The master of transformation Roseanna Velin speaks to us about make-up, how she works with it, where the root of her ideas come from and what else she has in the pipeline.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
I am inspired by music, art, and my “current state”. I often feel things in colour, shape or movement. My surroundings can also have an effect on my work. I take a lot of inspiration from my models and a strong connection with my model is vital, in order to create art…
Do you think your childhood has affected the work you produce today?
Definitely. But I think it has affected me more subconsciously. I often create pieces and then look back at them afterwards, and see how elements of them are inspired by my childhood, usually without even realising it at the time. A good example of this are my “Untitled” self portraits, which were recently shown at the ‘Queerists’ exhibition at The Glass Box Gallery.
You can be quite androgynous at times, is gender identity important to you?
Yes, I can be. I don’t really like to feel like a “girl”, it’s uncomfortable for me. Which is why you will very rarely see me in a skirt, dress or heels… unless it is part of a costume, or character I have made.
I find androgyny to be exciting…alluring.. unique. For example sometimes I see a man in full makeup, and I think that he has more beauty and power than any woman in the world. It’s liberating.. and I am all about freedom and self expression…
I did a project earlier this year with Stylenoir Magazine called “The Goddess of Night” which is all about the beauty of androgyny.
Check out my makeup transition video on my youtube page, there you can see the transformation happen. From male, to female to ‘it’… this dark magnificent creature…I love it.
Would you preferred to have been a boy, or perhaps something else entirely?
Oh, you totally got me. I would love to be a ‘something else’, I dream of it! No boundaries, no limits, no title. It’s just far to exciting. My imagination is spiralling out of control right now…!
The sense of fantasy, power and escapism comes out a lot in your work, is this what you were going for?
Most of the time I don’t have a clear idea of how I want the work to turn out.
My best works are always the ones which just came together at the time. When everything was perfect, model, music, current state, surroundings etc… I get into a zone and sort of get lost in there, almost like I’m in a trance. My mind can sometimes be cloudy after I’ve finished, as if I can’t really see how it looks. Until I step away for few moments, and look back. Then I see it, just there. Fantasy, power and emotion.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
Yes, several. One of my most exciting upcoming projects is called ‘Bang Bang’ with Vivid Birmingham (Facebook Event).
It’s going to be a live art exhibition/club night, with performers, artists, and magicians.
The night was inspired by Trevor Pitt’s dislike for the modern day club scene, and how everything seems to be repeated or heavily influenced by another era. So he wanted to create this party…”Bang, Bang! It’s the end of the world! The club scene is dead! But what happens now?”… I’m doing a performance called “Re-make Re-model” in ‘The Womb Room’ with artist Joey Vivo. It’s going to be great. You should get all dressed up and come along. VIVID Gallery, Birmingham. 12th November. 9.00pm.
Do you have anyone you’d really love to work with, anyone in the world?
Hmm tough question. Well Maynard James Keenan from Tool & A Perfect Circle is an artist I’ve always admired. His music and lyrics are amazing. They have helped me through so much, and truly inspired me. I feel so connected with his words and I would love to work with him to learn more about his concepts and inspiration.
What’s your favourite thing from your make-up kit?
I’ve always been a big fan of loose pigments, and recently found a new love for cream colours. It’s like painting.
What do you do when you’re not doing make-up?
When I’m not doing makeup, I love to relax with hypnotherapy. I love going to the theatre, galleries and visiting different cities. 