This section is dedicated to our members for them to write about the things that interest them most. You can write about an event you visited, or a new exhibition. You can write an evaluation of a new product you have found. Perhaps some of you have toured with your art and would like to share your travel experience.

All you have to do is write about a paragraph or two of information, include some photos and send it to us to go online. This should be a place to share your thoughts and experiences with the community. So please take the opportunity and start thinking about what you think needs to be known.

If you send it in english, more people will have access to the report but you can also send it in your language.

by Klaus Behnisch

Since long before I holded the "picture" of this performance in my head. It should be a affecting metaphore and should indicate to the agony of marine beings that everyday miserably die in fishing nets. It should explain metaphorically, that also we are finally trapped in our own nets because we deprive ourselves even off  this source of food and destroy the ecological balance of our planet completely.
So I went with this idea until May 2008 and finally approached a number of environmental and animal welfare organizations to inquire whether there will be an interest for this type of presentation.
Only the WWF Germany showed interest and was willing to use the idea for their campaign against bycatches. Personally I welcomed it quite much because I like the actions of the WWF in general. They always search for solutions that are satisfactory for all.
My original idea to be carried out in the open sea was quickly rejected, though many models, celebrities, filmmakers and photographers already agreed to participate in such an action. The costs would be too high and to find the right sponsors in short term showed to be very difficult.
            Thus, the action was planned for a swimming pool. It was important for the WWF to find a pool large enough for the press to take pictures and movies on the spot. After extensive research, we found a public pool in Berlin Schöneberg that suited our needs. There is a large underwater window for the media people to observe everything.
            And now it was on me to create inside this basin an ocean like atmosphere. I solved this by turning all the pool into a surreal ocean and intended to create a dangerous underwater world in a gloomy-looking ocean.
            The choice of materials proofed to be difficult. As a black background cover for the pool 300 square meters of pond liner were used. That was pretty heavy itselve, and directly layed down on to the pool ground. Then there was the selection of the nets. This was the most difficult part. It should not endanger the actors too much. Also not cover too much of the divers’ bodypaintings and fit into the terms of colour generally. Finally 100 m industrial fishing net was to be hung into the basin. The keypoint was that nothing dangerous happened.

But thanks to the underwater experience from past shootings and the outstanding quality of products from “Kryolan” nothing like happened. A subsequent analysis showed no water contamination at all. I would like to point out that “Kryolan” not only supported the logistical assistance but also financially supported this action of the WWF Germany and me. A special “Thank You” for this good cooperation.    

For about two hours the divers continuously were in the water and swam ceaselessly into the net. Nevertheless, the colors kept and adhered very good.
Despite great stresses there was a hilarious feeling after the successful end and the big response in the media. Top athletes, artists and environmentalists gathered here collectively to draw attention to this every day madness in our seas.
For me and the idea of Aqua Revival, it was a milestone in experience and provides the courage for more. It would be e.g. very attractive to take part in a theatrical performance such as Wagner’s "Rheingold"…

Filippo Ioco presents his recent project with Operation Calendar. A Body Painted Pin Up Calendar where 50% of all proceeds are donated to wounded troops and their families.

Filippo: "Now, I am not political and I'm against WAR but after meeting and seeing many young beautiful courageous men and women that have come back from combat disfigured, missing limbs, burned or mentally disabled from the things they have endured. This project has become dear to my heart !! I often wonder if these young men and women knew what they were getting into. Anyways you will never see these men and women or hear their stories on CNN or any other news program because there would be a tremendous uproar. Government is either overwhelmed or does not have the founds or resources to help these individuals and their families out. So it is organizations like Operation Calendar and so many others that try to make life a little easier for these individuals. I am honored to be a part of this effort !!"

.

