I have always been intrigued by the idea of transformation. I grew up watching my father work in his hair salon, transforming and creating hair styles for women who would walk in looking one way and leave not only looking different, but feeling different.
    It was in this environment that I was first exposed to the power of making people look and feel beautiful. I was attracted to the way clients would instantly feel more alive after their salon experience and wanted to be part of creating that energy. So, I started my career initially as a hairdresser and that path led me to the world of makeup artistry and fashion!
    It was while working as a hair assistant at a hair show, that I met a team of creative, editorial makeup artists for the first time and was introduced to makeup as an art form. After having my own personal transformation experience, I realised that the same effect of transformation could also be achieved through makeup and this paved the way for the beginning of my career as a Makeup ArtiSt.
    Makeup began to fulfill a different creative need that working in a hair salon didn’t provide. An avenue to utilize my painting skills and love of art, combining all of it to make a creative living.

The first time I was asked to be Makeup Director for Fashion Week shows was really exciting. I had always wanted to showcase my flair for stage work as I had spent 4 years working with hair and makeup in Theatre and Opera productions before going into beauty and fashion arenas. I love working on projects that require a greater level of involvement and directing has so many levels to it, from designing makeup to managing a team of creative artists, perfecting the look all within a minimum amount of time. It’s exciting to help others bring their vision to life, personally collaborating with designers to the visual end results. You really feel part of the visual feast and it’s rewarding in that sense.
    Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Lucia Pieroni, as her main side kick for fashion week season 2010. From country to country, viewing fashion designer’s private showrooms such as Moschino, Missoni and Vera Wang. Then backstage directing and managing teams of 15 artists and up to 40 models! Pieroni was incredible to work with and kept her cool the whole time.
    Travelling to exotic locations is an exciting part of my job that always has an interesting story to tell. Extremes go from working in Monument Valley, Utah desert to the beaches of Ibiza.

Foundat ions from Georgio Armani and concealers from Kevin Aucoin. Eye shadows from Chanel and MAC multi-purpose pigments. Lancôme makeup remover and Embryolisse moisturiser. Shu Uemura eyelash curlers and deep-sea rose water. Skin Luminizers from Revlon, Scott Barnes body bling, Collyre Bleu eye drops, Laura Mercier lip glosses, Bobby brown, Shisedo and Stila.

80s trend with electric pink and wild blue eye shadow. Hard core glamour, with over the top clashes of intense colours on eyes and lips. I cringe when I see 80s hair and makeup done, except when it’s for a conceptual story done strategically.

I’d follow my passion for buying property, renovating it and then completing the full interior over haul that goes with it. The before and after creations blow me away and it’s addictive.

Megan Gale and Hugh Jackman. Both are so down to earth, a pleasure to work with and gorgeous inside and out.

In the not too distant future I would like to pass on my knowledge to as many people as I can who would like to start their career in the industry. Continue mentoring young aspiring artists and provide education regarding all different aspects of the industry. Direct more fashion shows and work in different countries, experiencing new fashion cultures along the way. After 2010 I think I will spend more time in Australia. I do miss home and lots of travelling makes you realise how Australia truly is a beautiful place with high quality living. Sounds clichéd, but its true!!

I loved Memoirs of a Geisha. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was fab too, but not a style that I adopt in my work, definitely fun to look at though.

There was a time when I always dreamed of doing up Madonna for celebrity status.
    For striking features and beauty I would like an hour with Liv Tyler and an hour with Cate Blanchett.

OR STEREO?New Order - an oldie but a goodie.

Coffee and chocolate, sometimes together!

 

   Tweet