Photo Credit: Carter News Agency
Marcey Hawk is an artist from California who uses her breasts instead of brushes to create her pieces. She is known as the “Boobie Painter”.
What is the story behind using your breasts to create art?
I saw a performance artist who dripped and poured paint all over her nude body. She then rolled around on a giant canvas sheet. I was quite intrigued by some of the marks & smears left on the sheet. From there I just played & experimented with paint on my breasts.
Did it start out as a serious endeavor or a not-so-serious experiment?
To be honest, it looked really fun and I enjoy a challenge. My goal was to play around with it to see if I could create a finished work of art using only my breasts.
Have you received any criticism?
There will always be someone who will criticize what I do, say that it has no merit in the art community or simply say that it is dirty, pornographic or disgusting. My response to them is simply this: I am proud of my body, as I think all women should be regardless of shape or size. There is nothing but beauty to be found in the curves of the human body. As for it being porn or me being slutty, I have never shown my naked breasts to anyone nor will I. I have more respect for myself than that. Those who say that it isn’t art…. Well, that just isn’t for one person to decide. Art is subjective and in the eye of the viewing audience.
What have been some of your favorite comments about your pieces?
I most love when someone receives a painting from me and is astonished by it in person. I am always told how much more the colors pop in real life, and how much depth & texture it appears I have.
What is the process to create your paintings?
I have several methods of getting paint from boob to canvas. There is a lot of squishing involved.
A lot of artists take their art seriously. However, you seem to acknowledge that many people will find the process fun, and even silly.
I am a very playful, easygoing person by nature. I put a lot of myself into each piece and therefore it is reflected in the finished paintings. If I am able to evoke some emotion (whatever that may be) from the viewer in regards to my art or its process, then I have succeeded.
Do have any children?
I have been a mother for nearly 19 years now. Ye,s that means I am oldish ::laughs:: I will be 40 this year. I breastfed both babies for about a year and half. When my kids were younge,r it was important to me to be a full-time mother to them. As they grew older, I found it easier to get back into painting. And yes before you ask, they are well aware of what mom does. I have never tried to hide what I do. I’ve raised my kids to be open-minded and accepting of others and not to pre-judge them. I will put little signs around the house say “PAINTING-BOOBS OUT” then they know to steer clear of the room I’m working in. (Usually the dining room.)
You donate a portion of the proceeds of your sales to breast cancer research- tell us more about that.
A friend if mine from high school lost her aunt to breast cancer. She courageously walked in the Susan G Komen 3 day, 60 mile walk. I donated 100 mini-sized paintings for fundraising. It just took off from there. I am always happy to donate the mini-paintings or even larger ones upon request to woman who are part of these great charity walks. A portion of sales is also donated to the cause.
Purchase one of Marcey’s paintings through her Etsy shop: etsy.com/shop/justmarcey
Follow Marcey on Twitter: @BoobiePainter
Learn more about Marcey’s paintings via Facebook: facebook.com/boobiepainter
