When we think of art mediums, the materials an artist uses to create with, we most often think of paint, brushes and canvas. Artist and photographer Ariana Page Russell uses her very sensitive skin to create artful designs that she then photographs and sells.
If you have ever had a skin rash or hives you might find that looking at Russells artwork makes you a bititchy. Ms. Russell has a skin condition known as dermatographia, which means that her skin develops welts when scratched. The artist uses the blunt end of a knitting needle as the drawing device on her skin, mostly on her torso.
Ariana Page Russell says that she was inspired by her skin condition and the fact that she had no control over her bodys reaction to scratching. Rather than feel sorry for her sensitive skin, Ms. Russell has taken control and used her liability to create an asset.
What brings Russell some legitimacy as an artist is that she has been successfully marketing and selling her artwork in galleries in Nevada, Washington, and New York. Ms. Russell also holds an MFA in photography from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Russell works in some other nontraditional and very 21st-century artistic mediums such as temporary tattoos. Here is a statement of purpose from the artist herself,
I also make wallpaper with photographs of my skin cut into various designs. The patterns I use range from adaptations of Greek and Etruscan vases, Medieval wall coverings, and Renaissance pottery to contemporary clothing and wallpaper found in domestic spaces. Attached to the wall or onto board, these skin designs form shifting crimson patterns embellishing the surfaces. Recently Ive turned some of the patterns made from photographs of skin into temporary tattoos, adorning my skin with the translucent designs. These tattoo designs cover me like clothing, an intimate fashion. They also go on the wall or window after theyve made contact with my skin, leaving traces of cells and hair, and holding a record of skins map. I share these designs with my surroundings.
Tattoo artists (of course) use the skin as a canvas, but their artwork is permanent. Scarification is another form of skin art that requires no ink. Perhaps the best part of Ariana Page Russells artwork is that the effect on her body is temporary and the photographs last forever.
Check out Ariana Page Russells web site out here.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4446929
