Amsterdam Bodypainting Day.

We had an early start this morning, heading into Amsterdam, but had misgivings about going.  It was overcast and raining.  Getting painted and nature washing it off almost immediately didn't really appeal to us but we decided to go in case the weather was better in Amsterdam.

We managed to find underground parking near Amsterdam's Central station and had about a 45 minute walk to Museumplein.  It was raining still unfortunately.  The registration desk was being set up as

well as an awning under which body painting sponsors (Mehron) were setting up their paint palettes, ready for the artists to collect.  We continued to have misgivings about the whole bodypainting day right up until we finally got the registration desk to register.  After that there was no turning back, rain or shine.

We were allocated 2 young artists who were also friends so we were able to stand side by side whilst during the painting session.  We stripped off and the girls set to work.  Paul was painted overall in rainbow colours then his front was painted with a globe cupped between two hands, a red heart and a cloud.  On his back were arms reaching out and clasping a hand (like a couple holding hands).  He then had birds painted on his face; and around his arms and legs there were people holding hands.  It was a lovely symbol of love for the earth, peace and unity across the globe.  I cannot really describe the artwork on me because it was artistic freedom in colours of blue, yellow and orange.  It rained twice but we were able to hold up large umbrellas that we had brought with us.

Throughout the duration of the painting day, tourists and locals were able to see us being painted and take photographs if they wished.  There were 2 rows of painters with their human canvases on either side of a brick path so people could walk between the rows.  There was also a raised area of land so people sat and watched:  artists and their models were the day's entertainment. There was a really positive response to the event.

Artists and models came from different countries and from different walks of life.   There was a pregnant woman and also 3 people who were transgender.  It was lovely to see people getting together peacefully in such an open environment.

A T.V. presenter and her crew came to do a bit of filming.  Unfortunately some of the questions she posed to us contained the answers she was looking for but we gave our honest opinion.  E.g. (not exact wording but similar) "when you have paint on you - you don't feel naked, do you?"  Er ... I do feel naked!  (again not exact wording but similar) "you feel different when you have paint on?"  Um..... No!  "Do you feel empowered when you are painted"  ... no .... She obviously didn't get the answers she wanted from me and cut the interview short.

After the painting activities we cleaned up around ourselves, photographs of artists and painters where taken on a grass patch nearby and then we all walked through the park, without a stitch on but covered in paint, to a large iAmsterdam sign where we disturbed some break-dancers doing a 'street' performance.  Photographs were taken again, with us standing in front of or on top of the iAmsterdam sign.  We then headed to steps near the Rijksmuseum for more photographs before heading to a canal
for a boat ride to our evening meal and party venue.  Two small boats were hired rather than a large one - as had been hired during last year's event.  The painted group was a hit with passers-by - on the canals and also on the roadside.  Unfortunately it rained a few times so up went umbrellas to try and

protect our paint from getting washed off.  It helped a great deal but we had to duck every time we came to a bridge!

The after party was held at a "trendy" relaxed place (the remains of a shipyard that had been altered for its new purpose) where there was live music and a bar.  The evening meal was a vegetarian dish and some people decided to eat elsewhere later on.

We stayed for 2 hours or so to have

some solid and liquid sustenance before getting dressed and making our way to ferry dock where we caught a ferry across the canal to Central Station.  From there it was a relatively short walk to the underground parking.

Back at Paul's mum's place we took a long shower to wash all the body paint off.  We were tired but had enjoyed our day tremendously.

I'd like to thank David Hegarty for the photographs that are in today's blog.

More of his pictures, and those of others can be seen on the Amsterdam Bodypainting Day facebook page via this link:  Amsterdam Bodypainting Day