Val Garland is a British make up artist originally from Bristol. After emigrating to Sydney Australia to work as a hair stylist and colour technician she decided to persue a career in the field of make up. Apparently it was her passion for colour which inspired her transformation from Hairdresser to make up artist, since then she has worked for designers such as Alexnder McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, magazines including Vogue, celebs such as Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, along with product companies like M.A.C. and Pantene.
http://showstudio.com/contributor/val_garland
http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2013/04/5-reasons-we-love-val-garland-makeup-artist.html
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Ellis Faas
So as asked I have done some research into Ellis Faas and her work, I found her work extremely inspirational and I very much like her style. From what I have read about her work and how she has built up her career it's clear to see she is a very determined and dedicated woman. After viewing her portfolio on her website these are some of my favorite pieces of her work.
I found this image interesting because it reminded me of watching Charlie and the Chocolate factory when I was a child. I think It triggers memories of this movie due to the fact that the model is wearing a top hat like Willie Wonka, and the clouds in the background remind me of the idea of going up into the sky in a glass elevator, slighlty random some of my thoughts, but there we have it. Also the make up has a magical sort of fantasy look about it, with the combination of glitter, half red and half pink lips and the fact that only one eye has a great deal of make up applied to it.
I think this image is simply stunning the make up is extremely precise and natural looking giving the face a fresh airy feel. I also like the lighting focusing on the middle of the face giving a shadow down one side.
This last Image stood out to me because i think the way the colours of the make up used matching the eyes looks beautiful, not to mention the way the make up has been applied to create the illusion of shadow coming down across the face.
Finally I enjoyed watching the youtube video of Ellis's Identity revealed make up looks. I think the concept behind the work is an interesting one as I know that personally I do wear make up as a mask, and its interesting to think about how we perceive other people and how that may differ from how they view themselves or imagine other people viewing them or who they truly are underneath the version of themselves that they project to the outer world. I like the darkness in the background of the video and think the music is extremeley fitting with Ellis's thoughts and inspiration for creating the video.
I particularly like this first picture because I think contrast between the bright background and the whiteness of the models skin draws attention towards the make up, I also think the way the eyes have been outlined in black all the way around the lids is an interesting effect and gives the model an almost cartoonish feel, sort of the the Japanese manga style. With the defined brows giving the face an almost china doll like impression.
This last Image stood out to me because i think the way the colours of the make up used matching the eyes looks beautiful, not to mention the way the make up has been applied to create the illusion of shadow coming down across the face.
Finally I enjoyed watching the youtube video of Ellis's Identity revealed make up looks. I think the concept behind the work is an interesting one as I know that personally I do wear make up as a mask, and its interesting to think about how we perceive other people and how that may differ from how they view themselves or imagine other people viewing them or who they truly are underneath the version of themselves that they project to the outer world. I like the darkness in the background of the video and think the music is extremeley fitting with Ellis's thoughts and inspiration for creating the video.
Sunday, 26 October 2014
More of todays face charts
Elizabethan face charts
Today I decided to give face charts another go as I was getting frustrated with the shading techniques last week and decided it best to take a break. Having said this the new problem I have encountered is drawing eyelashes, in attempt to resolve this issue I have been watching face chart tutorials on youtube and will continue to practice. This is a face chart I have designed for the New Elizabethans project taking my inspiration from the two images at the begining of my blog.
I decided not to use the image of the Queen of Hearts from the Tim Burton's movie version of Alice in Wonderland as although the make up was designed to look Elizabethan it was rather plain, focususing mainly on the the Sky Blue eyeshadow which I felt was too modern and not truley Elizabethan, and therefore would not fit the criteria I needed to meet. So instead I used the fancy dress make up Image of the Queen of hearts combined with the Elizabthan portrait. I am still trying to find out both the make up artist and the artist who created these pictures, as soon as I find this information I will add it to my blog.
I decided not to use the image of the Queen of Hearts from the Tim Burton's movie version of Alice in Wonderland as although the make up was designed to look Elizabethan it was rather plain, focususing mainly on the the Sky Blue eyeshadow which I felt was too modern and not truley Elizabethan, and therefore would not fit the criteria I needed to meet. So instead I used the fancy dress make up Image of the Queen of hearts combined with the Elizabthan portrait. I am still trying to find out both the make up artist and the artist who created these pictures, as soon as I find this information I will add it to my blog.
