In 2011, what began as a Halloween challenge has become a personal journey.  From the first time I saw the reactions I knew I was creating something special.  Unforgettable moments that would never happen if someone did not go to the effort and create them.

The living statue is not a new idea.  Buskers posing as statues are common.   Although I admire their courage my goal is to go unnoticed as a person, not collect donations.  Like most everyone,  if I was not convinced myself that I looked like a statue I would not be out there.  Time has allowed me to make the adjustments necessary for success.

You can find me in Old town Scottsdale, a favorite tourist destination in Arizona.  Well known for its old west ambiance,  great shopping and art galleries it is the perfect setting for me to perform.  With outdoor public art installations and unique architecture, the downtown is a favorite subject for photographers.

 

 

 

 

How to make a costume

First and foremost the instructions are for making a convincing illusion of a statue.  I personally have never seen an actual gold or silver life size statue, so although these colors look metallic, they are not very believable.  The life size statues I see are most always bronze.  So if you want to really fool people, don’t try to stand out or be shiny.  Statues are weathered and dull.

Before I explain how to make a costume that resembles a statue here are a few tips:

1.  Cover as much skin as possible.  The less make up the better.
2. Cover your hair.  Statues don’t have hair, especially facial hair.
3. You want your costume as stiff as possible so it doesn’t move in a breeze.
4. Cover your face as much as possible, I use a bandanna.
5. Finally, texture your makeup.  Smooth skin is a giveaway.

The costume procedure:

1. Select old clothes you will ruin.
2. Find clothing that compliments the character you are creating.  Use clothing that is a size too big to give yourself room to breath without being seen.  I use a dress shirt, jeans, a vest, gloves, cowboy hat and cowboy boots.
3. The key is the metallic color you select.  There are many metallic spray paints available, I choose Krylon’s oil rubbed bronze.
4. Before you apply the spray paint to cloth you will need to seal it.  I use latex exterior house paint.  I use black to compliment the bronze color.
5. Paint every piece of the costume…from your shoes, gloves pants, shirt and hat.  For hair I found a latex Halloween mask of Superman.  I cut the hair off and attached it to the hat.  Paint several layers and allow to dry.  This will give the clothing stiffness and rigidity.
6. When dry, apply the metallic bronze spray paint.  Use several coats and be consistent from head to toe.  Every part of the costume should be the same color.
7. Allow to dry for at least 48 hours.  There is nothing more embarrassing than to smell like fresh paint when performing.

The makeup procedure:

1. Be safe.  Use non toxic makeup and plan to only cover the least amount of skin necessary.  I make sure to cover every part of my body with the costume except for my face.
2. The thing about makeup is you want to be able to touch your makeup without it coming off easily.  You want it to resist coming off should you perspire.  To solve this problem I found a solution.  Considering women wear eyeliner around their eyes it must be safe and water resistant.   I use a black eyeliner pencil and use it to cover my face completely.  When applying makeup be sure to get as close to the eyes as possible, stretch lines and wrinkles to cover them thoroughly.  Don’t forget the lips.
3. I recommend shaving facial hair.
4. After this base layer is applied to the face I turn to stage makeup for the metallic color.  I use copper and black and mix them to arrive at a bronze.  I then use a brush and screen to apply the makeup.  A small piece of window screen over my skin while I brush on the makeup gives the application texture.  Smooth skin is a giveaway.

The performance:

The best costume in the world won’t fool anyone unless you are dedicated to your performance.  To be convincing you must remain absolutely motionless at all times.  You never know who is close, who is looking at your direction and will notice even the slightest movement.  The human eye is very perceptive.

Find a location where you can sit… standing still while standing I find very difficult so I sit when ever possible.  When you find a location as soon as you take your seat come to rest.

Don’t hold your hands out, rest them on something.

Relax yourself until you feel the tension released from every muscle in your body. Start with your hands and feet moving up your body until you are completely relaxed.  You will begin to feel heavy.  Keep relaxing until you you feel so heavy you couldn’t move if you tried.