Bravo! It’s body art and more

The cast of cats
The cast of cats

Many of us may have heard of Bravo Arts, some may have witnessed its work first-hand, while others may have actually experienced it.

Bravo Arts consists of nine dedicated artists, all of whom are free-lancers and are skilled in face and body painting, but the mastermind behind it all is body artist, manager and founder of Bravo Arts, Steve Douglas.

Steve founded Bravo Arts in 2009, just over five years ago. He started out first as a face-painting artist but during a trip to the USA, he saw body painting being done by international artists. He then went on to specialize in body painting and founded Bravo Arts two years later.

He recalled that he was a Science student and while attending Christ Church his intention was to enter the medical profession. But he noted that teenagers are often unsure of a career. “One time they want this and another time that,” he said and he was the same.

However, he has always been an artist and recalled that at the tender age of six, he created his own works of art through craft, making Easter hats, baskets and kites, never dreaming that one day he’d make a living through art that would have a profound impact on many.

The multi-talented Steve even wrote a few songs during his teenage years; one of which became famous. “Guyanese Wine,” which must sounds familiar, was sung and recorded by his mother, Michelle ‘Big Red’ King, the famous singer, songwriter and actress.

Steve said he stayed out of that spotlight, because he intended to carve his own identity. And that he did.

Two years prior to the existence of Bravo Arts was the first time he would have done any sort of face painting and this was at a youth club, which had catered for youths ages 11-18 teaching them life skills, cooking and craft. As one of the counsellors, he thought of doing something fun with them and decided on face painting, which he researched online.

Self-taught in this skill, he started with birthday parties and events doing just face painting. During a workshop he met Treena Dundas, the CEO of Tons of Fun Party Service. It was from here his career escalated.

He said that when he founded Bravo Arts, he approached two other artists: Sanoeiza Reevers and Cassandra Chu. They then practiced on each other until they were satisfied that they had a product that met their high standards. Steve then approached the Castellani House to host a body-painting exhibition. So far Bravo Arts has done three exhibitions.

The other artists work part time with Steve but when there are big events they are all there.

Some of the companies Bravo Arts has worked with are Giftland OfficeMax, GT&T, Banks DIH, Digicel, 704 Club, Gravity Lounge, Pulse Entertainment and Sean Major Entertainment. “We’ve done cartoon characters, extra-terrestrials (aliens, avatar), fantasy paintings (fairies, unicorns),” Steve said. Bravo Arts was also well represented at the Kiss my Art festivals hosted by Red Entertainment.

“Bravo Arts has been well received by the public. Our work has always been adored,” he added.

Steve is now ready to take his art to the next level and he is eyeing movie prosthetics. This is the creating of cosmetic effects using make-up, sculpting and moulding. To do this he has to apply to Cinema Make-up School in Los Angeles, California. He said that to specialize in movie prosthetics is costly and he hopes to garner the funds for the training through a body art exhibition which should be set for September and soliciting funds from businesses. The course lasts less than a year. Steve says he plans to build a portfolio once he finishes and take his skill to the international market. Currently, he’s offering interested persons the foundation and advanced courses in face painting.

His work doesn’t end here, he plans, should things work out well, to build a school in another ten years where Guyanese body artists can have the opportunity to specialize in their art too.

He gives his all in what he does. “Every day I’m learning,” he said, “there’s much more I’m yet to learn.”

To youngsters he admonishes, “Not everybody will become lawyers. Not everybody will become doctors. Entrepreneurship is seeing the need and going after it. It’s about taking risks, but yet you have to be practical. Education is important. Educate yourself with a university degree or some tertiary education. Always try to be more and do more.”

Steve acknowledges all the businesses that have sponsored Bravo Arts, his eight other enthusiastic artists who contribute to making Bravo Arts a success, his family and friends and especially his biggest supporter, his mom.

Bravo Arts can be contacted via: bravoarts.webnode.in and bravo.arts@yahoo.com. Interested persons can also contact Steve through the Facebook pages: Bravo Arts and Steve Bravo and through cell phone number 651-9120.

Along with Sanoeiza and Cassandra, the other members of the Bravo Arts family are Sharwan Khan, Andre Jacobus, Carlus Savory, Paloma Bristol, Alicia Smith and Courtney Douglas.

Bravo Arts provide services such as: face painting, temporary tattoos, glitter tattoos, strolling tables, body painting and theatrical make-up.