Body art

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Home > The Art of WNBR > Body art

Bodyart.jpg

See also: Wikipedia's body painting and body art articles. Want to decorate your bike? Check out our art bike page.

What should I wear, if anything? How can I use my body as a canvas to express myself creatively without looking like I've experienced a "wardrobe malfunction"?

The World Naked Bike Ride dress code is "Bare As You Dare"... How bare is that? How dare is that? Its all up to you, you decide what you are comfortable with. The ride is clothing-optional. Be creative and colourful in expressing yourself! Body painting, customising your bike, and other creative expression is strongly encouraged!

If you look at the history section of this site you will notice different groups have different approaches to their rides regarding body adornment. As an example, in Seattle, The Painted Solstice Cyclists ride during the Summer Solstice Parade & Pageant that prides itself on its display of body painting creativity. In fact some even have dropped the "naked" in their name to call them the Painted Cyclists. Despite their streaker roots, a few among them even look down on participants who are just naked. We don't do that, our event is not strictly artistic, however, we strongly encourage people to express themselves and be colourful. We paint our bodies with political messages or beautiful designs to complement our forms. We pass out flyers informing the public about our message. We use portable public address systems or raise our voices and chant in unison.

Getting people to laugh and smile is a great way to connect and share ideas in a non-threatening way. We realize there will always be the occasional grinch that just can't share the road with cyclists or stand the sight of a natural human being. Fortunately for us, their numbers are decreasing and ours are increasing.

What to bring

One of a few body painting privacy areas set up for the Seattle WNBR 2005 event.

Basics

  • Sunscreen (facial/waterproof sunscreen is recommended if you want some on the face without being blinded by it dripping into your eyes). Put on the sunscreen FIRST then allow it to dry a bit before putting on body paint. Be sure to reapply it when necessary.
  • A "minimum" to wear if necessary (please bring it with you on the ride). We also are recommending a t-shirt (possibly with long sleeves), if you are concerned about burning. Remember t-shirts do not completely protect you from UV rays. If you want more protection try Sun Precautions.
  • Your creativity, a non-antagonistic, fun-loving attitude and common sense when it comes to respecting peoples' personal space and ride safety.
  • $$$ Some artists will want some money to paint you. Paint and supplies cost money. Labor and time are also well worth your dollars. This is another good reason to bring a friend.
  • Compliments and smiles for your artist!
  • Hot/cold beverages and snacks.

Painting gear

A WNBR design using Mehron Paradise water activated body paint

Safety warnings

Before you use any body art product on yourself or someone else, confirm that it is a cosmetic product meant for use on skin! DO NOT use non-cosmetic products! Paints labeled "non-toxic" & the ASTM non-toxic label designate ingestion safety & DO NOT apply to body application.

  • DO NOT use textile acrylics/screen printing ink despite other sites (e.g. Solstice Cyclists) suggesting this.
  • DO NOT use CREATEX Airbrush Colors as these are for painting objects.
  • DO NOT use art store paint which can contain heavy metals and other toxic materials that skin can absorb.
  • DO NOT use craft glitter as these are plastics that can get into eyes (and make a messs). (Instead look for biodegradable cosmetic glitter.)

Incorrect use of these products can cause temporary or even permanent skin damage. See here for more information about allergic reactions.

Stop unsafe painters if you see them using incorrect products. This is particularly important if someone has brought the wrong type of paint for use on others. Consent includes ensuring that due diligence has been taken regarding use of proper materials on someone else's body.

The US FDA and other country regulatory bodies regulate the types and ingredients that can be used as cosmetics, explained here.

Shop local costume/theatrical supply stores or online businesses that specialize in face paint (e.g. Jest Paint, who has pages focused on product safety advice).

Water activated body paint

12 color Mehron Paradise Pro Palette is a great option for shared painting among many riders.

