Our Cwenes - Sharon Dowsett
Tell us what you do and the path you travelled to get there…
I always dreamed of being a makeup artist, but went to an academic school, where the arts weren’t particularly encouraged. I studied office practice with languages and temped for a while. I took a PA position for a company that filmed ‘talking heads’ projected onto sculptures. They created one for the musical Time, featuring Lord Olivier as a ‘god’ on stage. His makeup artist was in his 70s and had worked on Gone With The Wind… I was completely enthralled by his stories and vowed to follow in his footsteps.
I saved up and paid for a course in special effects and beauty makeup, then ‘tested’ for many years (without pay) before landing a job with a television company (in the legal department). I asked the studio manager to give me the chance to gain experience and started on corporate news, games shows and music programmes… the latter led me to working with artists on pop videos, which in turn led to meeting stylists and making the leap into fashion.
Reflecting on your journey so far, what are your proudest achievements?
1998 Kate Moss cover by Nick Knight and being included within their pages… Best of British, Hot, Happening and Here, with an inside portrait of me by David Bailey. The magazine came out around the same time as the Bjork Homogenic album cover, also by Nick Knight. This iconic image was posted all around London, so I was thrilled to have done the makeup, art directed by McQueen.
Shortly afterwards, I was invited to be Guest Beauty Editor at US Vogue… fortunately my husband and friends kept me grounded!
Being awarded British Makeup Artist of the Year (by Pantene Pro-V) in 2002 was incredible… the ceremony was hosted at the Royal Albert Hall and presented by the Ab Fab ladies. I was subsequently awarded ‘M.A.C Salutes’ and ‘InStyle Most Recognised Makeup Artist’, which were both truly appreciated, but the first one is the most beautiful and impressive (made of bronze) so it’s usually the item that I show off to new visitors.
I’m proud that I’ve sustained a long relationship consulting for CHANEL, initially helping to set up their Academy in the UK and now working at the Makeup Creation Studio in Paris, which is as fabulous as it sounds.
If you could give the 20 year old you some advice on life, what would it be?
Not to try and please everyone… accept that you might not be their cup of tea! I probably wouldn’t have listened… I give myself advice daily, but never seem to take it.
When I planned to switch from my office bound job to a more exciting one as a makeup artist, moving from the suburbs to London in the process, I read several self-help books which helped me at the time. They included: Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway, The Road Less Travelled, How to Win Friends & Influence People, The Power of Now… the list goes on and I have a stack of new ones by my bedside.
I’m keen on self-improvement, but it can lead to not feeling good enough and beating oneself up. I’m now trying to strike a balance; accepting all my flaws and having compassion for others.
Name 3 (or more!) women who have inspired you and why…
My Mum! Not the most original answer, but it’s so true… she still inspires me through her capacity for kindness, hard work and humour. She fired up my interest in makeup at a very young age, wearing glamorous eye shadow in the 70s, and has always encouraged me. At first, she didn’t understand why I did so much work without getting paid, but now she’s very proud, as I am of her.
Gabrielle Chanel for her determination, independence, tenacity, vision, style, talent and ability to come up with some memorable quotes. She was such a trailblazer and liberated women from over-decorated and constricting clothes. Her legend certainly lives on and it’s inspiring to witness what’s created at CHANEL, in fashion and beauty, thanks to all the stories and fantastic legacy she left behind.
My friend Ali, who’s lived with stage 4 cancer for longer than anybody expected, yet is still incredibly active… she skippers boats, rides horses up mountains, goes on pilgrimages, takes acting classes, flute lessons and learns painting as well as life drawing skills, all the while doing voluntary work. Her spirit is indomitable, and she’s always urged me to do something every day that you’re scared of.
I don’t, but I did learn to dive!
What makes you/when are you happiest?
I love cycling through country lanes or along the sea wall with my husband… even better when it’s flat and the wind is behind us! Walking in the woods and strolling or mudlarking by the River Thames.
Spending time with my husband, who loves nature.
Wining and dining… I’m grateful for friends who cook (as I don’t) and I’m lucky to visit Paris often where there’s every excuse to sit in a brasserie and watch the world go by.
When a challenging job or presentation has been a success… it’s a mixture of happiness and relief!
Current favourite – song/recipe/book/artist?
Album – Turtle Cottage by Campbell Jensen. Glen Campbell’s daughter Ashley and her partner Thor… he went to her for gypsy style guitar lessons. Very romantic and it was a Valentine’s present from my husband, signed after he watched them play live. I love the track ‘Run With You’… It begins with the line, “Can we go to Paris?”
Recipe – smoked trout, salad potatoes, fennel, shallots, crème fraiche, horseradish, dill and lemon zest with side servings of chicory and beetroot. Made by my husband last weekend. I also love a roast… my family and friend Fiona make the best potatoes… crunchy outside and soft inside. Yum!
Book - Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake. I bought the hard back illustrated version. Absolutely mind-blowing!!
Artists - Gilbert & George, for their art, philosophy (art for all), intelligence, observance, humility, humanity, manners, generosity, work ethic, open-mindedness and playfulness.
Sue Webster (who used to assist G&G) because she’s cool and real. We have a book by her called ‘How To Be An Artist’… all the pages are blank.