Eileen Lei: In Living Colors

Interviewed by Rick
Does "Oneness" mean that as humans we are all interconnected, in the words of designer Anne Bowen? Or does it also mean that it's possible to achieve a blending of different humanistic drives through the coming together of art, fashion and music at the core of one's being? When "Oneness" is achieved, is there the Woman and her Fashion? Or, is there only the Woman as she expresses herself through fashion, and as integrated with her personality and creative actions? One woman who embodies the second idea is Eileen Lei, an artist of many talents in NYC. In this interview we discussed the source of her creative passions, fashion, the state of music and what it takes to make it in the Big City.  Trust me, like Eileen, it all comes together. I hope you enjoy this interview. One, Rick/Icon Americana

Icon Americana: Did you always know you wanted to be a makeup artist? Tell us how you got started.

Eileen: There was never one moment that I decided I wanted to become a makeup artist. I always knew I was an artist, and creative expression is a part of being me. Expression is a need of mine. Being a makeup artist just kind of fell into my lap. Anything with colors is something I wanted to play with and gravitate towards. So I remember as a little girl always playing with my Mom's makeup because I loved all the different colors, and unfortunately my little sister was my canvas then. Still, it wasn't a focus of mine to become a makeup artist. One day a friend who is a photographer who worked at a studio needed help with makeup styling with the models. I offered to help and it fed my love for creating and being part of a project. From there, my love grew through creating on women's faces a canvas and celebrating their different masks of characters of femininity.

IA: I assume New York City is amazing for your line of work. What are some projects you have been involved in since making the move from California?

Eileen: I have been here in  New York for a year now. And, I have met so many amazing artists and their unique art. I have done makeup styling for a video shoot for soul singer Janelle Renee, fashion shows for designers such as Charles Corvsky Dieujuste and had my work published in Audrey Magazine. I've also worked on a lookbook for AUGDEN Collection, online magazines, collaborated with Tresemme's celebrity hairstylist Jeanie Syfu on photo shoots and many other projects that I have been blessed to be a part of during the short time I've been in NY. I am also blessed to be currently working on projects with photographers and other artists with my paintings for exhibitions. 

IA: Your style is crazy, sexy cool.  Is it also a reflection of your personality?

Eileen: Awww.. thank you. My style is a reflection of how I see myself and my response to my environment. With style, I believe at the core is your knowledge of self and confidence. The more you take the time to get to know you, the more you are confident and secure in the values that make you an individual. With this core knowledge, what you wear and how you wear it become symbols allowing for your unique personality to shine through. For me, style goes beyond high-end brands. It doesn't take a brand name to create a beautiful piece.

"Crazy, Sexy, Cool"

Eileen: I'm not too flashy. I believe women should look feminine and celebrate being a woman. I like simplicity and great cuts that will allow my personality to shine through. I've always said "Women should wear makeup and clothes, not the other way around." I love mixing the concept of strength (usually understood in a masculine sense) and femininity. And the way I dress reflects that. I'm an athlete at heart, and I love things that are comfortable, and more importantly, allow me to move around comfortably! The definition of femininity is being challenged in a way. I still believe in being absolutely sexy while being modest. In these times, women are very strong and required to be very strong, emotionally and physically. So I am inspired by this. To me being feminine and soft is a sign of strength in the world we live in now. I definitely believe wearing men's clothing can be so feminine and sexy, to reflect the modern woman. Simple cuts, modern, chic, classic, feminine and sexy, playing with a touch of masculinity.

IA: As an artist, from where do you find inspiration when creating a piece? Eileen: I keep a journal with me at all times. Ideas come to me at any moment. I have kept journals ever since I can write, from the age of 6! There is documentation of my whole life so far.

When ideas come to me, they come to me in words and in images. So in my journal there are poems and drawings. What inspires me? Freedom, Equality and Justice, in all areas of life. I've always been gravitated towards truth and inspired by people's courage and strength through any struggle. I've always been more interested in looking beyond the surface. And I think that is what ultimately drives me as an artist. Being an artist, you exist on a another level that is not visibly seen, and so it is part of your being that needs expression from this place. Not only looking deep within ourselves but also looking deeper in the world around you is part of being an artist, from my perspective. So I do a lot of studying, I read about different religions, philosophies, cultures, history and sciences. I become inspired by my learning and that ultimately feeds my art. 

IA: I understand you like The Wu. What's your favorite Wu-Tang song? 

Eileen: Oh I love them all, but my favorite would be 'Ice Cream', its soooo sexy. Anything sexy I'm with that!

IA: Any thoughts on the current state of music vs. hits we listened to in past decades?

Eileen: I grew up hip hop (80's baby). Hip hop is my heart. And what really attracted me to hip hop was the sincere emotion I sensed and what I was able to learn from it. I remember hearing "Dear Mama" from Tupac and being drawn in by his emotion and the desire to understand more of him and his life. When something is created sincerely and with truth, you can sense it. And I don't sense it with popular music these days. 

"In these times, women are very strong and required to be very strong, emotionally and physically." Eileen Lei 

There were times when listening to hip hop, you were given a history lesson and you walked away having more knowledge of Self and your views on the world evolved. These days, I sense the lack of these basic fundamentals that drew me to music as a kid. I don't doubt the talent as there are amazingly talented artists out there, but the question is how their talent is being used and how it is applied to the current time and state of the people and world issues. There are artists that are taking leadership roles and actively creating a better part of music, but you have to really dig deep to find them.  Or you can be like me and go back in time and listen to Rakim, Gang Starr, E.P.M.D., Black Moon, Brand Nubian, Ice Cube, Nas, Pac, Biggie, Roots...etc. I believe hip hop is at a pivotal point and I can't wait to see how it will evolve. 

IA: What's next for Eileen in terms of future projects?

Eileen: You will definitely see more of my art evolve as my learning grows as well as my expression as a woman. You will see more of my work in exhibitions. I am currently collaborating with other artists like photographers and musicians to bring different projects to life. Expect to see my work as cover art.

Eileen: I hope to continue to evolve the birthplace of my creativity, of drawing and writing in journals, to a published book one day. And, expect to see my work move from still images to moving images. I will be involved in film and documentaries speaking about issues that I am passionate about. And my makeup styling work will continue as well. 

IA: Based on what you know now, what piece of advice you would you give to a young artist who is thinking about making the move to New York City to follow their passion?

Eileen: Be prepared. Be prepared to be tested at all levels. Know that whatever you consider to be in your comfort zone, will be thrown out the window. You have to be beyond hungry.  Your drive to make your goals? Triple it at least. In your suit case bring with you: discipline, patience, faith and positivity. Your home is your mental attitude. Instead of looking out then in, you will be living deeper within yourself then out. NYC is a land of extremes on many levels, you have to maintain your own balance and keep up. And if you do, NYC will bring out the strongest and the best in you.

To learn more about Eileen Lei, visit her website at leistory.com
Photo Credits:

Photos 1 to 6: John DeMato via JohnDeMato.com

Photos 7 to 9; 11 to 12: Courtesy of Eileen Lei

Photos 10, 13 (B&W head profile shots): Babak Gholamhossiein via BG Photography

Art Portraits: "Frida and Malcolm X" (ink pen) and "Energy" (watercolor and acryllic) courtesy of Eileen Lei (artist)