What's so special about face painting?
Kids just have to have it!
Performance Art
in real time!
Trust
goes both ways...
Courage
and that's special.
What’s so special about face painting? Kids just “have to have it!” They will stop and point, whisper excitedly, tug on a shirt, jiggle and hesitate as soon as they see a face painter. They will feel a mixed bag of emotions. Why? Because, face painting is “performance art.” Performance art requires a performance from both artist and child. The artist must create effective artwork, on the spot, from memory, in under 5 minutes – all while being intensely watched. The child must choose their design, sit still during the painting and wear their design – all while people are looking at them make their decisions and act out their character.
Some kids find it hard to sit still. Often, they do sit still for face painting! An artist should “believe in” the child, even when their parent is hesitating. They should form a connection with the child, giving trust and being trusted. Some kids will run off dancing once painted, roaring or clawing for the nearest phone to take another selfie. It’s a special moment in time and remember, face paint doesn’t last – so it really IS just a moment.
So why is it so special? because it takes courage for the artist to “perform the art” and courage for the child to “perform FOR the art.” It’s a special kind of performance, a performance in real time, showing trust and courage in a special moment of human connection.