Please show your support by purchasing a Calendar at www.operationcalendar.org or forwarding to some one you may know that would be interested

New Bodypainting Books published

“Airbrush Bodypainting Step by Step“ offers an introduction into the
airbrush technique in body painting and its fi elds of application such as tattoos, make-up, tanning as well as whole body painting. Stencils
and masking as well as soft colour gradients and shadings offer unique possibilities of expression. Following the compact material overview, basic exercises guide your steps on the way to the right handling and help you learn the different airbrush techniques. The step-by-step instructions show the emergence of popular body painting motifs such as the leopard look, bathing suit, a robot or an alien. The artists‘ gallery and helpful links sparks incentives for your own work.

Pötzl, Lothar: Bodypainting Fantasies. The Art of Lothar Pötzl.
Hrsg. v. / Edited by Hassler, Roger / Steiner, Jürgen
Softcover | 29,6 x 20,8 cm | 96 Seiten / pages
2009 | ISBN 978-3-94-165600-0
€ 19,90
Orders dirtect to Airbrush Step by Step: katja.hassler@newart.de

Each of Lothar Pötzl´s bodypaintings is a complete artwork in itself:
Embedded in the self-created or real coulisse, his body art generates
a complete staging. His compositions are often abstract, surrealistic
and colourful. His occupation as scene painter provides him with
a true treasure trove of materials and inspiration. In this imaginative
photo volume, Lothar Pötzl presents his work on the topics of material, colour, form and humans. His artworks arise intuitively and without layout drafts. The artist himself even makes the photographs to catch the aesthetics and beauty of the female body in the picture representing his personal style – sometimes subtle, sometimes provocative.

Hassler, Roger: Airbrush Bodypainting Step by Step
Softcover | 29,6 x 20,8 cm | 160 Seiten / pages
2009 | ISBN 978-3-94-165601-7
€ 23,95
Orders dirtect to Airbrush Step by Step: katja.hassler@newart.de

Living in Hawaii gives me a unique chance to explore a culture that is very old and has an incredibly diverse and enormous mythological history to bathe in. 

I live on the island of Maui which in itself is famous for many Hawaiian gods and goddesses. I decided after 8 years of living here to deeply research Hawaiian mythology and more specifically the famous tiki statues that have been carved for hundreds of years here in Hawaii and all throughout Polynesia. 

Tikis became a pop culture sensation in the 20th century however their ancient history is very intricate and linked to the divine.

First a brief explanation of Hawaiian worldview and the function of tikis before I explain my recent body painting projects:

Hawaii’s spiritual worldview before the Europeans came and eventually conquered the land and religion was animistic.  Animism refers to an inner life in all things animate and inanimate.  Nothing was inanimate to the Hawaiians.

  They believed in “mana” or the essence of life that inhabited all things. There was mana in the wind, the clouds, the trees, the ocean, the rocks and so on and so forth.  Animals were guardians called “Aumakua”.  Pele is the goddess of the volcano energy that brought forth the very Hawaiian islands. There is an enormous pantheon of gods and goddesses, demi-gods, and kupuas (supernatural beings) that exist in the Hawaiian spiritual mythology. 

Once such figure is the carved tiki. Tiki was the first man in some Polynesian traditions and the carving of this divine being is a sacred act. Only the best woods would be used.  Prayer and chants accomplished everyday actions of the ancient Hawaiians. 

The tiki that was carved would store up these prayers and chants and act as a protector or fierce guardian of the ali’is or chiefs of the Hawaiian people.

There were many different tikis of various gods but the main four gods in the Hawaiian culture are Kane, Ku, Kanaloa, and Lono.
Kane is the ultimate creator of life and represents the sun and procreation.  Hawaiians believed in dualism and polarity so where there is light and life there must be darkness and death.  Kanaloa is the opposite of Kane. He is the god of the sea, death, and the underworld.  Then came Ku, the most aggressive of all the gods. 

He is the god of war and sacrifices of many kinds were made to him.  Last of the major tiki gods was Lono.  Lono is the god of peace, the harvest, and of athletic games.  Storms and clouds are associated with this god’s coming. 

