Face Painting International Magazine
Volume 7  -  July/August/September 2003

Body Landscapes

Article by Mark Greenawalt
Face Painting International Magazine, July/August/September 2003

 The southwest has offered inspiration to countless artists throughout the ages. From the simplistic petroglyphs of the Native American Indians to the colorful Grand Canyon landscapes of modern day oil painters, the southwestern motif has blossomed into a burgeoning genre. But when you think of this style of art, face painting and bodyart may not be the first things that come to mind. They were, however, a significant part of the culture in the earliest recorded history of the region and now, with the advent of readily available theatrical face paint products, there is a resurgence in southwest-themed body art. 

Native American Tribes of the wild west, such as the Navajo and Apache, are often depicted wearing "war paint" to transform themselves to appear fierce. Their paints were made from natural elements such as white, red, and yellow clay, wood ashes, and black shale mixed with animal grease, but they weren't merely used for battle. Faces were painted for religious events and for honoring marriages, births, or deaths of family members. Today, annual festivals are held to celebrate the past where the ceremonial costumes and face painting are once again brought back to life. Symbols and designs used in their cultures are still emulated in contemporary art and architecture. 

Body art in modern popular culture has become more festive and fashionable, much to the chagrin of traditional native cultures who reserved it for sacred ceremonies. As in other parts of the world, face painting booths have sprouted up at all festivals, fairs, and other public gatherings. Of course sporting events are no exception as children of all ages get snakes painted on their face in support of their 2001 World Champion Diamondbacks baseball team. Bodypainting has also made its way into the posh night clubs for themed parties or as promotional events.

What the southwest lacks in wild party locales (such as Key West and New Orleans) it makes up for in world renown art districts (such as Sedona and Scottsdale). Artistic bodypainting images have found acceptance in numerous art spaces and it is not uncommon to find live body art demonstrations at gallery openings. Models are hired to have body murals of southwest scenes painted on their backs (or front torsos) while the onlookers watch the entire process. In fact, some of the more forward-thinking spa facilities offer bodypainting as a specialized treatment for their clients.

With numerous theatrical supply stores located in the larger cities, bodypaint is readily available and all types of artists are intrigued at the thought of working on living canvases. Thus the tradition lives on!