it fit me, perfectly, as is, and I don't have weird effects. It's colors that match my skin tone. It's a design that works for me. I could never find the bra that she painted on me. I would never be able to find that for someone with my size boobs, ever. That just would not have happened. 

It would have been nude, if it was anything, because they only make nude bras for big... That's an issue. I don't wear nude bras. I wear lots of low-cut shirts, and they only make bras that cover your whole boob. They don't give me the cleavage I want.

If I do want the cleavage, then I have to buy padded bras that make my boobs two sizes bigger. I don't need them to be bigger. It's just kind of like, "Cool. What am I going to do?"

The fact that I could design, create every single aspect of this, that I could show Trina three different lingeries, saying, "I want the back, butt of this. I want the top part of this, and I want the bra of that" and she could just create that, yeah. So worth it. I have spent much more money on bras than I did on this, to get this shoot.

Would you recommend Trina? Why or why not

Yes. It's not like a "What if" question. I have been recommending her. I send her Instagram to so many people. I mean, I'm like, "Look. She not only does this boudoir stuff, but she, literally, paints people into scenery. This is a genuine artist, and you get to be part of a genuine artist's collection of things. How cool is that?" It's not just some random person. She's super respectful, super kind.

There was no awkward point in her painting me. We met for the first time. I got naked, and she started painting me, in 15 minutes.

There was no awkward part about it. It's really hard to find someone where you can actually feel that comfortable about it. I'm fairly comfortable with my body, but I'm still not getting naked in front of just anyone. That's the really good part and a reason why I'd recommend her. Also, she's just really funny, so you get to have a fun shoot. It's as if you're hanging out with your friends, so that's one reason. Those are some of the main reasons why I would recommend her. Her talent aside.

Why you choose to work with Trina

I said this, before. I'd been following her on Instagram for a bit. Her work is just really gorgeous. For two years, her work has stood out to me. One, to get through the noise of Instagram and be someone that you remember, that I never met her and didn't know her, just, we happened to start following each other.

Following her artwork, respecting her as a person, so in two years, with all the politics going on, I could still respect her and who she is. I could admire her artwork, see how she's evolved. Yeah, I'm going to give my money to this kind of woman.

In 2019, I decided that, if I was going to ever splurge or spend money on things, I was, one, going to try and find women-owned companies, small companies and people who, what they're doing is really based on their living. That's how I would spend my money because I'm an anti-capitalist.  And I think, after that time, it just made sense to me that, "You know what? This is something I want to do."

It's not unheard of for me to work with photographers and artists, just for the fun of it. It felt in tune to who I was. I was like, "Okay. We're going to do this, now."

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hire her. She's awesome, and you won't regret it.

Unusual Marriage Proposal: Nude Bodypainting in Times Square (Video)

Young couples ‘white gloved’ motto to advocacy on full display in Time Square

Buffalo, New York: Vegan social media influencers get engaged while body painted in New York City to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease. Alex Miller had a near fatal diagnosis of a 99% blocked left anterior descending artery at the age of 32. After having a stent placed, the couple went fully vegan and publicly documented their journey online. In less than two years, the couple, Alex Miller and Brittany Kruse, became bloggers, social media influencers, wellness advocates, brand ambassadors and inspirations for any one that suffers from chronic illnesses or simply interested in improving their diet. This crazy ride has also captivated their hometown, Buffalo New York, which is ironically known as the chicken wing capital of the world. This goes to show that sometimes you need to stand alone to stand out and that they did!   

In the New Year, a plant-based meal prep company, Food Nerd, approached the couple. Owner of the company, Sharon Cryan, was moved by their story and challenged them to 31-days of all raw foods, supplying them with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The couple discovered quickly that a diet high in raw foods drastically improved their energy and appearance as seen in the before and after pictures below. On the last day of their challenge, the couple became a major piece within an intricate New York City based project called the “Self-Love Campaign” sponsored by Food Nerd. This project involves 12 social media influencers that will be artistically transformed by well-known artist, Trina Merry. This campaign aims to have the public take a hard look at themselves, inside out with spotlighting preventive measures and self-education. The artist, Trina, was tasked with articulating their story for cardiovascular disease awareness, emphasizing on Alex’s 99% blocked “widowmaker artery. 

