''Exclusive Interview'' For Celinedionforum.com,

[Shamrock_1982]

Interview for www.celinedionforum.com with Celine's makeup artist, Scott Barnes.

 

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk17/ShuttleDiscovery/pic2010.jpg

 

 

****************************************

 

 

Darren: Hi Scott, thanks so much for giving our forum this exclusive interview today, its very kind of you...

 

Scott: Thank you Darren, it’s my pleasure.

I love Celine, she is such a beautiful spirit and I would do anything for her. That's what happens after you meet her. She has this amazing energy. And the voice is from God.

 

Darren: You first came to New York back in the early 80's to study and to pursue you're dream as a painter, but can you take me back to were it all started for you... you're roots, childhood, and how you first became interested in art...

 

Scott: Well, I grew up in Detroit. The home of Motown and Henry Ford. I also grew up around incredibly artistic people. Everyone in my family is creative. My father was an engineer for GM and was instrumental in creating the kneeling bus for handicapped and elderly people. Everyone else in my family painted. My brother was a mason and could do amazing tile work and design. So I feel blessed that I come from an artistic background.

 

Darren: You studied at Parsons School Of Design, as a fine-arts painter, but how did you come to break away from this and get into beauty and makeup?

 

Scott: I knew I wanted to go to school for fine arts, so I moved to NYC when I was 17 and enrolled in Parsons School Of Design. I studied fine arts and began working as a photographer’s assistant. He allowed me to paint in his studio when he wasn't working so it was a perfect match. One day the photographer told me I should do makeup because of the way I paint. I brushed him off initially. I then started doing test shoots with him and I was horrible at first.

He told me to paint faces the way I paint a canvas. That's how it all started. I began to mix my own colours and experiment. I was determined to perfect this new craft. Over time I worked and worked and worked. I was shooting everyday and my work began to get noticed. After I did my first celebrity, everything just started to take off from there.

 

Darren: So you learned a great deal from him… it’s a really interesting story as to how you made the transition.

 

Scott: He was kind of a mentor for me. He taught me all about photography and lighting. I utilized that and my fine arts background.

 

Darren: You're big break came when beauty expert Shu Uemura chose you to help make over one of his lines, which was a huge hit in the fashion world... this must have been a great honour and extremely rewarding seeing the end result and knowing it was such a success. But what was involved in this huge revamp?

 

Scott: Shu invited me to help him remake his Atelier line. So I moved to Japan for a while and it was there that I learned Japanese customs. They have a special way that they approach everything in life. From making a bed, to the way they walk and carry themselves. They take such care in the simple things that we take for granted. I learned so many things from them and Shu. He was a big influence on me and how I wanted to create my cosmetic line. I had so much fun picking colours and creating the Atelier line. It was a huge accomplishment and really did put me on the map in the Fashion and Makeup world.

 

Darren: It was shortly after this, that you decided to work on you're own line of cosmetics, which you launched on the QVC shopping channel, and a year later, not only had you're collection been rolled out to high-end stores in the U.S but it was also reaching boutiques in Europe and Australia... How were you feeling at the time, to know that you're own collection was now available worldwide and that all you're hard work had paid off?

 

Scott: It was great. At that time it was hard because I was travelling everyday with Jennifer Lopez and other clients so I was not able to enjoy it as much as I had wanted to. This time around is different. I am much more focused and involved with this line. Not that I wasn't involved before but I wanted to be there more than I was. It’s a great feeling when women tell me that my makeup inspired them to change their lives and helped make them feel more beautiful.

 

Darren: Over the years you have worked along side renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Scavullo, and Peter lindbergh on various projects, and also worked with some of today’s biggest celebrities including; Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Kate Hudson and Sheryl Crow for magazine covers and music videos...

Although you're best known for being Jennifer Lopez's makeup artist in the movie ''Maid in Manhattan'', and worked on over 13 music videos with her.

It must be amazing to work with some of today’s biggest talent, working on various projects, and travelling to some incredible locations, but what has been the highlight so far of you're career?

