Local artist profile: Ange Dunstone

THIS week we chat with Ange Dunstone, a local face painting artist extraordinaire who encourages fellow aspiring creative types in the region to “accept opportunities however small they may seem” and to “do things that you enjoy and things will fall into place”.

What initially motivated you to become a face painting artist?

My mother, Paula Dunstone, is an artist from Donald. Her incredible talent has always inspired me. She would volunteer as a face painter for school fairs and I’d always wanted to join in.

It was an opportunity to volunteer as a face painter at a Salvation Army event at Lake Weeroona where I was introduced to quality face paints and quickly fell in love.

How would you describe your style?

One stroke face painting is a style where the artist loads multiple colours on to one brush, similar to folk art. With this technique you can achieve stunning results at a fast pace.

Over time, my style has developed into designs that balance speed, comfort, and safety. I enjoy experimenting with designs on the face, arms, back, and chest – with lots of florals, or freestyling designs to suit festival outfits.

Which other face painting artists inspire you?

Simone from Star Sparkles Face Painting was kind enough to show me the ropes. For my first paid gig, Simone and I painted faces for the AFL grand final at Maiden Gully IGA. Simone inspires me to give opportunities to others, share knowledge, and collaborate with other local artists.

What are some highlights you have from your artistic journey so far?

It was my dream to one day face paint at the Bendigo Marketplace. In 2021 I put together a small crew to paint lots of faces for Christmas.

Since then, I’ve hosted a face painting workshop at YoBendigo to inspire other young artists, show them techniques, and share all of my knowledge to hopefully expand the presence of face painters in Bendigo.

I created the Bendigo Face & Body Art community on Facebook. Since then, local face painters and newbies have been able to come together to collaborate in a friendly atmosphere.

I now dream of one day building an entertainment company of face painters. I want to make it a much easier process for anyone to become a face painter.

How can people view your work?

Check out my new website! facepaintbendigo.wixsite.com/scribbles. As well as lots of photos on Instagram! @Scribbles_facepainting. Prefer Facebook? I’m there too! Simply as Scribbles Face Painting

Do you have any events coming up?

Visit me and a crew of face painters for the Bendigo Easter Festival 2024 – this year hosted by Melbourne artist Colourful Twist.

I’m very excited to have been reached out to by this well-known artist to show off my skills. Fingers crossed and cheers to new opportunities!

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

You don’t need to know what you want to do as a career. Do things that you enjoy and things will fall into place. Accept opportunities however small they may seem, and reach out to local groups to connect with others.

Here are some good places to start!:

-YoEvents is a group by YoBendigo for under 25s. They offer so much knowledge and opportunities surrounding all aspects of event management.

-The Emporium Incubator Program is hosted at the Emporium in the centre of Bendigo. This program will teach you your worth as a small business and help you grow.