The week leading up to the big day brought about several unwelcome surprises, the biggest was a polar vortex, a blizzard in Buffalo NY, canceling and delaying flights followed by recorded breaking arctic temperatures for New York State. Little did Brittany know amongst the artistically based chaos and commotion of Times Square, Alex made secret plans to propose. Alex couldn’t think of a better way to ask her to marry him then body painted in Times Square for the world to see and to show her how much she means to him. After getting painted and transported to Times Square, Trina wrote “Will you marry me” on Alex’s painted back. Once Brittany saw the question, Alex properly dropped to a knee and proposed. With dozens of spectators accumulating among all the commotion, Brittany put on the ring and said yes. Alex later was recorded on camera explaining to the filmmaker on scene, “She has been by my side and supported our drastic lifestyle change 100% and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her. I couldn’t imagine a more expressive and poetic moment that encompasses our story and us as a couple.”

About Your Company:

White Gloved Vegan is a movement to break stereotypes associated with veganism and inspire others to adapt a plant-based lifestyle. The “white glove” signifies that a vegan can be a class act high standing individual and not be ridiculed for going against society norms.” After making their positive lifestyle change, the couple was surprised to find that people didn’t receive it as well as they thought they would. In fact, they received stereotypical comments about becoming hippies and eating grass. Being high-standing citizens with professional careers, these labels surprised and offended them and they became downright determined to alter this narrow-minded way of thinking. Alex and Brittany also felt it was their duty to create a platform that could publicly display their trials and tribulations in hopes of helping those who also struggle and with that White Gloved Vegan was born.

www.whiteglovedvegan.com

Please find pictures below.

Photographer: Trina Merry

Photographer: Trina Merry

Photographer: Trina Merry

Photographer: Trina Merry

Photographer: Trina Merry

What's it like to be a bodypaint model? Interview with Emma Vega (video)

Hey guys, it’s Emma Vega and I’m a mental health specialist as well as a bodypaint model for Trina Merry. My favorite painting with Trina is definitely the boudoir photoshoot. Um, we found a amazing corset online and I was just so in love with it. And the only difference we made is she happened to make it my favorite color. Which was a really really special way to make that painting personal to me.

The moment of sharing doesn’t end with the photo shoot. There’s so much more that goes on after. When she posts on Instagram and you feel all the love from all her followers who are like “Oh my God that’s so amazing”. And if you’ve had a bad day there’s nothing like seeing um inspirational comments from women all around the world because Trina happens to have some of the best followers in terms of people who are just so positive. And if you’re feeling bad about yourself and you happen to do a project with her, the love that you feel after is just so immense. That, you know, is definitely something I would recommend.

At first, it’s scary. But not scary in a terrible, someones chasing you kind of way. Scary like about to get on a rollercoaster scary. Um because you don’t know how you’re going to feel through the process. But once you start, it’s incredibly liberating. You’re there and you forget. You forget all of the things that you put on yourself every day to hide the different pieces of you. And all of a sudden, you’re there. One hundred percent you, and you have no choice but to love yourself exactly as you are in that moment.

One of the things that I find when people ask me what I do and I tell them, I am a bodypaint model, is that they assume I’m in a club with a beer label painted across my chest. And that is not what I do at all. I’ve been in exhibits in the Whitney and it was amazing to be surrounded by art and also be part of art.

I love bodypaint because everything gets stripped away. One thing for me as a mental health specialist, I always look for ways for people to feel comfortable in their own skin. Um, I became a mental health specialist after years of battling my own mental health issues and depression. And one thing I find with bodypaint is that when you are standing there with another person, you are who you are to the core. There is nothing else on you, no clothes. You have a definition of yourself that you probably would never have because it’s just you stripped away. And not only that, you have no choice but to love yourself in that moment, exactly as you are and you can’t hide anything. You can’t, you can’t fake it. It’s not something you can fake or pretend. It’s just you, there in your barest of elements becoming something new and beautiful.