 

Scott: There are several highlights that stand out in my career. One of them was, of course, meeting Celine Dion. I knew who she was but didn't really know all of her music. I actually told her that when I first met her and the whole room went silent, like I just committed a crime. She smiled at me and thanked me for being honest. We hit it off immediately. That first day I sat in rehearsal and watched her warm up. She then shouted out to me that she was going to do her dance moves. She just threw her hands up and kinda played the air guitar. She said, “that's it.” We laugh about that all the time. I have done several videos with Celine, and Album Packaging.

She and Rene are so lovely and helped me through a tough time as well. When my brother was sick with Melanoma, they sat me down and asked me how he was doing. They then called their doctors and sent them to overlook my Brother's progress. That's the kind of people they are.

 

Another highlight in my career was writing my first book, “About Face.” I was finally able to get my message out the way I wanted to. It’s a beautiful book and it focuses on all women of every colour, race and skin type. Its not celebrity driven and I think that is what makes it so meaningful for women. They know who I am and what I do so to be able to give them some tips, techniques and advice was a blessing for me. I believe all women are beautiful and I want to give women the tools necessary to be the best possible version of themselves.

 

Darren: Thank you so much for sharing that personal story with us… She really is amazing. Time and time again I hear of these incredible stories of Celine’s love, kindness, generosity and how she truly cares, reaches out and helps people, making a real difference to people’s lives. And that’s one of the things that makes her extra special, and one of the reasons why she has such a huge fan base… she really is an exceptional human being!

 

Scott: I agree. And it spreads when you work with her. Your whole being is elevated.

 

Darren: Is there a certain celebrity that you would love to work with, and if so what is you're reasons behind it?

 

Scott: Sophia Loren. She is just the symbol of grace, poise and absolute beauty.

 

Darren: What do you like to do on a day off from work?

 

Scott: I like to paint and read. I am very interested in history and architecture. I also love spending time in my yard gardening. Another hobby of mine that I am pursuing is photography. I just shot my first album cover recently for a very talented artist named Kat Deluna. Watch out for her, she is going to be huge. And I also write music. I recently wrote a song with Kat Deluna that will be out soon I am a creative person. I love doing anything creative.

 

Darren: As I mentioned before you have worked with Jennifer Lopez a lot over the years, and have become great friends... for example you both created the famous ''The Glow'' look with you're product ''Body Bling Bronzer'' and she also recently agreed to participate in you're new book ''About Face''. But how did you both meet... was she the first celebrity you ever worked on/with... and does she only trust you to apply her makeup?

 

Scott: We actually met about 11 years ago when I was working with Angie Harmon. She took me to a party that Jennifer was hosting and it was there that I was introduced to her. It was funny because I was watching one of her videos and I remember thinking, I need to work with her. After we met, she asked me to do a cover shoot with her for InStyle. It was our first cover together. That day she asked me to do her album packaging and the rest is history. We have made so many beautiful images over the years together.

She was not the first celebrity I ever worked with but together our careers blossomed. Over the years she has grown to trust me to do her makeup. There are some times that I can't be there for her, and she has to find someone else to do her makeup. It never comes out the same. We have a unique bond that we share. She just feels extra beautiful when I do her face.

That is what I try to do with every woman I work with. And the book was a great outlet to show everyday women how to feel extra beautiful, it’s about empowerment.

 

Darren: You have also worked with Celine in recent years like you said... were you worked on the promotional images/TV adverts for her perfume range, and also worked on a few of her music videos including; Immensite, Je serais celle-la, and Taking Chances... Can you tell me how you first came to work with Celine?

 

Scott: I met Celine through her long time stylist Annie, who is also extremely talented and gifted. That’s when I got the call to do the Vegas DVD packaging.

 

Darren: When working on/with Celine, does she give you free range to do whatever you want... or is there certain things she likes or has to have, and which of you're products does she particularly love and why?

 

Scott: There are several products of mine that she cannot live without like Body Bling Platiunum and my Platinum loose powder. From the first day I met her she told me to, just do me. She is so easy and fun to work with. We laugh a lot. She has come to trust my judgement and knows that when she is in my chair she will feel extra beautiful.

