Photo by John McRae
Sahra Bull
Sahra Bull's work combines beauty and spirituality with a feminine strength that makes her artwork stand out from other artists. As a ballet dancer, painter and make-up artist, her training and life experience combine all the knowledge needed to create perfect living art.
‘I choose to paint the 'Living Form' as being an artist and having studied make-up, the combination of the two was a natural progression. Painting on soft, malleable skin is quite different to a rigid canvas and therefore to paint well and expressively is a real challenge. This challenge presents itself over and over again to me as new works are designed and created.’
Being a visual artist, Sahra has an understanding of composition, colour and symbology in art. As a make-up artist she understands how to translate these guides onto the human body in fine detail while using the shapes and character of her model. Finally, as a trained dancer, Sahra understands the possibilities available to a living form when composing the final shot or performance for a bodypainting.
Sahra is a successful make-up artist based in Sydney, Australia and working internationally. As head make-up artist from VAIG studios she has had years of experience in creating make-up for high profile clients, teaching and guiding the direction of a creative make-up team in one of the busiest fashion industries. Her work with the studio has been featured in top fashion magazines, music clips, fashion shows and advertising campaigns.
As a bodypainter Sahra has taken deep interest in themes related to the culture of the goddess. With her work Sahra has travelled the world winning awards and painted in Dubai, throughout Europe and many Asian countries. Along the way she has made a detailed study of representations of the female and goddess art in traditional cultures. This is then channelled back into her bodypainting creating living goddesses.
‘My most memorable achievement in Body Art would have to be becoming The World Body Painting Champion of 2005 and with that honour, having met so many wonderful people along the way. My art has definitely grown over time. I feel that my work has matured as I have matured.’
After a short break from the spotlight to become mother to a tiny goddess named Kianna Nigere Triegadt and to live her dream of cutting ties with city life, Sahra is now returning to her work as make-up artist and bodypainter.
‘It remains to be seen how my work will further develop. I hope to be able to continue creating beautiful artworks over and over all my life.’
By Karala Barendregt
Awards
World Body Painting Champion of 2005