Tal Peleg has completely redefined my perception of makeup artists. She has shattered the notion that a makeup artist’s job is to use tools such as mascara, lipstick and eyeliner to create a pretty face.
Tal goes one step further in the pursuit of beauty. She uses ordinary tools that can be found in most makeup bags, to create extraordinary, whimsical and completely original artworks.
What makes Tal’s work particularly distinctive is the fact that she uses eyelids as a canvas for her art. I was keen to discover what had inspired Tal to focus on eyelids.
She replied: It’s not like one day I decided, let’s paint on the eyelid. I’ve always loved to do interesting and artistic things with makeup, and tried to express myself by using makeup as my tool.”
She added: “I’m a big art lover. I have painted and taken photographs since I was a child. I also studied visual communication for four years.”
Tal’s love of experimenting with makeup, combined with her passions for illustration, design and photography, led her to merge all of these to create her art.
For Tal, the eyelid presents a much more interesting and challenging canvas than any other feature. Over time, her eyelid designs have become more complicated, illustrative and magical.
I barely wear makeup and struggle to apply eyeliner at the best of times. So, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that Tal creates all of her miniature masterpieces on her own eyelids. Aside from her enviable creative vision, it is her sheer skill that is truly phenomenal.
Tal uses a magnifying mirror and ordinary eye shadows and eyeliners to create her extraordinary artworks.
The most important pieces of equipment are brushes, of which Tal owns over 300. She said: “Really precise brushes are a must! I use makeup brushes for some looks, but I also buy many of my brushes at art supply stores. To make these miniature illustrations I need the thinnest brushes, the kind that makeup brands usually do not provide.”
Tal draws inspiration from anything from her favourite musical to a fairytale. However, what Tal finds most interesting is exploring much darker and emotional themes and incorporating them into her designs. These themes are very close to Tal’s heart, she elaborated frankly: “Like my grandmother’s dementia, Anne Frank, social matters and emotions.”
In an impressively short amount of time, Tal has achieved recognition and admiration on a global scale. She has amassed over 100,000 fans on Facebook and Instagram alone and even Katy Perry is a fan. She is overwhelmed that so many appreciate her intimate yet exquisite designs. However, what pleases Tal the most is that she has bonded with her fans over matters that she had previously considered as very personal.
Tal’s emotive anti-bullying design, which is accompanied by the quote ‘words can be dangerous, use them wisely’, has touched the hearts of thousands. Tal revealed that after she had published her designs that were inspired by her grandmother’s dementia and anti-bullying, messages flooded in from people who had had similar experiences.
It is fundamental for Tal that she continues to create artworks with strong social messages in the future. She said: “I hope that I will have the chance to effect more people with my art. I believe that art is supposed to not only be pretty and fun to look at, but also powerful and effective.”
Aside from the captivating anti-bullying design, another personal favourite of Tal’s work is a Gone With the Wind inspired design. It is romantic and ethereal, but what is most impressive is the extraordinary detail. I was keen to discover if Tal had a personal favourite from her vast collection of magical designs.
She joked: “It’s like asking me to choose favourite child! I’m kidding, but really, it’s hard to choose because I give my heart to each and every one of them.”
She reflected: “But if I have to choose, I love the one with the black cat playing with yarn. It was inspired by my beloved cat Louis, who died recently. I am glad that I had the chance to immortalize him with this work.”
As someone who has mastered their craft so admirably, I was eager to find out what advice Tal had for aspiring makeup artists.
She advised: “The beginning is not always easy. It takes time and patience, but it is a challenge and this is part of the fun of it. Find the things that you find interesting in this world, and try to create your own unique artistic interpretation of them.”
She added: “Don’t be afraid to step outside the box, or even to fail or make mistakes, that’s part of the process. Like Jim Rohn says, “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”
Ten Questions We Ask Everyone
1. What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be an actress, especially musical actress! My biggest dream was to play eponine in Les Miserables, and I’ve spent most of my free time singing musical’s songs, going to acting classes, singing in choir and so on. Actually, one of my first experience with professional makeup was when I was an young actress in some show, and my part was also doing also the other actors makeup for stage.
2. If you could offer advice to your twelve-year-old self, what would it be?
Life is unexpected, be open to new experiences and adventures, you can never know where they’re going to lead you.
3. You have 24 hours with no travel restrictions, how would you spend it?
I would love to spend a day with my husband (who is also my best friend) in Tokyo. I really want to visit there!
4. What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you this year?
The worldwide recognition and success was definitely very exciting.
5. The film you can watch over and over yet never tire of?
Memento. I’ve seen it over ten times and I always find out new things I’ve never noticed before.
6. The song that always makes you emotional?
Vincent (starry, starry night) by Don McLean.
7. If you could spend an entire day with anyone uninterrupted, who would it be?
My younger sister, she lives in Germany and I miss her very much.
8. It is Friday night at midnight, where are you most likely to be?
Watching movie at home with my husband and cat, eating popcorn.
9. What is your biggest vice?
Sweets and chocolate. I don’t keep any of these in my house because I know I couldn’t control myself.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
As a good person and a good artist.
Follow Tal Peleg on Instagram: @Tal_Peleg
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