Darren: Lets say for example, on the music video for Taking Chances... do you have to take into consideration what Celine is wearing before deciding what makeup to apply, and was you're job made harder by the fact, that most of this video was filmed in the hot Nevada desert?

 

Scott: Of course wardrobe is always a factor in how I am going to do Celine's makeup. We always get story boards and reference images before the shoot so I have an idea on the direction of the video. The great thing about the desert was the light was incredible. As you know I am always aware of lighting. It makes a difference on how the makeup will read on film. All of these things are very important and I do use them and do my own research as well. I like to reference old Hollywood and old glamour from some of the great actresses and photographers. They give me so much inspiration.

 

Darren: At the start of the year you accompanied Celine to The Grammy's, followed by a visit to a recording studio for the re-recording of ''We Are The World'', then flying off to the Oprah Winfrey Show, and finally an appearance on Larry King... but what was that whole week/experience like, as I bet it was an amazing experience to be at the recording of ''We Are The World'' with all those amazing artists/actors and also to be backstage at The Grammys...

 

Scott: It’s always such a pleasure to be with Celine. When I am with her she is my main focus. She really takes you in and treats you like family. There is not one detail she overlooks.

 

Darren: I've noticed you love to tweet, and keep everyone up to date with what’s going on with you...

 

http://twitter.com/scottbarnes68

 

Do you think there is a chance you could maybe teach Celine how to twitter, and keep her fans in the loop with what she’s up to, next time you see her... as this is something fans would love... do you think she'd be interested?

 

Scott: I think Celine would love to Twitter and be close to the fans. I will try and teach her. But I don't think she has the time. She is one of the most hard working people I know.

 

Darren: OMG fans would go nuts if you could teach her to tweet, you should set her up an account next time you see her, ha ha.

 

Darren: So having worked with her and gotten to know her over recent years, do you now know more of her songs, and do you have any of her albums or DVDs laying around you’re apartment… basically what I’m getting at Scott is, are you now a fan?

 

Scott: Yes I am. After spending just a short period of time with her, I fell in love with her music and her voice. I have all of her CDs and am now a huge fan.

 

Darren: In that case, I think you should join our forum, ha ha.

 

Darren: Have you any memories/experiences, regarding you're time spent with Celine over the years?

 

Scott: Every time I have ever been with Celine it has been a very positive experience. You always feel like you are with family.

 

Darren: What can we expect next from Scott Barnes?

 

Scott: I am currently working on the relaunch of my cosmetic line and also working on the production of my second book. Stay Tuned…

 

Darren: And finally how would you best describe Celine, as an artist, as woman and as a client?

 

Scott: As an artist Celine has a calling and she understands that calling as a gifted and talented performer.

As a woman, Celine is an amazing mother, wife and friend.

And as a client, Celine is a dream!!!

 

Darren: Scott thank you very much for this amazing opportunity, it’s been amazing...

 

Scott: It was my pleasure Darren.

 

Darren: Thanks again, take care.

 

Scott: Have a great day.

 

 

****************************************

 

Exclusive Interview with Scott Barnes.

July 2010 - www.celinedionforum.com – Ire23.

 

* A special thanks to Shaun, Frida & Timster for there continued contribution and support with these exclusives.

[Alex_Incognito]

Once again, another marvelous interview! Thanks so much!

[ghazal]

wow thx for sharing

[ladylindsey]

I love him! Excellent work, Darren- thank you so much! I'm still trying to figure out what he did with Céline on LKL last time to do on myself haha. Very interesting!

 

He went to Parsons

 

love the "I'm gonna do my dance moves" part- typical haha

 

She called in their doctors?? Wow. See, there's so much they do we would never know about that is just incredible.

Edited July 23, 2010 at 02:16 PM by ladylindsey

[riobeard11]

This is great, Darren! Was definitely a good surprise and so many awesome things he said! Thanks as usual!

 

I actually told her that when I first met her and the whole room went silent, like I just committed a crime. She smiled at me and thanked me for being honest. We hit it off immediately.

I would have LOVED to see that moment! How funny.

 

That first day I sat in rehearsal and watched her warm up. She then shouted out to me that she was going to do her dance moves. She just threw her hands up and kinda played the air guitar. She said, “that's it.” We laugh about that all the time.

