Heidi Bluegirl

In the early 1990s, rock n’ roll worked its dark magic to influence a young painter in Florida by the name of Heidi Calvert to take a step back from the easel and embrace a medium more accessible to capturing the essence of the moment at hand: photography. While she had long seen painting as the serious pursuit of her artistic expression, she found that taking pictures of bands performing live on stage was a natural extension of the sensibilities she had honed as a painter. So…an artist, photographer, producer of art parties and curator of art and music…Few minutes with her and I realize she’s herself a work of art. Heidi Bluegirl was kind enough to provide LNG Nails with an interview with insights on her style, her nails and tips for new artists.

Painter, photographer, even a model but most of all an Artist, how  would you define yourself?
I would simply define myself as “Art”, meaning that I am my own work of art, and life is my medium.

You are a successful photographer and painter, Did you go to a school  to learn photography?
I am definitely more of a photographer than painter, but again I like to be broad in my definitions of myself. But yes, I did go to school for both fine art and photography. Although, I was an artist long before any classes were attended. I believe that creativity and passion are the foundations of art, and learning the technicalities only enhances one’s skills and opens one’s mind to bigger possibilities of bringing their imagination to fruition. But that’s also very important, I believe.

In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to  find “the right one”?
I shoot until I am sure that I’ve got “the” shot, or until I am sure that it’s not going to happen, which is rare. Usually I know within 80-100 shots. I compose each image but have gotten to where I am very quick at it. I can usually finish shooting within 15-20 minutes once I start. Maybe it’s the nails! Or, it could just be years of experience…

When did you know you finally “made it” as a professional?
Hrmmm, “made it”. Define “made it”. haha… To me, the definition of being a professional is generating any amount of income for your chosen craft. So I guess you can say I “made it” as a professional the first time I was hired to do a photo shoot or sold a piece. I believe the former came first, but I can’t tell you when that was exactly. It was probably 15 or so years ago.

Do you remember your first sale a painting or a photograph?
I believe it was at one of my little art shows I used to put on at a local coffee shop in Tampa, Florida where I grew up. But I don’t remember, exactly… it was many years ago. I know it was definitely a photo, not a painting. The only “paintings” I’ve ever sold where multi-media pieces that where photography-based.

Regarding your painting now, what artists have influenced you and why?
I am influenced by Andy Warhol as a painter because of the importance of his work, and because he got many people involved in the process. Some say he had others make his paintings for him, but I see it is they were part of the medium, part of the art. The idea and concept was his and it was original. I’m influenced by him with my art parties. As far as painting style, I can’t say I have many influences since I am not primarily a painter; I sort of just do my own thing to enhance the photograph into the multi-media piece I imagine. Photographers who influence me are Richard Avedon, Robert Maplethorpe, Diane Arbus… I love the sensual “realness” of their portraiture. And I love that Maplethorpe was never afraid to express who he was in his self portraits. I love it when someone compares me or says I remind them of one of my heroes. I was told by a mutual friend when I asked, “What do you think of me doing more explicit erotica in my work? Do you think it will hurt my career as an artist?”, that Robert Maplethorpe had once asked him the same question. That was my answer…

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
I am a Capricorn and therefore a business woman! I have owned my own gallery and learned things by experience. I am now the Gallery Director at Infusion Gallery in Los Angeles. Again, I am influenced by Warhol in this regard, as art is in fact a business.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
The Gallery I work in is a great place for beginning artists to start out showing their work. We actually cater to those artists and give them valuable experience. There’s definitely an etiquette and a protocol to submitting work to a gallery. Number one is play by the rules. Coming off as smug will not get you in the gallery door faster, or most likely, at all. Also, NEVER do “drop ins” to show your portfolio and DEFINITELY never do that at an opening! That will surely get you on the Gallery Director, Curator, or Owner’s shit list. This is the basics for the business side. As for the creative side, just do what’s in your heart and soul, focus on what you wish to accomplish, and never stop making art.

About your nails now, you sport some really long nails here. When did  you start growing them?
Oh, I have had long nails since I was in the second grade. I used to have them about 1/2 inch long and the kids would all make fun and say they were fake. Who’s going to do acrylics on a second grader? lol But as time has progressed and life calls for me to use these hands, I now coat them with acrylic (on top and bottom). My nail guy is the best. Whenever I do have an unfortunate incident with a tool of some sort, he figures out new ways to keep them stronger! This set has been growing for a few months. They start off as full tips (no trimming) and grow to the length they are now and longer. Eventually they have to be replaced and when I get the full tips they always seem so short! haha But they grow really fast!

When you started growing your nails you always wanted to reach such an  extreme length?
I always had long natural nails but eventually wanted to keep them from breaking so that I could reach greater lengths without having one break so I starting getting acrylic overlays. The downside of that is they do ruin the natural nail and need to be replaced ever so often (for me I get away with doing it once a year because I take such good care of them). I would usually keep them 1/2-1″ long. I never really thought about having them longer, as I thought that they would be a hindrance, but I once had a lover who was a nail fetishist and he inspired me to go longer so I tried it. And what do you know? They are not a hinderance at all, and I love them! And so did he! Now I am never going back to stubby 1 inchers!

Do you have any plans growing them longer?
I will grow them as long as I can until/if they are a hinderance or until they need to be replaced. Last round they grew to over 2 1/2 inches long, and this time they are already 2″ so I’m hoping for 3 or 4! I’ll grow them as long as I can without them twisting or curling too much. That’s not my thing personally, although ladies like Talon are pretty damned fierce, I must say!

Considering your profession, do you have any restrictions with those  fingernails?
Not regarding my profession, with the exception of sticking the little red dots on sold pieces in the gallery. For some reason that is challenging, but I manage. haha!

I’m sure you attract loads of attention, what’s the feedback you  receive about your nails? I’m sure many women must hate you and the  other half envy you.
Well, I certainly hope no one hates me and envy is just a waste of time. But I do get lots of comments from men who are intrigued and women who wonder how in the hell I do it, especially at the salon. I’ve never had anyone be nasty about it. The most common questions are “Are they yours?” to which I reply, “Why, they are on my fingers aren’t they? Of course they’re mine!”, “How do you function?”, “The same way you do, maybe better!”, and finally “Are they real?” to which I usually reply “How dare you!”, “What kind of question is that to ask a lady?!” (teasingly) or “Would you like me to scratch you so you can find out?” lol… of course they always reply “yes!” haha!

Any tips for long strong nails like yours?
Acrylic.

Closing, where can we find you? Do you have a website to see your artand any links that might interest our audience?
You can find me at my Art Parties (contact me for details),  and at www.myspace.com/heidibluegirl or www.myspace.com/bluegirlproductions. New Official Website and a clips/images store on Clips4Sale of my erotic art nail videos (my new project) coming soon… stay tuned…

Spy Shots from her “soon to be released” videos Banana Movie Series on Clips4Sale and more on her personal website.

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