Saturday, 25 October 2014
Kevyn Aucoin
This post is all about the late make up artist Kevyn Aucoin. Being relitively new to the world of make-up I had not actually heard of Kevyn until we were set the task of reasearching him and his work for our homework this week, so here goes...
“Glamour is not self-conscious; it’s not trying really hard. It’s just expressing your own truth. I think that’s what the essence of glamour really is—expressing your uniqueness.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevyn_Aucoin
http://uk.spacenk.com/kevyn-aucoin/
http://kevynaucoin.com/the-brand
- The late Kevyn Aucoin was an American make-up artist and photographer who started his career in New York.
- He was the founder of the luxury cosmetics line named after himself Kevyn Aucoin
- He started his career by working for free applying make up to test models before being discovered by none other than the leading fashion magazie,Vogue where he worked side by side with the famous fashion photographer Steven Meisel.
- In 1984 he worked with Revlon as Creative Director to promote their Ultima II range and later collaborated with the company again on the Nakeds line, which focussed on skintone. These products were thought to be groundbreaking in the world of make up as they were some of the first foundations to contain a yellow undertone instead of pink meaning they were suitable for a wider range of skintones, providing a more natural look. Other big brand name make- up companies such as M.A.C. and Bobbi Brown were inspired by the Nakeds range and began developing their own ranges based on the principle of developing different undertones and textures.
- In 1989 he worked with supermodel Cindy Crawford on a cover shoot for Vogue
- He has created and applied the make-up looks for Cosmopolitan magazine.
- at the height of his career he was highly sought after and could potentially charge anything up to $6,000 per shoot.
- Celebrity clients of Aucoin inclue; Cher, Janet Jackson, Liza Minelli, Tina Turner, Gwenyth Paltrow, Courtney Love and Vanessa Williams.
- Kevyn Aucoin Beauty was launched in 2001.
- Kevyn has authored 4 books; Face Forward, Making Faces, and The Art Of Make-Up
- Kevyn Aucoin sadly passed in May of 2002 due to Kidney failure
“Glamour is not self-conscious; it’s not trying really hard. It’s just expressing your own truth. I think that’s what the essence of glamour really is—expressing your uniqueness.”
—Kevyn Aucoin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevyn_Aucoin
http://uk.spacenk.com/kevyn-aucoin/
http://kevynaucoin.com/the-brand
My Symbolism Selfie
So this is my Selfie that I created containing items and clothes which sybolize or represent how I would like people to see me, as the type of person I would like to become. First of all in the picture I am holding a picture of my Son as he is the most importnt thing in my life and more than anything I want to be a good mother to him and put his interests first at all times. Also in my hand I am holding his little pink poodle toy that he gave to me on starting University to put in my room to remind me of him while I am staying in Southampton during the week. because he gave me this gift it is very important to me and I treasure it. I also have my make up out in front of me restng on the side in front of the mirror where I took this picture. This is because I am proud of being a Make-Up and Hair Design student, especially because when I was younger I did not think I would ever end up going to University. I am dressed in an odd manor in this image for two reasons I tried to give my outfit a sort of school teacher type theme whilst keeping it stylish and quirky, this is because If I could have any job in the world once I have completed my studies it would be to teach. Preferably hairdressing or hair design because I am particularly enthusiastic about hair, however at the same time it is important to me to keep my own sense of style and individuality. Lastly I am wearing a necklace in the picture which obviously being a student is a cheap high street brand product, however the necklace from a distance to an untrained eye may look like it would be worth more money so I wore it to represent the fact that I do like nice things, but also because I want to be a self reliant woman and be able to earn a comfortable wage of my own instead of relying on anyone else.
Tuesday, 21 October 2014
symbolism and contemporary status symolism continued...
The Ermine portrait 1585, of Queen elizabeth I is another fantasic example of Status sybolism in the 15th Century.Elizabeth again is wearing only the finest of garments this time made from Ermine a fur which was especially only used to royalty and noblemen. It was regarded that only those of royal blood should be worthy of wearing the Ermine fur because of a myth surrounding the Ermine, it was said that the creature would rather die than soil its own fur, once again this signifys Elizabeth is a true Monarch and that she belongs in power. The sword in the portrait symbolises justice, Elizabeth was popular with her subjects and thought of as a fair Queen with a strong and unshakeable sense of justice, Elizabeth was known to dislike war and made every attempt whilst reigning britain to avoild conflict as much as possible, thus explaining the olive branch present, representing peace.
