We were lucky to catch up with Lynn Hetherington Becker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lynn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Any time you decide to reveal your art to the public you are taking a risk. I have been an artist all of my life, but for personal reasons didn’t come into my own as an artist until my 40s. Starting my public art journey was scary. I hadn’t attended art school and didn’t have connections in the community. I had already turned down a couple of potentially life changing opportunities with my body art due to family obligations and fear. I really wanted to explore my art at a level where I would engage with the public but wasn’t sure what the right steps would be locally.
In 2021 I decided to enter Highball, a couture costume contest in Columbus. You are required to create at least 4 looks including a large main costume. It was a very intimidating process for me. I had no clue what I was doing and very little guidance. A friend who had participated years prior thankfully helped with questions. I work full time at a day job so creating art on a large scale with very little free time to do so was a concern as well. I selected a team and we did our best. I won first place! I was so proud of myself and the people that helped and supported me on that project.
In Spring 2022 I had my first 2 solo shows as an artist exhibiting my paintings and body art. The first show was at The Vanderelli Room in Franklinton and the second was at The Columbus Cultural Arts Center. Solo shows are a lot of work and very risky. Will the public like your art? Will you sell any of it? Was the time investment and cost worth it? Both shows were a wonderful experience with great feedback- and yes I sold some of my art!
I entered Higball again at the last minute in 2022- and won first place again! I was taking risks and receiving positive feedback about my art. As an artist that is the highest form of praise.
I recently exhibited my art for the Columbus Museum of Art at their yearly Gala, Wonderball. That was a fun, positive experience and I was excited to be able to exhibit in the museum. I was so thankful to be chosen. I am really enjoying this journey I’m on. Will I continue to take risks and put myself out there? You bet! Each time I apply to do something putting my work out there on display it’s definitely an anxious process but it’s worth it. Risks help us build confidence and find out what we are made of! Regardless of your age or where you’re at with your comfort zone, do it! Take the risk!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Lynn Hetherington Becker and I’m a body artist and I create wearable art.
I got into the world of body art originally through face painting. I really enjoyed the medium on an artistic level and decided to pursue full body art. I began working with different models and photographers and really enjoyed the process. I started exploring wearable art to add into my designs. Currently I offer body art services, costuming commissions, painting commissions and free henna crowns for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
I think what sets me apart as an artist is that I don’t limit myself and I’m willing to try using any medium and subject matter in my art. I love using unexpected materials and themes.
You can find me on Facebook, IG and Tik Tok to see more of my art!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my opinion artists aren’t always paid accordingly for their time and materials. I’ve done projects in the community that take months for essentially nothing. Some of the organizations in Columbus could work on compensation, support and promotion for their artists.
If an artist invests their time and craft for you then make sure to promote them and thank them publicly, especially if their art was part of what drew people to the event. Materials and time are precious and expensive. Support the arts! Please pay artists a living wage and make sure they are given social media presence. Choose artists to display public works that are already here living and contributing to the community. Also,I suggest researching the artists that you commission/hire and make sure that you’re supporting someone that actually creates and makes their craft as opposed to a buy/resell vendor.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the joy I bring to the recipients of my art. I love seeing models feel beautiful and powerful in my costumes and body paint. I love when a client receives a painting and gushes about how they love it. It’s such a wonderful feeling when people tell me my art made them think, brought them joy and made them feel good! Bringing beauty, creativity and passion into the world is the best reward. I’m thankful to meet so many amazing people and touch so many lives on this journey! I also love working with other artists and collaborating on projects together. That feeling of camaraderie is amazing to experience and it’s such an amazing joy to create alongside other artists. 
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @l.hetheringtonstudio
- Facebook: L. Hetherington Studio Face and Body Art
- TikTok: @l.hetheringtonstudio
Image Credits
Photography: Steve Malone Renee Needham