How To Create Incredible Body Art Using Liquid Latex Bodypaint (Guide)

There's nothing quite like bodypainting when it comes to playful and artistic expression. Latex bodypaint allows anyone to be transformed into a moving, living canvas! Creatives can harness this extraordinary material to create custom cosplay outfits, inspire sensuous photo shoots, or simply to create stunning, living sculptures. For those dreaming of mastering bodypainting for themselves, the following how-to guide will guarantee fantastic results. The only limit with latex bodypaint is truly one's imagination!

What Does It Feel Like To Wear Latex Bodypaint?

Liquid latex bodypaint dries on the skin, creating a breathable layer that moves with the wearer. Over the course of the initial drying process, the latex layer will shrink and tighten a little, which may briefly feel a little strange. This will result in a snug but stretchy bodycovering that is ready to be as dynamic as the person within it! After a few hours of wear, the skin's natural perspiration will cause the bodypaint to lift from the skin. At this point, latex bodypaint will feel more like wearing a tight latex glove.

Preparing For A Bodypainting Session

It is vital to do a skin test before beginning the full bodypainting process. Although unusual, an allergic reaction is not something that a bodypainting subject will wish to risk! Once confident that the bodypaint does not cause skin irritation, preparation of the workspace can begin. While easy to remove from smooth surfaces, latex bodypaint is not removable fabrics and carpets. Protective plastic sheeting can be used to avoid risk of damage to vulnerable furnishings and floor coverings. A warm, comfortable working area is wise, as latex bodypaint will not provide insulation, and the wearer will not want to get cold!

Making Sure You Have Everything You Need

The best tools for applying latex bodypaint are foam brushes and rollers. These will provide a much smoother and more even result than bristled paintbrushes. Spray-guns can also be used with liquid latex bodypaint, but it is essential to select one that is designed for large particulate liquids, and can be adjusted to a low enough pressure so as to spray gently onto the skin. When buying liquid latex bodypaint, a useful guide in terms of volume is one quart – or 34oz – of bodypaint for 3 layers on an average person. Anticipate aiming to complete 3-5 layers for an even, durable, and opaque finish

For the pre-painting stage of the bodypainting process, an aloe gel or water-based moisturizer is a must. Latex bodypaint is quick drying, setting on the skin in only one or two minutes depending on air conditions. However, with many layers to apply, a hair dryer might be a helpful addition to the artist's toolkit! On completion, a latex bodypaint finishing product will seal and secure the stunning body art that has been brought to life on the subject's body!

Preparing The Body For Bodypainting

While latex bodypaint will peel away easily from very light body hair, longer or thicker hair must never be painted. Prepare the area by shaving or trimming body hair that may cause complications. Eyebrows can be covered with a layer of Vaseline for easy removal later on. The visionary at work must resist the temptation to paint the hair on a model's head, as this will result in disaster! Once the skin is prepared, applying an aloe or water-based moisturizer will further assure that later removal of the bodypaint is effortless.

If the underarms are to be painted, poles that can be used to lean on will make the subject far more comfortable during the bodypainting process. It is essential to keep arms lifted, and legs and fingers apart from each other during painting. Latex bodypaint is tacky, and will stick to itself, causing stretches and tears. If the subject wishes to wear underwear during the painting process, latex bodypaint will bond to and dry on undergarments. It is important to note that latex cannot be removed from fabric afterwards! Wrapping the skin in plastic film underneath garments may be necessary to avoid the latex bodypaint soaking through and making contact with any hair that is underneath

Applying Liquid Latex Bodypaint

Once everything is prepared, the creative process can begin! Foam brushes of various sizes can be used to create detail, while rollers can be used to provide even cover over larger areas. Once a layer of latex bodypaint has been applied, it must dry completely before the next layer is started. A minimum of 3 layers will ensure solid and vibrantly colored results. If the body art in question is to be photographed, it's worth keeping in mind that bright lighting will make latex bodypaint appear more translucent. In such a case, apply more layers to avoid a patchy aesthetic. An excellent tip for those using neon bodypaints is to apply a white undercoat. This will assist in giving neon shades the most radiant, and dramatic impact!

