The human body is a work of art in itself, but Lorrin Wagner of Wagner Events in Tampa, Fl. intensifies the human body. She transforms bodies into dragons, exotic birds, monsters, and even musical instruments. Wagner is a body artist and what she creates are living, breathing masterpieces. I sat down with Wagner to find out where all of her creativity comes from and where it’s going to take her.
Libby Hopkins:How did you get started in body painting?
Lorrin Wagner: “I actually started with balloon twisting. While looking for designs online I came across beautiful face painting. I immediately ordered paint and started working. While planning on the annual Face and Body Art International Convention (held in Florida) I decided to compete in the body paint competition. After deciding to compete I started practicing, purchased an airbrush and just learned as much as possible. I didn’t place in the competition but I learned to love body art and everything that goes with it. Since then I have really increased private bookings, fashion shows and special body painting.”
LH:Where does your inspiration come from?
LW: “I don’t really know most of the time, thin air? Sometimes I will look at classic illustrations, paintings or even graphic advertisements. Sometimes I have a few ideas, see the model and completely change my mind and go a different route.”
LH: What challenges you when it comes to body painting?
LW: “I have a lot of trouble with composition; I don’t always know how to place flat images on a 3-D body.”
LH: What type of reaction do you get from people when you tell them you are a body painter?
LW: “I don’t think most people are familiar with the art form, they say ‘people, like real people?’ When I tell them I paint most people nude that really get a reaction. I also do children’s face painting so sometimes I will skip over the body art portion.”
LH: Any interesting stories you would like to share about some the people you have painted?
LW: “It kind of blows me away that these models (both professional and amateur) are willing to strip down and get painted just to spend a couple of hours washing it off. It is a lot harder than it looks to stand still for several hours! I don’t think I could model so I am always really impressed by their ability to take on a persona and just go with it in their birthday suit!”
LH: What are some of you future plans for your body painting business?
LW: “My goodness, I have so many! I plan on becoming an instructor as well as creating a nice book with my favorite images. I would also like to produce a book with all famous paintings replicated on live people.”
If you would like to learn more about Lorrin Wagner or see some of her other creations, you can visit her website, at www.wagnerevents.com. You can also visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wagnerevents. Leave her a message and tell her what you think!
This is some text prior to the author information. You can change this text from the admin section of WP-Gravatar "Libby Hopkins is the Assitant Editor of Underground Writer who lives in Brandon, Fl. with her two rescue dogs, Olive and Bogey. She loves working in her community and in her spare time, she designs jewelry." 
