Meet Fiona Sole, a multifaceted hair and makeup artist, renowned for her exceptional skills in wig knotting and design. In this episode Fiona discusses her conscious shift towards specialising in wig making over the past five years and the detailed process involved in creating custom wigs. She recounts how she started her career, inspired by her love for art as a child, and reveals her initial foray into wig making during pre-production for the Lord of the Rings, thanks to a meeting with Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop.
Fiona shares her experiences with chronic dermatitis and how it influenced her path toward wig making while working on the Hobbit. She speaks about the industry's reliance on wig work adjustments rather than crafting from scratch due to budget constraints, often sending jobs to the UK or the USA. The podcast also touches on her learning period under Oscar-winning makeup artist Peter King and her decision to seek further training with Kylie Clark in Sydney after the Hobbit.
Reflecting on her personal developments, Fiona discusses the establishment of Sole Wig Works and the importance of social media in showcasing her vibrant and playful side. Further insights cover her views on the New Zealand wig industry, her partnership with Vanya Pell in the New Zealand Wig School, and their shared effort to standardise wig-making skills. The importance of quality tools and the time investment required for the craft are also emphasised.
Aspiring professionals gain valuable advice for the industry and Fiona's perspective on the significance of maintaining work-life balance and boundaries. Wrapping up the episode, she expresses her enjoyment of the transformative power of wigs, both in bringing joy and creating unique characters.
(00:00:54) Meet Fiona Sole
(00:01:29) Origins of a Makeup and Wig Making Career
(00:06:43) The Art of Wig Knotting
(00:10:46) Preparing Actors Behind the Scenes
(00:12:35) Meeting Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop
(00:18:19) Dabbling in Beauty Therapy
(00:24:42) Wig Making Mentorship with Peter King
(00:29:34) Advancing Skills in Sydney
(00:32:36) Exclusive Work with Private Clients
(00:35:17) Starting Sole Wig Works
(00:39:41) Social Media Creativity
(00:43:46) Growing Demand for Wig Making in NZ
(00:48:00) Advice for Entering NZ's Hair and Makeup Departments
(00:51:31) Launch of the New Zealand Wig School
(00:54:02) The Final Three Questions
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