The people were not allowed to work during worship of Lono and his presence served as a break from the strict “kapu” or rules the Hawaiians lived by.

Currently I am attempting to body paint the four major gods of Hawaii represented in tiki form as well as eventually paint all the major gods, goddesses, aumakua, and other supernatural beings that exist here in Hawaii. 

Mythology is an endless supply of magic and mystery, inspiration and imagination.  What better way to show the magic of mythology than in black light. 

The following pictures are my black light representations of Ku, the God of War, a menehune being (the mythical little people of Hawaii), and the Lono, the tiki god of peace. 

Knowing Hawaiian mythology, I will be painting for a very long time.  Much aloha.
Rachel Deboer
www.racheldeboer.com

On September 13th, the swiss bodypainting day was organized by Marcel Krauer and his team. 15 artists from Austria, Germany, Italy, England and Israel came to Luzern to the very friendly organized event.

The bodypainting competition was held in the Verkehrshaus (Transport Museum) in Luzern where the organizers gave the theme "transit".

After 6 hours the 15 artists presented the bodypainting models to the audience. The awards were given later to the following artists:


1st place: Bella Volen
2nd place: Herbie Betrschart
3rd place: Melanie Rodel

Audience Prize: Olaf Hauk

A beautiful event with many many well known artists, most of them also member in the WBPA celebrated till late. The highlight was indeed the welcoming party in Marcel's garden where he invited all the participants for a spagetti party. We all talked, laughed and drinked together.

We are looking forward to the next year's even. (Alex Barendregt)

Flagship retail concept at 5-star Grand Park Orchard attracting designer icons
Singapore’s first ever catwalk fashion show featuring full body-painted models launched 'Knightsbridge', a chic and exclusive new luxury shopping destination on Singapore's world famous Orchard Road.

The magical spectacle at The White Rabbit underlined the "unique style" of the new four-storey, 83,000 sq ft retail concept at 270 Orchard Road.

Themed 'Aristocratic Chic', the fashion trade extravaganza showcased a diverse range of body paintwork, taking in British fashion influences from 'country tweed' and classic English gentleman style to 'swinging soiree and cabaret' style.

Show designers Runway Concepts embellished the body-painted models with crystals, mirrors and other 3D accessories complete with super-sized hairpieces to create a vivid impact.

The show was attended by the creme-de-la-creme of Singapore's fashion business as well as the retail industry’s top honchos.

Inspired by the prominent district of London, Park Hotel Group aims to recreate that same air of exclusivity at Knightsbridge in the upcoming flagship property, Grand Park Orchard.

I was just tired and delirious. The rest of my time there was spent site seeing and going to various meetings. Tokyo is amazingly clean and spotless for all the people it has, the whole time I was wondering why can't the rest of the world be like this. 

They recycle every thing !!  The out door garbage bins are set up as glass, plastic, metal, burnable and non burnable they even have a section for cigarette buts !!  The food is great !! from low end to high end restaurants they all prepare the food to look like art, so if your starving you should eat at home before you go out to eat.. The people are very nice and courteous.

An amazing array of artistic talent was displayed at the first Melbourne Body Painting Competition. Judging was extemely difficult due to the quality of the entrants. 10 Artists were in the competition that was organized by Australian Bodypainter Ria Clauss. The first prize was sponsored by Kryolan, the second by Looney Bin, Third by FPA

First Prize - Puss In Boots by Gina Nomachi.
Second Prize - Laurie Faulkner
Third Prize - Elana Leiu

World Body Painting Association member Bernhard Witch organised a wonderful bodypainting event in cooperation with Casinos Austria from the 26th to the 28th of March.  

The event was held inside the casino in Seefeld and the competition ran over three days with different themes to paint to. 10 artists were specially invited to compete.