Creating Intricate And 3D Elements With Molds

Liquid latex bodypaint is perfect for pouring into molds. This is a simple method to create raised shapes, fine edges and delicate details. Because latex bodypaint remains tacky once it dries, molded shapes can be applied directly to layers of bodypaint already on the skin. Begin by pouring liquid latex into the desired mold shape and allowing it to dry over 24 hours. Now turning attention to the bodypainting subject, a base coat of bodypaint must be applied and allowed to fully dry before molded details are added. At this point, the shaped latex can be carefully removed from it's mold and placed firmly in it's intended location. The two latex surfaces will bond instantly, so accuracy and patience are a must!

Finishing Latex Bodypaint For Perfect Results

Once the intended bodypainting masterpiece is manifested, finishing the latex bodypaint with an appropriate product is essential. Finishing products are available in spray or powder form. Some provide special finishes, such as shimmery or pearlescent effects. Finishing the latex bodypaint will ensure that it is no longer tacky. Without this step, the bodypaint will be vulnerable to sticking – either to itself, or any other surface. Finishers will provide ultimate durability, allowing the wearer to enjoy their spectacular latex outfit for as long as they desire! Because latex bodypaint is both breathable and comfortable, it can be worn all day without concern. Once of the magical elements of latex bodypaint for creatives is that the body art achieved is transient. It captures a moment, and exists only temporarily, making it a wonderful metaphor for the human experience

Removing Your Latex Bodypaint

In most cases, the wearer can simply lift the latex and peel it away. It is best to do this gently, and pause if there is any resistance. Stubborn areas can be removed with a cleansing lotion, oil based moisturizer, or gently released with warm soapy water in the shower. Always ensure that liquid latex is not washed down the drain as this can cause blockages. Once the subject has transformed back into their usual form, they will be able to treasure the memory of their body art experience. That is, until it's time to get creative with latex bodypaint once again!

8 Fascinating Body Painters to Follow on Instagram Now

Whether you are interested in body paint in general or looking to expand your Instagram feed with bodypainting artists, this list will be helpful. As one of the most known platforms for sharing pictures, Instagram is a good place to share body paint and makeup artworks.

This list will contain 8 Instagram pages of body paint artist with each their own background and experiences. Per body paint artist there will be a short description regarding their inspirations and styles, the person behind the art and what to expect of their Instagram. The list is in no particular order.

1.       Trina Merry

Instagram: @trinamerry
Follower count: 12,800 followers

Trina Merry is a world champion body painter who has worked on different projects, with a focus on blending people into nature or structure patterns.  Trina Merry has a studio located in New York City and Los Angeles. Her work can be seen on Instagram and on Youtube.

2.       Kay Pike

Instagram: @kaypikefashion
Follower count 266,000 followers

Kay Pike is body-painter, twitch streamer and cosplayer. On her Instagram you can see a collection of body painted characters from different videogames, such as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, The Joker, and C3PO from the well-known Star Wars series.  The body paintings exist of detailed paintings in a corresponding vintage-cartoon style. At first sight you wouldn’t even notice that it is an actual person.

Every Saturday you can view her do a live painting session on her Twitch, which can be very entertaining to watch.

3.       Emma Fay

Instagram: @Emmafayofficial

Follower count: 2,270 followers

Emma Fay is a British body painter who is constantly looking to challenge your mind with a visual perception. Her body paintings are inspired by evolution, surrealism and symbolic expressionism. One of her well-known series, Marvels of Nature, exists out of animals painted on bodies combined with contortionism. Her Instagram exists out of process pictures and videos, her body paintings and exhibitions.

The work of Emma is used in exhibitions, media and live installations. Read more about Emma Fay her work on her website.

4.       Orly Faya

Instagram: @Orlyfaya

Follower count: 2,995 followers

Orly Faya has been travelling for the last 17 years, searching for the relations between humanity and earth, men and woman and especially what we all have with ourselves. Combined with her background in Anthropology, Orly Faya has expressed her experiences and her relations into a mix of body art, jewellery, photography and more. She is currently writing a book, but for now you can find her body paint art on Instagram.

