NO canvas can compare to human skin, says Merewether artist Emilie Ades, who has been named Australia's best when it comes to taking brush to body.
"It is the most perfect canvas you can work with," Ms Ades said.
"You have a moving canvas there is nothing like it."
It is the second time Ms Ades has won the annual body art prize at the Chalk Urban Art Festival in Sydney, after also claiming the title in 2007.
Ms Ades's work is almost stream of consciousness. She says she paints what "comes from the heart and in the moment".
Her love for mixing paint with people has stemmed from a decade-long history of attending festivals and functions as a face-painting fairy.
"I must be the Hunter's oldest fairy," Ms Ades said.
This fairy's next goal is to return to Austria for the annual World Body Art Festival in 2010, and better the top-50 finish she earned last year.
"I have the experience now to go there and finish in the top five," she said.
Melissa Lyons
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