Most will want to use theatrical body/face paint. This is the safest and most common choice. You can find these at costume supply stores and online. Brands to look for are Fardel, Snazaroo, Ben Nye, Mehron Paradise, Wolfe, Grimas & Kryolan. Whatever you use check for skin safety. Some of these paints should be kept away from mouth and eyes due to FDA regulations. Please check labeling for these details.

Using this product and method, riders can enjoy opaque and vibrant body art. Generally, it will stay on for the duration of the ride, although sweat can make the paint run/smear. This isn't a large concern, though: most art stays intact just fine--even with sweat--as long as it doesn't get rubbed.

Color test design on skin from Mehron Paradise body paint palette.

These paints "activate" with water. The best method seems to be using a small spray bottle, as only a few spritz of water are needed to turn the paint from a dry surface into a fluid. Using a brush, rub the surface until the paint reaches a cream consistency and begins to "peak" like whipped cream. At this point, it can be applied to skin.

For running body paint operations at a ride, consider focusing on participants painting each other rather than paid artists, as body painting is a fun social activity. A bulk pack of inexpensive synthetic watercolor brushes provides a great way to have multiple dedicated brushes per color and avoid the need to wash brushes when changing to a new color. Consider stocking multiple 2oz/50ml spray bottles containing water for activation (as a single bottle always goes missing when you need it).

The containers may seem small, but the product goes a long, long way. Even a few colors in the pro-size 1.4oz/40g containers can be enough to supply paint for an entire event. Teal, dark pink, and yellow seem to be the most consumed colors since many people enjoy pastels. Black and white also make good choices for outlines and highlights.

Discourage use of body paint on faces, as some colors shouldn't be used near eyes/mouth. It is also best for hygiene, health, and safety concerns to avoid pathogen-sensitive/origin areas given the number of people using the paint over such a short time period. Be aware that some colors can temporarily stain skin, but this is seldom.

These paints come off easily in the shower, etc. with soap and water. Even rinsing with water and rubbing will remove most pigment. Investing in a pack of makeup remover wipes makes cleanup much easier. Transfer/drips onto clothing generally comes out after laundering, although it can sometimes require washing in the warmest water the clothing will tolerate.

Additional materials

  • Regular artists brushes are great for body paint application. Synthetic bristle watercolor brushes are preferred.
    • Many of face paint manufacturers produce a line of brushes, but they can be more pricey.
  • Inexpensive foam brushes also work for applying the paint in broad strokes.
  • Sunscreen: apply first! Body paint does not contain sunscreen! They sometimes will block the sun but are not guaranteed, and some colors block less than others!! Make sure you are covered with sunscreen everywhere, including the locations where you plan to apply paint. (Similarly, you do not want a protest slogan sunburned/tanned into your back in cases where paint does block sunlight.) Always ask someone if they have applied sunscreen before painting them.
  • Rinsing/mixing containers. Reuse your yogurt tubs and plastic containers to clean your brush (and mix liquid paints, if used).
  • Sealer spray if you want it to stay on after being in the water. Ben Nye makes this, Mehron also make a mixing liquid which helps to waterproof make up & can be used in place of water with pretty much any brand.
  • Makeup remover wipes, moist wipes, old rags or paper towels to wipe or wash off your hands.
  • Handheld mirrors and/or long mirrors, people like to see the progression of their paint job without having to walk to a bathroom or somewhere else to find a mirror. Tape edges thoroughly for safety. No broken glass!
  • Drop cloth, carpet square, chunk of cardboard or an old towel to stand on while being painted. (particularly for messier painting methods - leave no trace!).
  • A bucket, box, artist supply box, or backpack to carry your supplies.
  • Reference drawings/sketches, photos, and color tests to previsualize your ideas.
  • Airbrush setup to put on a lot of paint quickly and evenly and to blend colors nicely.
  • Stencils

Other, less common methods

Most people should simply use water activated makeup, but here are other products you might encounter:

  • Liquid Latex body paint can actually be "paint-on clothing", and you just peel it off when you're done! Liquid Latex dries to form opaque rubber designs, patterns, or garments, so it also works as a sun barrier, and it's even waterproof. Be careful of hair, though - you'll want to have little or no body hair, or have it trimmed very short. CAUTION: test on a small area for latex allergies before use.
  • Temporary tattoo paint is usually alcohol based (typical brands are Temptu, Michael Daley, OCC Cosmetics, Reel Creations) it is more expensive, but if applied to clean, oil free skin (that means no sunscreen) it will stay put and look good longer for days. This usually requires 99% isopropyl alcohol to apply and remove, so check packaging for details. Most riders who simply want casual body art should avoid alcohol activated paints: they are more tailored for special effects such as fake injuries.
  • Henna (Mehndi or body painting) Never use BLACK HENNA. Don't even go near it. A chemical called PPD, present in black henna, can cause chemical burns on your skin. Escaping an allergic reaction the first time you use black henna does not mean that you will have the same luck next time. Some artist/henna supplier listings here may use black henna.
    • The Henna Page is an educational resource devoted to the history, traditions, techniques, science and art of Henna.

Shade/Privacy Screening

Check out Burning Man's page for Camping Gear, Tents, Shade Structures and military surplus for ideas.
  • Privacy area. If bodypainting is done in a public area, not all the participants feel comfortable with people watching, especially if they have never been in a social nudity situation before. Tents can be put up, screens can be arranged. The Seattle ride is the first WNBR ride to setup such an area in a public park.
  • Sun shade/shelter. So your artists don't fry to a crisp in the sun or get pelted by the unexpected rain.

Body painting tips

Dealing with hair

You can definitely paint over hair. Water activated body paint makes a great temporary coloring for pubic hair and head hair regardless of the original hair color.

Chest/back/leg hair will catch paint and make designs less crisp/more difficult to see. Using an electric trimmer to trim down body hair before the ride will make the body painting experience much more enjoyable for yourself and the person painting you: it's not fun trying to paint through thick body hair. Paint goes on hairless skin much more easily.

Decorate your helmet!

Helmets can sometimes look pretty drab, and there is disagreement about whether it is a good idea to wear one. See Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation (sceptical) and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (in favour of compulsion). However, if you do choose to wear a helmet, or are forced to by the law where you live, get creative and customize it! Some even offer creative helmet covers (eg: Nogin Sox).

See also

External Links

"The Goldfinger Effect": Is it dangerous to cover the whole body with paint?

Basically, skin can perspire without interuption when coated with bodypaint.

"In fact the skin does not really "breathe". Oxygen is brought to the blood via diffusion through a thin membrane. It supposes huge thin surfaces, as well as large volume of blood pumped around this surface. This is basically what is going on in your lungs for the air, in your intestins for the food. Lungs area is the same order of magnitude as a soccer game field area, and there is only a very thin barrier between numerous blood vessels and air. Problem about "skin breathing" is a problem of heat. Indeed some substances can clog heat elimination and block sweat glands. In this case body temperature can increase quickly. And then will breathing rythm increase, making the victim look like suffocating." Comment by Jean-Francois Amadei.

"Oh and the thing about not covering the whole body is not true. It is perfectly safe to do so... someone has been watching too much James Bond (Goldfinger!) In the world of fetish some people clad themselves entirely in rubber with nothing but a small straw sticking out of their mouths to breathe, all that happens is they sweat a lot. Most make-up is breathable to a certain extent, although if it is very thick a model may sweat. Dri Clor or a really powerful anti-perspirant applied first will do the trick, follwed by a good dose of spray sealant once you are finished." Comment from Emma-Jane Cammack.

I suspect the 'goldfinger myth' is in part inspired by the unfortunate experience of the original Tin-Man actor in the Wizard of Oz, who was painted all all over with lead paint, and became very sick from lead-poisoning, and was replaced for the role. Comment from richinud

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