These are but a few examples of symbolism and how it was used to create an aura of honourability and power and also how it created a sense of security and trust in Elizabeth and her abilities in ruling the country, but how is symbolism used in todays society? this is the question I am going to address next.
In todays society we see many status symbols, via television, film, music videos and just as frequently in everyday life. these status symols create a reputation and a feeling of importance and respect for the individual involved. Music videos in particular contain masses of symbolism with which the viewers minds are unknowingly bombarded with subliminal messages of wealth, beauty, respect, power and importance from the artist. Rap/hip hop videos are especially renownd for theses status symbols, where we often see rappers parading round wearing high end designer clothing, diamond jewlelry, sipping on champagne and driving fancy cars.
The contemporary image or portrait I am going to dicuss containing symbolism is interesting for a few reasons not only does it show the celbrity in question asserting their power, ego/high sense of self esteem, it also has links to a conspiracy theory, which demonstatrates the power of publicity and how celebrites will court attention at any cost. Afterall there is a saying that any publicity is good publicity...
The Image I am talking about in this case is a portrait taken from Beyonces Album "I am Sasha Fierce" artwork.
These are but a few examples of symbolism and how it was used to create an aura of honourability and power and also how it created a sense of security and trust in Elizabeth and her abilities in ruling the country, but how is symbolism used in todays society? this is the question I am going to address next.
In todays society we see many status symbols, via television, film, music videos and just as frequently in everyday life. these status symols create a reputation and a feeling of importance and respect for the individual involved. Music videos in particular contain masses of symbolism with which the viewers minds are unknowingly bombarded with subliminal messages of wealth, beauty, respect, power and importance from the artist. Rap/hip hop videos are especially renownd for theses status symbols, where we often see rappers parading round wearing high end designer clothing, diamond jewlelry, sipping on champagne and driving fancy cars.
The contemporary image or portrait I am going to dicuss containing symbolism is interesting for a few reasons not only does it show the celbrity in question asserting their power, ego/high sense of self esteem, it also has links to a conspiracy theory, which demonstatrates the power of publicity and how celebrites will court attention at any cost. Afterall there is a saying that any publicity is good publicity...
The Image I am talking about in this case is a portrait taken from Beyonces Album "I am Sasha Fierce" artwork.
So this portrait is interesting for a number of reasons starting with the pose and facial expressions of Beyonce, she is seen in an extremly dominant, slightly agressive pose, deliberatley staring directly at the camera with a very strong and assertive Facial expression. This clearly symbolises her as an authorative, powerful woman almost warrior like.
to add to this the outfit she is wearing is a metallic like corset, again almost warrior like as the shape of the garment in a way reminds me of a shield, maybe used by an ancient viking warrior with some type of medeivil armour like the one pictured below.
Another thought which popped into my head whilst viwing this image of Beyonce was its similarities to the garment worn by the ficticous super hero Wonder Woman, both in shape and style of the garment but also similar in colour. Again the pose in which Beyonce is staning in is extremely similar to the pose of Wonder Woman in the picture below. Sasha Fierce is said to be Beyonces alter ego with a super hero like name could her inspiration have been taken from Wonder Woman? As she is also strong and mighty powerful being.
Beyonce appears to also be wearing some type of bracelet on her left arm, however in all the different size images of this picture I could find I was not able to see what exactly was on the bracelet. therefore I am unable to attempt to analyze any symbolism regarding this jewelry piece.
More symbols present in the artistic display are both the way the photo has been taken and the colours used. Beyonce herself is seen in black and white with a shadow like dark effect to the photography. Her outfit however is in colour this draws attenton away from Beyonce herself, so the observers main focus is on details of her elaborate costume. This is where clever marketing of Beyonces image and her willingness and ability to play up to publicity, rumours and provoke a reaction of conspiracy theorists comes to light. A popular internet phenomenon and conspiracy theory has been in circulation for a while now, regarding many mainstream celebrities and their "connection" to a supposed satanic cult called the Illuminati. The fact that Beyonce is clearly wearing a corset not only in the shape of a Baphomet or devil like head with horns, but actually displays a devil like face image with flames in red and yellow on the front is an example of an extremly effective way to gain attention and court publicity. Beyonce and her husband New York born rapper Jay-Z are frequently the centre of attention due to a number of photographs, portraits and music videos containing apparent "Illuminati/satanic" symbolism and poses. They are clearly demonstrating a gift for gaining and maintaining media attention.
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