Ahead in creating masterpieces
Dixon’s whimsical but beautiful head pieces grace many styled photo shoots and dress up parties
Growing up with a theatrical make-up artist and fashion designer as a mom, Shana Dixon has always had an eye for artistry and creativity.
Spending most of her time — outside lockdown —“painting” faces for special occasions, Dixon, a qualified make-up artist, has started making whimsical, quirky and extravagant head pieces.
From photo shoots to dress up parties, Dixon’s creations are little works of art that have been used to add a creative touch to happy occasions.
“I’ve always been really creative and I’ve always wanted to do something like this, but I wasn’t sure if it would work,” said Dixon, who is originally from Cape Town but has lived in East London for the past 11 years.
“I’ve worked with many local photographers over the years and they’d always comment on how there wasn’t anywhere to get creative props here in East London and how they needed something to make their photo shoots a bit different and more creative.”
Only kicking off Head Master Creations a year ago, Dixon, 42, has since seen her head pieces grace many styled photo shoots, maternity photo sessions, baby shower celebrations and dress up parties.
Some of her pieces have also been sold as artworks.
“I think I’ve just always had it in me, but I didn’t really think there would be a demand for it in East London.
“Hearing photographers comment time and time again on how there weren’t many options for props, pushed me to give it a try and it’s been really fun so far,” said Dixon, who has used everything from nails and screws to cable ties to make interesting and unique pieces.
From under the sea-themed crowns and festive Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) hats to gold goddess-like headgear, Dixon has brought many ideas to life while letting her own imagination run wild.
“The head pieces have become really popular with maternity sessions [photo shoots].
“I’ve had a few ladies buy pieces for birthday parties and I’ve even sold to someone in Cape Town.
“I’ve even given bridal veils or head pieces a try, but that hasn’t really kicked off,” she said.
“I think people are often afraid to explore the ‘wackier’ side of things, so making these head pieces is mostly for my own creative pleasure, but it’s been really nice to see the positive responses I’ve received so far.”
Dixon has an international ITEC qualification in make-up artistry.
She worked as a make-up artist for various brands including Christian Dior and Lancôme in the UK for three years and was also one of five make-up artists in the UK to be chosen to work for the 2004 London Fashion Week event.
Finding every gap, between keeping her sons, aged eight and four busy, to create, Dixon said that while make up was her number one passion, making eccentric head pieces for special occasions was a fun experience. “I live and breathe make up, but creating these pieces is a really therapeutic process.
“From getting an idea or a request to sourcing materials and not being able to get home fast enough to start working on a new piece, I really love the whole process,” said Dixon, who often finds inspiration in her costume jewellery and takes it apart to use.
“As soon as I get an idea, I can’t wait to start making them.
“I use every spare moment — while I’m cooking supper or the boys are watching TV
— to get a little bit more done on each piece.”
She said each piece was made with a lot of love and happiness.
“It’s not a chore, I love making them and when I see people photographed wearing one of my headpieces or have people hire them out for occasions, it’s such a gratifying experience.”
Dixon said her biggest regret was not stocking up on more materials over lockdown.
“I got just enough to finish off the pieces I was already working on during the first 20odd days of lockdown, but then it was extended.
“I wish I’d got more materials because I could have made some glorious things,” she said.
To find out more about Dixon’s head pieces, visit the Head Master Creations Facebook page.
People are often afraid to explore the ‘wackier’ side ... but it’s been really nice to see the positive responses I’ve received