If interested, you can buy her art through the website.

5.       Alexa Meade

Instagram: @alexameadeart

Follower count: 244,000 followers

Where you would probably confuse Alexa Meade her work with paintings hanging in an art gallery, you could see that there is an actual body painted person in her pictures. You might know her from her recent collaboration with pop artist Ariane Grande, were she did a body paint on Ariana Grande, while the musician was lying in an ocean of flowing paint.

Alexa Meade does something completely different however, mixing impressionism with body painting and modern-day styles and objects, such as cars and televisions. You can see her body paintings on Instagram and read more about her on the website.

6.       Paul Roustan

Instagram: @roustan[DM1] 

Follower count: 231,000 followers

Paul Roustan is an American body painter doing a wide variety of jobs. His style is referred to as contemporary art, known for its Technological and cultural diversity influences. Paul Rouston has been on national television with his body art. His Instagram consist out of a mixture of photos and process videos.

Just like a bunch of other body painters from this list, Paul Roustan takes care of the photography himself.

7.       Breanne Cooke

Instagram: @breannecooke

Follower count: 2,012 followers

Just like the earlier mentioned Kay Pike, Breanne works on cosplays. The difference between these 2 body painters are the inspirations. The art of Breanne is inspired by fantasy characters instead of videogames. Her Instagram contains body painted faeries, flower princesses, sea creatures and regular animals.

Besides her body paintings Breanne Cooke works as a graphic designer and even offers body painting classes on her website.

8.       Avi Ram

Instagram: @airbrushhero

Follower count: 721,000 followers

Known from his appearance on Skin Wars and Fresh Paint, Avi blends nature, religion and overall bright colours and brings it to life using an airbrush. Besides working as body painter with real life canvases, Avi offers his work on wall murals, portraits, apparel and more.

 Avi even started out in Israel bringing images brought in by his clients to life on t-shirts, were he later decided to teach his art skills to other people.

 He offers airbrush parties for kids besides his body painting and wall murals on his website.

This list of unique body painters will hopefully inspire you to even follow some of the artist. It is interesting to see how every artist is inspired by a different style or vision, and how this is brought to life with the body paint.

Did your favourite artist come by in this list, if not, who is it? Let me know!

 [DM1]

Bodies of Evidence: Living Art at Getty Villa

“Bodies of Evidence: Living Art” is a performance piece by Trina Merry, a body painter known for live demonstrations where she paints the bodies of performers to blend into their background. Trina Merry is one of the top names in body painters today. She’s studied with renowned artists including Robert Wilson, Marina Abramovic, and Alex and Allyson Grey. Through her work, she draws the attention of audiences to their surroundings and the human body with a fresh perspective.

On May 18th and 19th of 2019, Trina Merry painted model after model to blend into the views at the J. Getty Villa in Las Angeles. Using the beautiful architecture, interesting locations featuring interior design, and gardens as the backdrop she simultaneously erases and celebrates the human body.

A common thread through all of her work is the comparison of the natural curves of the human body next to the hard lines and set patterns of architecture and objects. This particular exhibit brings it to the forefront of one’s mind as the curves of a woman’s body are decorated with the structure and pattern of her surroundings. Through the painted lines that mirror the backdrop, she blends into the view around her.

The Getty Villa features architecture and art from the ancient world of Greece and Rome. There is, perhaps, no place more fitting for Trina Merry to draw this comparison of the human form with structure. The combination of statues that celebrate the natural human body interspersed through buildings that feature perfectly symmetrical and carefully measured architecture set the groundwork for such a juxtaposition.

Through her work, Trina Merry celebrates these centuries-old pieces that speak to mankind’s longlasting fascination with the body. The statues breathe life into her work and vice versa. Once the models have been completely covered from head-to-toe, their forms continually shift in front of one’s eyes to disappear in their surroundings and emerge again moments later.

As with all of her work, Merry invites the audience to view her process. Where most artists only present the finished product of their art, Merry includes the process as part of her statement. Instead of a static installation, viewers get a performance. They are able to watch as models take on the beauty of the art and architecture that surrounds them.

