My response from the video was one of high inspiration, I found both the message and use of makeup within this piece completely eye opening as it made me realise how artistic you can be with cosmetic media and your design is limitless if it works with your message. The objective for Faas video was regarding African masks, but also what defines us as people? This was a concept that made me think about my own identity and the masks that we wear within Western society and whether the person we present to the public is really us or just another mask for the purpose of our own self satisfaction... Where is the line?
Quote from Ellis Faas:
"Since ancient times, humans have been using masks - in order to express power and authority; to feel self-confident; to stand out or to hide behind; to not be recognised and disappear into the masses. Not only by traditional masks, but also by disguising and ornamental elements such as clothing, jewellery, hair and makeup. But can one truly change one's identity, or is it merely a temporary transformation? And who or what defines someone's true identity? Is it the mask, is it the human being behind the mask, or maybe even the creator of the mask?"
So what about the lady herself?
Ellis Faas originating from the mystical Netherlands has been quoted by Vogue Paris as "one of the most influential makeup artists of her time" working alongside the worlds most renowned fashion designers, models, hair stylists and photographers while developing from a young age a passion for photography, elaborate fashion and portraiture. Faas often using herself as the model for her work would cover herself in makeup constructing highly creative looks and then having them photographed. From leaving school she developed a love of photography desiring to follow in the footsteps of inspirational photographers Yousuf Karsh and Serge Lutens however Faas soon came to dislike the technical side of photography becoming more passionate about the pre production side, mainly the makeup. From there she was discovered by a photographer named Mario Testino who had come to Amsterdam for a Vogue shoot and was seeking a local makeup artist. Soon she was travelling the world with companies such as MAC, L'Oreal and Chanel developing herself as one of the greatest makeup artists of her time.
Ref:
'Identity Revealed - A Filmed Triptyck by Ellis Faas', October 24th 2014, http://www.beautyfashionadele.com/2014/10/identity-revealed-filmed-triptych-by.html
Ellis Fass Official Website, http://www.ellisfaas.com
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