Today, I’m interviewing an amazing sfx makeup artist called Kirsty Feehan. I’ve worked with Kirsty on a few films and each time, she has done amazing work. Kirsty has also been on the other side of the camera too.
DB – Thanks for taking the time to chat to me today Kirsty. Your make up work in films has really made them stand out. Can I ask you what got you into makeup and what your training is?
KF – I have always loved movies, probably because growing up our antenna was broken on our TV so we would always put on a movie rather than watching a TV show. My mum and I use to love watching the special features for the movie and I particularly liked watching how the SFX Makeup and prosthetics were made, watching them create characters and transforming people, and I remember thinking 'I want to do that one day'.
I have completed a Diploma in Screen and Media - Specialising in Makeup Services, which gave me the skills to work on screen, theatre or media productions.
DB – You went beyond just makeup in “The Rotten Fruit of Eden” where you not only made up the main character like a snake, but you created a textured prosthetic for her chest and made an amazing snake head piece too. Can you tell me more about this?
KF – I love to make and create things. I hadn't made prosthetic snake skin before and I wanted to give it a go. I wanted to add some texture to the look to make her seem more snake-like, so I decided to make a neck/chest piece because it would take up a large area on her body and wouldn't get lost within the rest of the makeup and the costume. I sculpted the scales from clay, applied about 6 layers of latex then painted the piece once the latex had dried.
The headpiece was inspired by the Greek mythological being Medusa. I painted some rubber snakes black, then added a layer of gold paint on top. Once the paint had dried I glued the snakes to a plastic crown, interweaving them to make it look like they were (or once were) moving. I think the end result completed the look and really drove home the snake-like character.
DB – You designed the make up for the girl gangers in Game of Groans. The women of Lucifer’s Ladies really stand out with the rhinestones and glitter lips. What was involved with this?
KF – There was a lot of communication between yourself (the director), the cast and myself to create the makeup designs for Lucifer's Ladies. Once I had been given the brief and some inspiration photos I started working on some draft copies of face charts for each girl ganger. I wanted each characters makeup to look different to reflect their specific personality but to also be cohesive enough to feel like a gang.
DB – You’ve also been on the other side of the camera. I was watching the Perdus music video and was just blown away. You were a model in that one. What’s the story there?
KF – I have, but not intentionally. I was originally asked to work as a hair and makeup artist for the Perdus music video. Once the hair and makeup was completed I stuck around to help with touch-ups and continuity control, and also because I was having so much fun I wasn't ready to leave.
One of the models was running very late and they needed to start filming ASAP so I was asked if I could fill in and be an extra in the video. I was very nervous as I hadn't done anything like that before but it ended up being a really fun day and it was a great learning experience! Plus it's always good to step out of your comfort zone every now and then.
DB – You certainly are amazing Kirsty. Can I ask you about your future plans?
KF – Oh why thank you very much David that is very kind of you to say! There is always more to learn, and I am currently looking at options to study prosthetic makeup further. The long term goal is to start working on large film productions and one day own my own prosthetic makeup studio. Right now I want to build experience and meet as many like minded people within the industry as possible.
DB – Where can our readers follow your work?
KF – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsty_hair_n_makeup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstyfeehanmua
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