Trina Merry’s work is captivating and interesting for all, no matter the experience level with visual arts. Viewers can dive deep into the discourse of the human form and the consequence of the male gaze in art history, or they can simply enjoy her mesmerizing ability to create optical illusions. All are welcomed to view and engage with the performance. With open arms, Trina Merry’s work welcomes all to be more attentive to the space around them and consider the human form from a new, beautiful perspective.

Behind the Scenes | Have you ever blended into a plane?

What if you could blend into a commercial plane with your frequent flier miles like this older English man? In this body-positive, age-inclusive series, Trina Merry blends seniors into environments around UK & London.  One painting blends a senior male into a commercial plane on-site at the "Top Gear" track airfield and another blends a senior female in London into a phone box and moving a double-decker bus.

This PSA campaign was created for Age UK to spread awareness about the ageism of the 65+ seniors who are economically invisible in the UK.  Older people are routinely overlooked by commercial organizations. Product developers and marketers target young people and ignore this older crowd who are, according to research, are not only a viable fiscal demographic but  Baby Boomers are currently the largest consumers for travel & travel insurance in the UK. 

To dramatize the campaign, we created a series of striking body camouflage images with older models blending into commercial backgrounds to convey that as a demographic they are overlooked by businesses and society as if they are invisible and fading into the background. Through this powerful imagery, we hope to bring the implicit age bias to the forefront of society, so that it can no longer be ignored.

The purpose of the shoot is to highlight society's obsession with youth.  Maitland/AMO conducted two sets of research to support this. One set investigated the age cohort of different consumers in different sectors.  The other set looked at who the marketeers target as their bullseye demographic. This research proved that businesses disproportionately target their products and services at young people, even though older people make up a significant consumer group with more disposable cash.  The conclusion is that older people are becoming economically invisible to businesses.

About Age UK:

Age UK is the country's largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We provide companionship, advice and support for older people who need it most.  The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before.

Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people.  We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations. We tackle loneliness, get older people active, and support people to stay independent for longer.

About Maitland/AMO:

Europe's leading financial, corporate & political communications consultancy providing trusted advice and strategic counsel.  We have the depth of experience to provide you with trusted advice on any communication issue you might encounter, whether your organisation is facing a barrage of press criticism, planning an investor roadshow or wants to launch a campaign involving a key piece of Government policy.

We provide company leaders and the heads of major organisations with the communications strategy they need to win over the audiences that matter most to them. We then advocate tirelessly for our clients among crucial opinion formers in the financial community, the media and the political world.

TRINA MERRY’S “OBJECTIFIED” PERFORMANCE + EXHIBITION OPENED AT THE UNTITLED SPACE ON TRIBECA ART NIGHT

“Objectified,” a performance and exhibition by renowned body painter Trina Merry, was on display November 14th-16th at The Untitled Space in New York. In these works, painted models acted as objects in sitting rooms. Some held flowers, acting as a vase, others held candles, wore lampshades, or held platters with cakes and candies.

On the 14th, viewers could enjoy a live performance as models posed with various objects to create new, impermanent scenes. Curling up on rugs or posing next to the couch, this performance invited the audience to engage with the subject matter more deeply. 

During the exhibition, Trina Merry also treated the audience to a peek behind the curtain of her process by painting models during the exhibit for all to see. Audiences rarely get to view the artist’s process live, so this was a truly unique experience.

In “Objectified,” Merry challenges viewers to consider the way that animate and inanimate objects work together to create a space. How much are we a part of our living spaces and why do we choose the objects that we do to inhabit these spaces? “Objectified” also explores ideas of consumerism, women’s rights, and identity in our current political climate.

Trina Merry is one of the top body painters of her generation. She has studied with the likes of Robert Wilson, Marina Abramovic, and Alex and Allyson Grey. Her work brings attention to stillness, silence, and space, using the organic and natural human form to juxtapose the hard lines in objects and architecture. 

