"Hidden in full view" project 2021- Lipstick prop

The lipstick prop was the 3rd and final prop from the initial 3 volunteers for the project.

I was really excited by the possibilities this prop could offer, as a drawing tool and accessory, but maybe because there were so many possibilities, this is what lead to the feeling of being overwhelmed.

I was sent the most references to date that I have been sent. They included everything that I loved to paint. The muse had glasses, personality, fun and interesting poses. After weeks of procrastination, 2 failed attempts at painting from them, I finally decided to focus purely on the lips and have fun and feel free with mark making. The painting is nothing like I have ever created before, yet contains so many elements that are very me.

Here is a little more information about the amazing artist who volunteered for the project;

Tell me a bit about yourself….

I am a student of art and mathematics in Germany and will hopefully work as teacher soon. Most of the time I am a very happy and sometimes crazy person, which is represented in the pictures i sent (at least I think that you notice this while seeing them). I can only be serious for one or to shots and will instantly make a crazy face after.

Why did you initially volunteer for the project?

I really love the way you paint. I am very interested in art and I am painting quite often too, so I know that how someone draws or paints shows their perception of the world. I love to see how other people see their world and maybe how they see me.

Have you ever had your portrait painted before? If yes, what was the reason for this and what was the experience like?

I only did self portraits because your face is a reference that you can always use. I love to paint faces but I find it the hardest to paint myself and always end up not really liking it before it is even finished.

How do you normally feel about having your photo taken?

I love photos and don't have a problem with a photo being taken from me. Sometimes I just act a little crazy and do weird poses because I cannot really stay serious for a long time. Most of the time I laugh or at least smile in pictures because not smiling feels wrong. I just love to smile.

What was your initial reaction to the “prop” you were sent? And did it generate any ideas straight away?

I unpacked the red lipstick and felt happy on one hand, because I had some ideas straight away. Turned out I had struggle with implementing those ideas when the photos were taken because of my natural urge to smile and make crazy faces.

Who took the photos of you for the project and why?

I tried to take some selfies because I thought: When I wear red lipstick, and I love to do that sometimes, I always take some selfies because I like this look on me. Normally I don't do any make-up, but when I do, I feel beautiful and sometimes want other people to see it.

Did you feel different to how you normally would feel having your photo taken because you had a “prop” to work with? If yes, then why do you think it felt different?

At first I thought "Ah, red lipstick, easy one!". But it wasn't, because I wanted to have photos of me putting it on my lips. But it felt so weird doing this in front of the camera, because you normally do it alone in your room, in front of the mirror. So it was a little hard for me and I think there are many pictures that didn't go as planned but hey - I tried my best.

Do you have any vision for the painting I will be making?

I don't have an exact concept in my head for how it will look. Right now, I cannot really imagine my face being painted by someone other than myself and therefore in a completely different style.

How do you feel about having your portrait painted from the photos you have sent me?

I just sent ALLLLL the photos. Even the ugly ones, because I wanted you to have a variety of expressions to choose from. That's what makes it even more exciting: I really don't know which photo you're going to choose. Will it be one with a serious face? Will it one with a crazy face? I am really excited!

Thank you for giving me the chance to being part in this. :)

I am so so grateful for all of the support with this project. I am certain it will evolve and I am already seeing the impact it is having on my creative practice. It has not been easy, and this latest one has been the hardest so far as there is a real sense of responsibility to do a good job for the person who took the time to invest on the project. I feel somewhat guilty that I did not paint a full portrait this time, but I just had to trust my gut rather than just force myself to do something that didn’t work.

Thank you again for taking the time to read my blog post, I’ve just picked the next 3 props and volunteers so not long and some new paintings will be happening!!

with love and thanks

Flo x

This is the final artwork I produced. It is a 60cm circular painting in acrylic paint and charcoal on plywood. Available to purchase on the original art section of the website.

A close up of the details and layers of paint and text that appear, The stripes becoming a little bit of a trademark for me and also mirror writing. I use mirror writing as it allows me to express thoughts whilst also keeping them somewhat concealed.

Final image for scale of the finished piece, I named it “Turning point”