ABAA in Dalesford Victoria Australia

Hey all you lovely's who's going to the ABAA in 2012?

I remember last year not being able to go & I was chatting with a forum member who lives right near Dalesford, but I can't remember their user name. If you recall having this chat with me please leave a message here. As I would like to know if your going in 2012. Thanks all.

Is anyone going to ABAA, (Australian Body Art Awards), and three day convention in 2012?

Yeah I going on sat

So how did everyone find it??? I'm curious. I went and I'm not sure where I sit with it all..kind of wish maybe I'd read some reviews on here about it first.....

Yes how was it?

So it wasn't what you expected JBM? I'm curious now (as someone who's never been...)

Was GREAT to meet Mandi!!!! That was a highlight, even if we always seemed to be in opposite classes. Was great to meet other like minded people, nice to visit the paint shop on site, paint my first full body and attend some of the classes for the 3 day convention.

However it was a huge investment for me to go down for it and pay for accom and entertainment for me and the extended family (I'm a single mum so going solo wasn't an option) and I guess I was a little disappointed that the people that I would rattle off as the top 5 or 6 names in Ozzie face painting weren't there and that I guess it wasn't as slick as I expected (sorry I can't find the word I want so settled with slick). It wasn't as big as I had expected either - there were pretty much as many instructors as there were participants.

I don't know. I guess I was pretty intimidated a lot of the time about being not as good as some of the other artists there and the classes were too short to really get stuff.. 5 x 1.5 hour classes per day - I'm a real doer learner and this format didn't work for me - I'd have preferred longer classes for practical I guess, the only short classes that really worked were the theory based ones where I didn't touch my brushes.. Heather Aiguileras classes blew me away and I learnt a lot from her.

So yeah, good and bad but I guess I left with a funny feeling that I can't place my fingers on.

mmmm interesting. I am considering going next year. Have my doubts if the whole thing is really worth it as it is....now have more doubts. Like you say, lots of expense and other factors to organise.

Did anyone else from here go who might care to share their experience?

Yes I went. Hey Ri, it was soooooo lovely to meet you finally in person, your a sweetie. You did an awesome design doing your whole body paint on Daniella. She looked so hot. Actually I didn't even reckognise her when you were painting her. I have met her before at the Wolfies workshop in Sydney a couple years ago. I was there for the whole convention & did the pre whole day class as well as the post whole day class & then the 3 days of 1.5hr x 5 classes / day + all the jams (which were amazing) & the wonderful sharing of energy with all the peeps that love doing what I love doing. I do agree that the shorter classes of 1.5hrs weren't long enough. I think a 3hr minimum would be better. However you did get a good taste of such a variety of artists. I honestly have come away with brain overload, learning & sharing all day long staying up well past my bedtime every night drinking lots of wine with a gorgeous bunch of gals & giggling so much, then getting up early to do it all again. Phew.....
If it is on again next year I don't think it will be in Dalesford (which is 2hrs via public transport from Melb) there was talk that it may be held in Melb, which I think would make it more accessable to alot more people. Overall I learnt alot, did some things I've never done before (painted my first corset on a very patient model) made some truely wonderful new friends & got to shop till I dropped at the vendor stalls, so nice seeing the paints etc up close & personal.
Would i go again, yes probably it was a very fulfilling time.

Hi All. Are you not on the Australian Face Paint forum? They sent out heaps of emails prior to ABAA. So peeved I wasnt in a position to go this year, but I have let them know that if its in Melbourne I will be going!
I think also to put your feedback to the organisers is important, I believe they are looking for ways to improve their format etc

Hi what's the address of the Australian forum please?

i think its invite only(?), so will have to find out how to "drive" it and inbox you

Oh I didn't realize it was an invite only set up. Thanks for the offer Bee but don't go to any trouble. Wondered why I wasn't getting anywhere when I googled it! Haha
I looked into going to ABBA but was turned off completely by that travel distance from Melbourne, especially when I've never travelled down that way!

thats cool. it really doesnt compare to this, but you might get some work off of it occassionally

Thanks for feed back ladies.....despite any niggly doubts, I'm still leaning towards giving it a go next year. Sounds like fun to me. : ) specially if it's in Melbourne!! Now THAT would be awesome. Specially if you guys all go too!