In case you were not in attendance for the Make Up Artist Symposium held at the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences pre-oscars, the presenter made an announcement.  On June 17th the Academy will be hosting an evening honoring Dick Smith’s life and career.

If you have been influenced at all by Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Greg Cannom, Steve Johnson or Stan Winston You are not alone.  However,  they all have one thing in common.  They (along with many, many others) were students of Dick Smith.

Generally considered to be the “godfather” of modern-day special make-up effects, Smith pioneered the method of applying prosthetics made from foam latex in small pieces as opposed to the standard of applying a latex mask as one solid piece. Smith’s technique allowed the actor to have a wide range of facial expressions, making the makeup appear more natural. Despite initial criticism from many professional makeup artists at the time, Smith’s makeup techniques proved to be superior. Today, the standard of applying prosthetics are those that Smith invented.  His contributions to the industry did not stop there.

Dick Smith is perhaps best known for his dry wit, honesty, vast knowledge of the science of makeup and most importantly, his generosity with information.  In an industry filled with secret techniques and formulas, Dick Smith freely shares information.  He spends hours on the phone or in person consulting and instructing an entire army of young make up artists in the techniques he had gained over his exceptional career.  Many of those artists went on to win awards and accolades of their own for the newly developed tools and techniques they themselves invented.

So come out and honor the heritage, history and life  of  the “Godfather of Modern makeup” Dick Smith.  Tickets will be on sale through the Academy’s website.