Contributed photos
Samples of the creative output of body design kings, Eon and Robby Williams.

Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

Decorating the body is an art form that is almost as old as art itself. Throughout the world, there is evidence that human beings have been decorating their bodies for millennia - the reasons range from ritualistic to aesthetic. Today, soldiers and hunters paint themselves to blend into their surroundings and recent bacchanalia showed that body art is alive and well, as revellers took to Jamaica's streets to celebrate carnival.

A closer look at the gyrating crowds in recent weeks would have revealed the unique body designs of Eon and Robby Williams. The brothers were out at the start of the parade applying paint to scantily clad folks from as early as 6:00 am. Far from being a chore for them, the brothers readily admit they love what they do. "Many guys have come up to us and said, 'I wish I had your job,'" laughs Eon, "And sometimes ladies say, 'You must love your job'. We reply, 'But of course!'"

Penchant for creativity

The brothers share a penchant for creativity. Eon studied goldsmithing at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) and Robby studied 'A' level art. After EMCVPA, Eon did a stint at the State University of New York (SUNNY) where he studied theatre arts and design. Robby went on to the University of Technology where he studied tourism and hospitality with a specialisation in culinary arts. Their background helped them to understand the principles of design. Eon's experience with theatre design provided knowledge of material and "how things work" that is handy when painting bodies.

The adventure began in Christmas 2000 when financial constraints forced Eon to take a hiatus from SUNNY's Brockport campus. Their mom suggested they paint children's faces at the Devon House Craft Fair (now 'Kumba'). The positive response from the public, combined with their shared love for art, has produced eight years of birthday parties, sessions, launches, fashion shows and hotel resorts. According to Robby, they have covered every part of the human anatomy with their signature technique, a combination of hand painting and airbrushing they have dubbed 'BodyDesign'.

Dedication to craft

At 32 and 27 years old, Eon and Robby have shown a dedication to their craft and a discipline that belies their years. They partially credit the fact that they are siblings for the successful partnership. "We gel," says Eon. "That is the important aspect. We share common goals regarding what we do. Also, we have each other's best interest at heart."

As savvy as they are creative, the duo have a Web presence in the form of a MySpace page and a Facebook site. If the public response and the photos on these websites are anything to go by, these guys are garnering a strong following. Their online photo galleries are full of pictures depicting high-energy designs on the bodies of people who clearly enjoy being covered in art. One girl is painted completely in camouflage; several others are sporting painted clothes in lieu of actual fabric. The painted tops are so realistic; it is only upon closer inspection that it becomes clear that there is only paint between the model and the rest of the world. The designs are always colourful and eye-catching.

Customised clothing

The Facebook site also features a line of customised clothing. In one picture, a man sports a blazer which features the stylised skull logo from Marvel's Punisher comic book series. Another custom T-shirt has a large pair of sensuous cat-like eyes staring out at the viewer. Still other shirts depict realistically rendered portraits, presumably images of the people who ordered the shirts or their loved ones. On one particularly charming T-shirt, a young girl hugs her mother and the pair is surrounded by swirling hearts. Still another shows the Williams brothers wearing matching custom shirts with the national flag and their names on the pocket and Jamaica's coat of arms is central to the design on the back.

Created own niche

Although their chosen medium takes them to venues filled with fun and frolic, the pair have accomplished something few business people and even fewer artists manage to do. They have created their own niche with a product that was largely untapped before they started. Body painting was previously the domain of kiddie parties and the odd adult party. Now, says Robby, "We are slowly being more recognised for what we do and the added value we bring to any event we are a part of."

Their advice to youngsters, who might have an idea that's never been tried before?

"Be self motivated." says Robby, "Remember that nothing is cut out in stone. There are different ways an idea can work, so explore your options."

His partner-in-art is also quick with a few wise words: "Do what you love and love what you do. And always have a back-up plan."