I can’t believe the detail in each of Heather’s masterpieces!! …..and to think that the model would definitely need to shower that night! PS – Check out the hooves on Shadow Mane above! Yes! She’s wearing hooves!

What does a “body artist” do?

My work includes makeup; special effects; body paint; and recently, tattooing.

How have you got to where you are today?

I survived high school because of art! I then became a sign-writer (4 year apprenticeship and 4 years as a trade) where I discovered I loved the challenge of working on 3D surfaces and my affinity with an airbrush. After that, I owned several successful creative businesses in floristry and event décor.

I then decided to study at QICMA (Queensland Institute of Cinema graphic Makeup Artistry), where I found a passion and desire for “morphing” people using special effects/makeup. I’ve also worked on short films, student films, T.V. series and advertisements before deciding I really enjoyed the rather beautiful futility of body painting and the concept of transitory imagery on a living, breathing canvas.

In a few words, describe yourself…

A grown up who has managed to still dream like a kid and wise enough (just!) to try and turn those dreams into reality. A wife, a mother, a woman with a sense of self, loves challenges, laughs a lot, enjoys food and wine probably more than I should, and is fortunate to associate with like-minded people.

What are you spending your time on at the moment?

Decided to take “temporary” to “everlasting” with learning the ancient art of tattooing about 3 years ago and spent most of that time watching and asking questions at the Brisbane based studio, Sacred Skin. So tattooing is where my head is currently at, although I’m also working with a talented photographer and building portfolios/exhibitions by providing unusual body concepts.

I’ve been offered an opportunity to get back into the filming industry, with sculpting and creating prosthetics, so I am hoping to get back into that later this year.

Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?

For myself and body painting, it usually begins with a strong recurring idea that starts out in my head… proceeds to paper… then preliminarily painted onto a mannequin. Then, I try and source a suitable body frame that accentuates the concept I want (which is harder than it looks!) and lining up a photo session. It has happened on a few occasions where I’ve been just doing normal everyday things, and discovered someone who is perfect. That’s when you have to convince them that you know what you’re doing!

With tattooing, with so many talented tattoo artists out there, it’s more a case of adapting an inspiring idea to suit the client and moulding that idea until it’s your own. Then it’s a simple case of skill, time and attention.

What or who inspires you?

Where do you start? From Walt Disney films to Paris fashion; from children’s book illustrations to antique block wallpaper prints; almost everywhere… graffiti, music clips to architecture. I admire the art of Emma Hack, Gino Acevedo, Tom Savini, Yolanda Bartram, Tiny Miss Becca, C.S. Lewis, Angelique Houtkamp, Nelly Recchia and Claudia De Sabe, just to name a few.

What are you most proud of?

I think it would have to be that I’ve always committed myself to the learning of how to do something correctly. No half measures. I’ve always backed up my dreams, with putting the time in to learn the skill first, then seeing where it takes you. It’s a bit like deciding on a destination, packing and budgeting for the trip and then enjoying the experience. I can honestly say, I know the skills it takes and therefore, find the end result is so much more rewarding. Just hope I live long enough to get to do all the things I want to do!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to design album covers (yes, that long ago!) and illustrate children’s books. That way I’d influenced people’s imagination. Then I wanted to be a mortician and in my way, help preserve people’s memories. Not a lot’s changed really when you think about it.