Meet Painted by Rose | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Painted by Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Painted by Rose, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There are many misconceptions about Body Art especially for outsiders. Body Art, aka body painting, is a cultural performance art where the body serves as the canvas. To me, Body Art happens to be the most interesting form of performance art because of its versatility: face painting, photoshoots, art shows, cooking classes, maternity shoots. It is not as intimidating as it seems, nor is it as inappropriate for those who are new to the Art form.

What I aim to do with my Art is remove the sexual connotations that come with a nude body. By adding an extra element to the nude body (painting), we are encouraged to view the body respectfully and through a creative lens. This can go for any body type. You do not have to be in perfect shape to be painted, just bold about your body for where it is today. Models take ownership of the perception of their body resulting in a free-spirited confidence. It’s a beautiful process for all who are involved – the model, the viewer, and the artist.

Every pair of Artist and Model is different. I have seen Body Artists exploit the Model, Models exploiting the Art, and audiences blindsided by the Art. Because of this, it is my duty to make sure the Model and the Art are taken care of. Events are selected based on the atmosphere and Models are selected based on their compatibility with the Artist. In my practice, I like to train the Models before they get painted – if time allows. Training includes coaching when encountered with inappropriate requests, how to pose, how pictures should be used, and how to explain the process to outsiders.

Where there are people, there is Art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love my art. I started painting in 2018 and watched it grow. I nurtured my creativity by journaling every day, talking to other successful artists – like Latoya Smith! – and became active in local shows. As I delved into the Arts community, I chose to enter graduate school to place myself in a more sophisticated strategic role in the Arts at the cost of my creative discipline.

And then it all stopped in Spring 2020. Social distancing meant no art shows, no networking, and no Body Art. Fortunately, I had graduate school to consume my grief. It was not easy to put away something I am so passionate about. I can’t say I have bounced back completely yet, but as the world opens up I have been taking it one day at a time. When it comes to Art, it takes time for creativity to flourish. I think of creativity like a cycle instead of an achievement. In order for my Art to flourish, I have to pause, pay attention to my emotions, reprioritize, and consider the alternatives.

Remember, be patient and kind to the process. Everyone is rooting for you at the end of the road.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston has so much to offer! Coming from Mobile, Alabama, where we would have to create things to do when there was nothing to do, Houston has so much liveliness every day of the week. My personal favorites is salsa dancing in new spaces with Salsa Dance Factory, taste testing new beers at local breweries, and of course supporting local artists in their exhibitions (sometimes free!), art shows, and dance parties. There is a scene for everyone here. And taco trucks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this post to all of the Models who have been my canvases before, especially my dear friend, model, and entrepreneur Lee Nuñez. Without these wonderful men and women, I would not have the passion for Body Art today. I would also like to dedicate this post to all who have contributed in the past – small business owners, photographers, DJ’s, and onlookers. You all play a special piece in this journey.

Website: www.paintedbyrose.com

Instagram: @liinskii

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/painted-by-melissa-rose-tylinski

Image Credits
Elliot Guidry