Inspirational Artists

i found the above images on www.darkbeautymag.com which really inspired me. i love the poses the model was striking as this made me think of other things than an innocent mermaid. Her powerful stride, leaning forward with a captivating stare and the sitting position perched on a rock looking over her shoulder made me thing of a elegant creature that has a different story behind her than the expected childhood stories of singing on a rock. i admire the photographer and the editors use of contrast between her pale skin and hair againts the dark reef back drop. whilst observing the headpiece and shell mantle i was inspired with the use of shells and objects that would be found on the sea floor. for the skirt i admired the use of torn netting to repliate the idea of flowing sea weed againts the pale skin and gold foil effect leg art.

Photographer: Bella Kotak
Designer: Creature of Habit
Headpiece: Miss G Designs
Shell Mantle: Fortunate Nora
Model: Jessica Dru
Assistants: Vanessa – Creature of Habit, Pratik – Solstice Retouch
Retoucher: Solstice Retouch

whilst researhing artists i was immediatly drawn to this image found on photographer Mirian Janus' gallery (miriamjanus.com/gallery/) this was the perfect representation of a mermaid which i wanted to illustrate through my project. the photgrpaher here has captured an incredible image of a realistic representation of this aquatic creature. the misted white blur oming from being the model works to highlight the dark features on the model. the use of black shades and moody greys on the model hints towards an unfriendly creature. the makeup artist has done a great job in sculpting the models body in reating fish like features including the pale pouted lips as well as the narrowing face using black and cool greys to ountour. the eye make up highlights the eyes of the mermaid captivating the viewers own eyes drawing them in. for the costume i love the almost seaweed material for the top that twists around the body in a very organic nature. i was inspired by the consistency of the colour scheme chosen again with the use of natural products including sticks. on the head piece i again love the elements of pears and delicate jewls as though found in the deep sea. i would love to be able to go out and take photography in the ocean like this however int eh location i live this would be difficult to do safely.

this image initially caught my attention on darkbeautymag.com for the Hysteria Machine headpiece. i loved the mossy metalic colours of the pierce sea life objects, the sharpness of the coral reef like shapes make me think of a darker side to the mermaids. this idea was enhanced by the exaggerated cheakbones giving the model a more sculpted fierce look, the blacked out eyes made me think of a fish and its bulging eyes. the scarf and necklace worn of the sea weed like wool and the skulls inspired me to think of the folklore association between death and these aquatic creatures. i admired the use of a fishermans net incorporated with the dress to create the illusion of trying to be captured. the striking use of blue and subtle elements of iridescent created a watery wet look to the mermaid. the discolouration and almost blooded look to the hands invites the viewer to think of the darker side to this mermaid and give us and idea of killing and capturing souls at sea.

Photographer/Stylist/Makeup: Katelizabeth Photography
Headpiece: Hysteria Machine
Arms: Lovechild Boudoir
Scarf: MetamorphDK
Tail: Merbella Studios Inc.
Model: Meet a Mermaid