Page 112 - Demo
P. 112
Q: Can you discuss the significance of your coffee table book, %u201cCovered: A Body of Work by Jen Seidel?A: I wanted to document my body paintings because I was often asked how I got into it. I envisioned a coffee table book that could be art itself while telling my story as a body painter. This book covers the beginning of my career, the most challenging part of my journey as an artist and single mother. It features businesses, models, and photographers I%u2019ve worked with. The book also talks about PAINT IT FORWARD, where I painted for charities and sold art to donate a percentage to specific causes. Despite the pandemic ending many events, I still have hopes for PAINT IT FORWARD to help as many as possible.Q: How do you see the future of body painting evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that future? A: I will never stop body painting as long as I can physically do it. It%u2019s healing to allow creativity to flow. I hope my work is viewed positively and used in various ways, from weddings and milestone birthdays to national commercials and high-end fashion shoots. I welcome body painting sessions with clients who have overcome traumas, celebrating life with survivors. Helping someone find a new love for themselves through my art is something I take pride in.Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about body painting? A: People often sexualize body paint, but I view it as a creative way to express myself using the human body as a canvas. Once they see the results, their attitudes and misconceptions change. I%u2019ve had to prove my professionalism and credibility over time. A big misconception is that models are nude, but they%u2019re covered with pasties and underwear, and of course, my art.Q: Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from one of your public body painting pranks or social experiments?A: There are many hilarious stories, but the most memorable is our first viral body paint video, which hit a million views in one day. We traveled to Hollywood and, on the last day, decided to paint a female in detailed jean shorts and a black top, taking her out on Hollywood Boulevard. We found a model on Tinder who was amazing and confident. People were shocked when they realized she was painted. This significant experience and our first viral video were incredibly fulfilling and set the stage for many more memorable moments.Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a body painter?A: The most rewarding aspect is sharing my art and creativity, showing there%u2019s nothing to fear in doing something uncomfortable as long as it%u2019s harmless. Whether you%u2019re being painted or seeing it for the first time, my body painting will put a smile on your face and make the experience enjoyable.Q: Can you talk about a specific project that significantly impacted your artistic journey? A: Publishing my book, Covered: A Body of Work by Jen Seidel, was a significant project. It took two years to complete and was a huge success. I created a Kickstarter for it, and the community%u2019s support was unbelievable. This project motivated me to keep moving forward.Q: What are your long-term goals and aspirations in the world of body painting and beyond? A: I aim to take my work to another level, helping launch various products. My body paint can be used in national marketing campaigns, making models walking billboards or live art. One aspiration is to have my own wine or whisky with a bottle designed with my art. I also dream of publishing another book. Dreaming big and believing in those dreams is how I got here, and I think everyone should do the sameInstagram.com/jenseidelartistTiktok.com/jenseidelFacebook.com/jen.seidel2112 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 52