Body painting is a form of expression
used by people who like to be naked to communicate feelings and ideas about the
human body by using the body itself as the canvas. Such ideas may sometimes be
of a sexual nature, but that is only a small part of the possible range of
thoughts that can be expressed in this way.
It shouldn't be very
surprising that people who like to be naked also like to paint bodies or have
their own painted. It is a fairly common pastime at nudist/naturist gatherings
and events, and other festive occasions where naked people are found.
A naked body makes a
pretty good canvas for creative expression. In fact, the expanded possibilities
for self expression that are possible when one doesn't wear clothes form
one of the chief attractions of being naked for some people.
What people who are
interested in the body as an expressive medium have in common with those who
just like to be naked is a certain attitude towards the body. An attitude that
is more detached and objective than "normal". An attitude that accepts, without
flinching, the body for what it is, and then uses it to realize new concepts of
"corpo-reality".
Is body painting an erotic
thing? Clearly, it can be, just as certain choices in clothing can be erotic.
However, it need not be any more erotic than other, non-erotic forms of
appreciation of the body for its own sake.
Make Up Artist's
Opinion on Paints
As a Make-up Artist and
Body painter I feel it is important that you think of the Health and Safety
Aspect of what you are doing. Some of the comments are recommending non-cosmetic
art supplies and products for use on the skin. This is an extremely unadvisable
thing to do. I have approached many art supplies manufacturers and been told in
no uncertain terms that the products are NOT safe for use on human skin!
Cosmetic products (such as Mehron, Kryolan, Fardel and Grimas Body and Face
paints) have conformed to US and EC regulations for cosmetic products.
Using art products on a
model which have not been tested and OK'd could result in a hefty law suit
landing on your lap if the model develops contact dermatitis as a result or
misses a modeling assignment due to an allergic reaction. More importantly you
could do real damage to someone by simply not thinking. There are hundreds of
fantastic safe products available on the net and from Theatrical and
Professional Make-Up retailers. So please think before you paint!
Oh and the thing about not
covering the whole body is not true. It is perfectly safe to do so... someone
has been watching too much James Bond (Goldfinger!) In the world of fetish some
people clad themselves entirely in rubber with nothing but a small straw
sticking out of their mouths to breathe, all that happens is they sweat a lot.
Most make-up is breathable to a certain extent, although if it is very thick a
model may sweat. Dri Clor or a really powerful anti-perspirant applied first
will do the trick, followed by a good dose of spray sealant once you are
finished.
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