Complections was pleased to have a chance to catch up with graduate Vicki Skandalaki, a passionate advocate for human equality. We spoke with her about her success as a graduate and learned about how she is working to change the world’s perceptions of the LGBTTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Queer) community as co-creator of the Toronto-based organisation, the BLOT Project.

What inspired you to become a make-up artist?

I have always been drawn to make-up and the diversity it provides for as long as I can remember. Growing up I constantly changed my appearance and the use of make-up allowed me to discover my independence and identity. The idea of helping people choose their look while building a relationship and strengthening their confidence is what fuelled me to become a make-up artist.

How would you describe your experience at Complections?

Complections helped me discover my abilities and talents as an artist. The teachers were supportive and motivating. My classmates were diverse and a lot were similar to myself, and I found comfort that there were others out there who I could relate to. I always felt that I could achieve anything I wished with the support of the school. Complections’ credibility alongside its solidarity leveraged my ability to manifest my future.

What sort of jobs did you take after graduation?

After graduation I freelanced in many facets of the industry: fashion, film, special events and theatre. I have worked independently as a make-up consultant for those who would like to learn how to do their own make-up. I have also discovered through the years that I really enjoy body art and the transformation of the human canvas. I also volunteered for the “Look Good – Feel Better” campaign, assisting cancer patients with the application and knowledge of cosmetics.

What is the BLOT Project?

The BLOT Project is a community project that unites the public to raise our voices against discrimination. The objective of the project is to have the people speak for the people. BLOT stands for Believe and Love Our Truths. We ask individuals to blot their lips on a piece of paper and write a statement for the cause at hand. These images will be constructed into a book. When they are sold, we will be giving a percentage of the profits back to a charity that associates itself with the issue. This year we are aligning with the LGBTTQ community.

Where did you get the idea for the project?

I was in a summer residency program at The Toronto School of Art in the summer of 2010 and I had the image of lips on my mind. Our lips are important: they are where our spoken word comes from. It was a personal project to begin with. I spent part of the summer blotting my own lips and I was planning to use them in an installation. I concluded that this project was for community minorities and anyone who has ever had to deal with being different, not fitting in, or being bullied.

It was spring when associate Cory Stewart and I were having lunch and the BLOT Project came up in discussion. I explained my passion for the project, and I allowed him to speak his mind about his perceptions. The conversation stemmed into the abuse of the Gay and Lesbian community,and he mentioned that we should commence the project at Pride 2011. Through careful planning and implementation, we executed the project in June.

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