She's groovin'!

 

I think it was also really cool how they made sure everything was okay with his brother and offered their help. And I'm glad to hear that Celine is an easy client - it adds to the list of reasons she's so humble

 

The bond he has with Jenny From The Block is also pretty cool. It's neat to see how they just met from a random introduction at a party and that blossomed into such a HUGE bond/career choice for him!

Edited July 23, 2010 at 01:49 PM by riobeard11

[Celinechick]

Yaaaay,thanks!

It would be sooo cool if she tweeted!

[ladylindsey]

The Body Bling Platinum must be one of the things she uses to get so "shiny" onstage- I just had a look! Someone was asking about that somewhere a while back...

 

I am such a beauty products junkie- I want one of everything.

Edited July 23, 2010 at 02:18 PM by ladylindsey

[riobeard11]

The Body Bling Platinum must be one of the things she uses to get so "shiny" onstage- I just had a look! Someone was asking about that somewhere a while back...

Haha, I just did the same. That's good to finally figure out another mystery!

[Shamrock_1982]

Hey guys,

 

I'm glad you enjoyed another one of my interviews.

 

A huge thank you to Scott Barnes who is amazing, as I'm sure you all will agree... and also to Nick in his team for all his help and for making this possible!

 

And once again thanks to Shaun, Frida and Timster for all their help and support with these interviews.

 

Cheers,

 

Darren.

[zuv]

""" I knew who she was but didn't really know all of her music. I actually told her that when I first met her and the whole room went silent, like I just committed a crime. She smiled at me and thanked me for being honest."""

 

hahaha thats funny, he did committed a crime . But i bet Celine LOVED it. It must be annoying having 24hrs a day people telling how much they love your music and yourself even when sometimes its not even true.... anyway

 

Thanks Darren and inc.

 

I don't know what kind of support Frida Shaun and timster give you, but let me know if you need help sometimes....

[motylik6]

Thanks , Darren !!!!

[celinefanonline]

thanks

[manolo19]

Thanks a lot , Darren is certainly one of the greatest member of the whole forum for his contribution! I love your interviews.

 

Imagine if Darren would interview Celine, we would finally have a decent interview with interesting infos on her career and thoughts on the music industry and other celebs..

[riobeard11]

Imagine if Darren would interview Celine, we would finally have a decent interview with interesting infos on her career and thoughts on the music industry and other celebs..

That would be an amazing but looooong interview with all of the questions that need to be answered!

[dancer105]

wow thanks darren!!!!

 

I love these interviews! The personal stories are fantastic.

 

TWITTER MENTION = GENIUS!!!!!!!

[dandoodles]

Thanks so much! I always love reading these interviews! Can't wait for the next one!

[davidjag79]

Thanks Darren!

[the power of celine]

thanks Darren for sharing another great interview

[Flaca]

Very interesting interview. Thanks Darren!

[I Love You]

OMG, Darren you have done it again. Celine's Makeup artist, is damn Sexy. WOW.

[Sofie]

Thanks Darren!

[duri]

Thank you very much. Another very interesting interview. It´s a geat to know something more about another "member" of Céline´s team.

[CelinesDIVO5]

Great interview, but I think he is a little full of himself lol

[No1IrishFan]

Great Interview Darren, Keep up the good work!

[ceddup]

Thank you

[celinefan5]

Great interview Darren! And good thinking about the whole twitter thing!

[Claudette]

I love Celine, she is such a beautiful spirit and I would do anything for her. That's what happens after you meet her. She has this amazing energy. And the voice is from God.

 

 

Thanks for a great interview Darren! It sounds like he is a man with a lot of talents... and he is cute!

 

The story about his brother is another reason why I love Celine. I wonder what other things she has done in the past that we don't even know about...

Edited July 23, 2010 at 06:13 PM by Claudette

[volleyceline]

Amazing! Thanks so much! He's good looking too!

 

How do you get all these great interviews! We're lucky to have you here on the forum!

[fan2celinedion]

Another very interesting interview! Thank you Darren!

[miel_sourit]

thanks for sharing!