Red leather booth

A sample of Alannah Mason’s body painting

For some artists, paper, fabric, wood or even a wall serves as the backdrop for their creativity. But for Kitchener artist and entertainer Alannah Mason, those platforms simply aren’t enough.  Alannah likes to use the human body as a canvas.

A model wearing Captain America body paint, by Alannah Mason

Body art or body canvassing, goes well beyond the realm of dayglow, night club body paint, although there is room for that too. Alannah is often hired to transform mere humans into walking, talking objet d’arts. Models use Alannah’s talents to add some dazzle to their portfolios and her work is requested to elevate fashion shows, parties, parades and special events. In fact, at fashion shows, Alannah says people have asked her models where they got their dresses, only to be shocked to learn the dress was painted on. At these moments, she briefly considers a career shift to fashion design.

Alannah is more than an artist content with working behind the scenes. She is also an entertainer and her artistic skills often are part of the entertainment at an event. She creates body tattoos and caricatures, adds clowning and dance performances and becomes a human statue to create a dynamic and interactive event. “Of all that I do, I love to entertain the most,” says Alannah. “It’s so rewarding to create a wow factor with my costumes and art.”

Taurus the Matador body paint, part of a zodiac series

Recently, after a chance confluence of events, Alannah found her own wow factor: as a makeup assistant for Cirque du Soleil while in Toronto. “I was in complete disbelief when I was offered the gig,” she said. “I turned three stilt walkers into insects with body paint, created fire masks on the fire dancers and created a mask for Baldini the Magician,” she says. It was a phenomenal experience and a great piece for her portfolio.

Alannah at work in her studio

A bit of a renaissance woman, Alannah offers a range of artistic and entertainment elements. If you are looking to amp up your next party or want a unique piece for your wall (or body), contact Alannah.

P.S. Alannah’s favorite topic of conversation: art.