1.13.2009

First Love


Some time ago I ran across a list of urls to make up artists websites called Make Up Artists To Obsess Over that had been created by a young make up artist...  I was beyond flattered to see my (terribly outdated) website on that list.  For as long as I can remember, I obsess over other make up artists work.  To this day, in my down time I constantly find myself visiting some of my make up hero's websites and pouring over the images.  (I do this with photographers and artists as well.)  I like to save my favorites in a folder marked "inspiration".  Sometimes I never even look at the images again, but in the back of my head I am absorbing everything and it has shaped my own aesthetic.  

I know a lot of my readers are young make up artists, and I would like to start regularly highlighting the work and artists that inspire me, so I can pass it along to you.

It is only fitting that the first make up artist I highlight in this series is Paul Starr.  

As those of you that have followed my blog for awhile know, I had the privilege of assisting Paul when I was really getting started in this business.  I learned so much from him that I could not possibly pass on to anyone else. Paul passed away this summer, so it is with joy, and a very heavy heart that I expose you to the work of Paul Starr.

Paul was the secret weapon of Hollywood's elite.






But on to the real reason I've always loved Paul....

Interestingly enough, I was not initially inspired to be a make up artist by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood actresses, I was inspired to be a make up artist because of David Bowie, Boy George, and Marilyn Manson...  I wanted to be a make up artist because of Courtney Love and Shirley Manson and other cool "rock chicks".  I loved the creative editorial make up of the 80's and 90's, so it was only appropriate that Paul and I found each other. 

This is Paul's work that is nearest and dearest to my heart.






It is truly a testament to Paul's great talent that he can do a very dark make up look on someone like Marilyn Manson, and also do a fresh faced Jen Garner for the cover of In Style.  
  

Every make up artist starting out in this business should visit Paul's website and read the interview in the "Scene & Heard" section. My first agent directed me there at our first meeting, and I go back and read through it every now and then when I need a little kick in the pants. 

"The paradox of beauty is that it breaks your heart." - Paul Starr

<3
Amy

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The sheer range in these pictures is rad, let alone how great each one is on its own.