This artist uses make-up as a tool for advocacy
Extraordinary social advocates are often found in the form of artists.
The fight against trafficking relies on people with all sorts of talents, resources, and passions linking arms for this common cause. Whether it is wearing a dress or tie every day this December, working directly with survivors, or creating a product that benefits anti-trafficking efforts, everyone has something to contribute to this story.
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lilliam Baez. Lilliam is an amazing makeup artist who has mobilized her creative gifts and social media presence to speak publicly about a variety of social issues.
Here’s what Lilliam had to say about how her love of makeup developed into a platform for raising awareness:
You are known for your incredible artistic talent as well as for your ability to use this talent to bring awareness to activist issues. Where did your love of makeup begin?
Since I was a little girl, I felt attracted to art. I just felt so much joy when I had the opportunity to paint or create any type of craft. I started doing makeup as a teenager with a low self-esteem and… I could change my face, “fix” what was wrong, and look better. Then I started learning more about [makeup]... and got hooked on the possibilities that makeup can offer you. That's how I started making art with a purpose. I have always believed that we are not here to only live life for ourselves. We are here to add something to the community and to the world, and that your talents are given for that purpose. So when I started doing makeup I asked myself, “How can I use this to serve?”
You have spoken out about a wide range of issues, from violence against women to environmental conservation to cyberbullying. These topics can be sensitive or even controversial. What sort of responses do you receive?
Yes, I have a passion for certain subjects like the ones you mentioned and those are sensitive to people. So I always try to be careful in the way I approach the subject while still delivering the message I want to convey… My community is always very supportive and it has been really amazing how people feel touched by my art.
Even if the response to your artwork is generally positive, there are bound to be challenges in any type of advocacy. What challenges and obstacles have you encountered over the course of your career, social media presence, and passion for activism?
When you care about something, dive into that cause, start learning more about it, and you see things that are horrifying, it’s hard to not be affected by it. But at the same time, you are glad that you are [affected], because that means you care enough to do something. Sometimes I’ve been hurt so much that I can’t find inspiration. A lot of times I feel like I'm not doing enough because the problem is so big that you think what you are doing is getting lost. It is a challenge to put all that aside, and keep believing that it’s worth it.
You are right that it seems impossible for any one person to make a difference in the problems that our world is facing. What advice would you give to other artists who are trying to engage in activism, find their voice, and use their art form for good?
What keeps me going are people who are doing the same and are touching my life. So I would say, “If someone is getting to your heart with their work, believe me, you are doing the same to others.” The world needs people that care and that prefer to live their lives helping others, and what better way than to mix that with your passion? Once you start, you will never go back. If you haven’t found your voice in the world, find it! We all have one. That voice comes from our experiences, our life, the things we have learned, and the things we need to say. Once you find your voice, share it! It doesn’t have to be through art. There are so many things you can do. But do it. We need it.
If you want to see more of Lilliam’s work, it can be found on Instagram @lilliambaezmakeup or on her website.
If you have artistic ability, a creative passion, or another unique skill, I encourage you to think of inventive ways to use it as a means of raising awareness. Thank you, Lilliam, for sharing with us how something as simple as a love of art can turn into such a momentous platform for advocacy!
*Photos: Selections from Lilliam’s #NoViolenceAgainstWomen series.
About the Author
Holland Freeman is a Pacific Northwest native and pine tree enthusiast, studying Religion and Conflict Management at Pepperdine University. She is keen on exploring this lovely earth by lacing up her running shoes, backpacking through the forest, and journaling on a European train heading who-knows-where. She plans to continue in her passion for advocacy and human rights through graduate studies in the field of Theology and Peace Studies.