Celebrated body paint artist Trina Merry presented her powerful exhibit and live performance “Objectified”  on November 14th at The Untitled Space. The exhibition (on view through November 16th) and performance was curated by gallery director Indira Cesarine and the opening coincided with Tribeca Art + Culture Night. Throughout the night, models covered head-to-toe in body paint enthralled the audience by posing with lampshades, cakes, and candles, as music played throughout the night, seamlessly communicating the artist’s statement. Visitors could watch as Merry painted the models, giving the public a rare glimpse at how an artist works.

The addition of the live performance added to the excitement of the evening. Guests were in awe of the models’ ability to contort themselves into tricky and unique positions. Everyone was appreciative of the chance to interact with the exhibit in a more impressionable way than just engaging with photographs on the wall, it brought the artists work literally to life. Wine and chocolates were served throughout the evening.

This year was the 12th edition of Tribeca Art + Culture Night, with 20 different venues putting on exhibitions, workshops, live performances, and talks. Over 200 artists and more than ten exclusive events were on view.

“Objectified,” a performance and exhibition by renowned body painter Trina Merry, was on display November 14th-16th at The Untitled Space in New York. In these works, painted models acted as objects in sitting rooms. Some held flowers, acting as a vase, others held candles, wore lampshades, or held platters with cakes and candies.

On the 14th, viewers could enjoy a live performance as models posed with various objects to create new, impermanent scenes. Curling up on rugs or posing next to the couch, this performance invited the audience to engage with the subject matter more deeply. 

During the exhibition, Trina Merry also treated the audience to a peek behind the curtain of her process by painting models during the exhibit for all to see. Audiences rarely get to view the artist’s process live, so this was a truly unique experience.

In “Objectified,” Merry challenges viewers to consider the way that animate and inanimate objects work together to create a space. How much are we a part of our living spaces and why do we choose the objects that we do to inhabit these spaces? “Objectified” also explores ideas of consumerism, women’s rights, and identity in our current political climate.

Trina Merry is one of the top body painters of her generation. She has studied with the likes of Robert Wilson, Marina Abramovic, and Alex and Allyson Grey. Her work brings attention to stillness, silence, and space, using the organic and natural human form to juxtapose the hard lines in objects and architecture. 

Artist statement on “Objectified” Exhibit and Performance:“Do the living spaces that surround us own us, or do we own them? My Objectified series poses these questions and allows viewers to come up with answers by creating a conversation within the self. What is all this stuff in my living space, and why do I choose these material items? There seems to be a sort of cohesive relationship built between animate and inanimate objects in the home. We want to entice you to explore four powerful examples of common living spaces that will come alive through human models fashioned with body paint.

About 14 years ago, I was accused by a conservative friend of objectifying women in my artwork. Since I collaborate with consenting (often enthusiastic) models & performers, I laughed and thought I’d delve deeper into the phrase “Objectified” and the domestic expectations that were being placed on me, questioning consumerism and identity. Now, at nearly 40 and having grown past many of these societal pressures, I revisit this series within the context of our current political climate to examine the historical female nude within the context of art history, issues of consent, laws that remove the freedom of choice women have over their own bodies, and social media censorship.”

Trina Merry is a leading body painter in a generation that emerged in the wake of the influence of Yves Klein, Yayoi Kusama, and Verushka. Merry studied with Robert Wilson and Marina Abramovic as a Watermill Center summer resident, creating five living bodypaint installations on site. There she absorbed their unique attention to space, silence in stillness and transported these applications in her work to the chaotic neon streets of New York and subsequently, the world. She has also studied with Alex and Allyson Grey on “Visionary Art and the Light Body”. She has crafted her own visual and conceptual vocabulary that emerged through her focus on the points of juxtaposition between the organic human form and the phallic hard lines of architecture.

Merry has performed and exhibited at The Whitney Biennial, Getty Villa, San Jose Museum of Art (with Andy Goldsworthy), Attleboro Arts Museum, ESMoA, Museo De Bardini (Florence), Edward Hopper House, Red Dot Miami, Superfine! Art Fair, Satellite Art Show, WORKS San Jose & SOMArts alongside the Guerilla Girls. Merry currently lives in New York City has a BFA in film.

• Event photography by Mikhail Torich and The Untitled Space