Einat Dan at the Fancy Face Make up Company in Taiwan

The fancy face make up company and school of make, invited me to Taiwan the second time to be a judge in makeup/body painting contest and to a make fashion and body painting workshop.
The main artist and the owner of the school, is Francy which is famous make
up artist in Taiwan he has his own products of make  up under the name
"fancy face" he has a partner name Timothy that spend the most of the time
with me and made me feel comfortable.

The contest:
the artists came from all over Taiwan, the contest was for professionals
and semi professionals, but the category are different then what we know but
i like this idea.
- bride makeup +hair styling
-stage make up & costume design & hair
- bodypainting
The contest was in Taichung, hot weather and the artists worked out side.

The artist start to work at noon time and finish at 18:00. At 18:30 we start to judge In the jury were the best make up artist in Taiwan, very famous hair designer , and the had of make up from "Fancy
face" company, mister Francy him self.
There were not so many artist in each category and it's pity , i hope next year
will be much more .
After  judging the show start  on stage , the show was impressive , the
stage was on a river in the middle of beautiful  park , the event was well
organized , big screen & great light .
After my speech on stage, we gave the trophy and the prices to 5 winners
each category , so more artist are happy .

2 days after i gave my workshop in stage make up / high fashion and body
painting, i use fancy face products , the quality of the product , very
good specially the eye shadows and body painting .
Tthe artist were so polite  and very humbles, it was great to see that. I had so much fun and enjoyed every moment.

i must say that I'm traveling , doing workshop all over the world , in every
country every one so nice to me and treat me well but the way the Taiwanese
people treat me i will remember for ever , so much respect , they took care
of  me like I'm a queen and I'm just a simple person ,
they are really great host.
Ii would like to thank every one from fancy face, thanks to Francy and
specially to Timothy and his beautiful son Sean .

Rai Claus from Australia working in Finland

Hello everyone.  After attending Seeboden last summer I went up to London to visit my kids, as I always do, but this time I received an all expenses paid trip to Finland to do demonstrations and lectures on Face and Body Painting, at their Secondary School and College in Ulvila. I also did a workshop at the local theatre. It was a great experience for me as I probably wouldn't have seen Finland otherwise. I had a wonderful time and was given a book on Finland signed by the Minister of Tourism, the Curator of the Museum and the Theatre manager. There was also an article about me on the front page of their local newspaper. I also had the pleasure of painting a pregnant lady whos Bub kept kicking when I touched a certain spot on her tummy it was so beautiful!

10 year anniversary in the HR Giger Museum in Switzerland.
A very special bodypainting evening by Marco Licata and Fausto Zucchi from Italy

It was the 10th year anniversary of the world famous HR Giger Museum in St. Germain, Switzerland. The 2 members Fausto Zucchi and Marco Licata were invited by the museum to paint a Giger design into a living sculpture.

The event in the Giger meuseum was held over a whole day with live DJ's as entertainment plus a tattoo artist tattooing a Giger artwork for the visitors to watch. Of course the two bodypainters were also present painting a Giger artwork onto a live model in theme.

A highlight to the event was the presence of Giger himself at the museum signing books and meeting his fans. Fausto and Marco were greatly honored when Giger approached them while they were painting to compliment them on their artwork.

Click for the PDF photo report www.hrgigermuseum.com

Es war das 10 Jahres Jubiläum des weltberühmten HR Giger Museum in St. Germain in der Schweiz. Die beiden WBPA Mitglider Fausto Zucchi und Marco Licata wurden eingeladen, um ein Model im Gigerstil zu vollenden.

Das Museum war den ganzen Tag frei zugänglich mit DJ's und Unterhaltung, Tätowierer die Giger Motive umsetzten und natürlich die beiden Bodypainting Künstler.

Das Highlight des Jubiläums war natürlich die Anwesenheit von Giger selbst, der den Besuchern Bücher signierte. Eine tolle Erfahrung für Marco und Fausto, die besondere Komplimente von Herrn Giger selbst für ihre Arbeit erhielten.

Klick für den PDF Fotoreport www.hrgigermuseum.com