Samantha Feld-Holmes: Beloved makeup artist, featured in Vogue, ‘now at peace’ after years of pain

The family of a Sydney makeup artist have appealed for more support to understand the debilitating conditions that their daughter dealt with until her sudden death.

Samantha Feld-Holmes, whose work has been published internationally in fashion magazines, including Vogue just last month, died on November 11 at age 27.

In a tribute, her family said though they would “desperately miss her, we know our special girl is now at peace”.

They also requested mourners consider donating to Bipolar Australia, Endometriosis Australia, and or Migraine Australia in honour of their “beloved daughter”, who shared details of her struggles with the conditions before her death.

The 27-year-old from Kogarah in Sydney’s south had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome as well as endometriosis.

She also revealed on her website that she was a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, writing: “My body no longer keeps your secrets”.

She had recently started sharing her watercolour paintings of Australian nature which she said reflected her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and “the unique perspectives and strengths it brings”

“Creating these paintings has been a cathartic experience, allowing me to express the duality of my condition,” she wrote on her personal social media.

“It’s about embracing both the highs and the lows, finding balance, and recognising the luxury of understanding oneself more deeply.”

Ms Feld-Holmes also shared details of her years of dealing with endometriosis symptoms and “regular life dysfunction since I was a teenager” on her business website.

She said she had missed schooling because of the severe endometriosis symptoms and was not allowed to “continue my HSC due to lack of support for online resources”.

“Endometriosis affects my daily life and I would like to raise awareness to the thousands spent out of pocket trying to find answers, time and recovery with multiple operations,” she wrote.

In 2016 she wrote about her experience of chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis) on social media, which she said had an “immense” impact on people’s life.

“It has been a long and incredibly challenging process to get to where I am now. I’m still riddled with pain, suffer debilitating fatigue and have reduced capacity,” she wrote.

Just last month her work had been featured in Vogue’s Best of Photo series.

“This milestone highlights the diversity and inclusivity of my brand, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of everyone I work with,” Ms Feld-Holmes wrote.

She also announced she had begun a Master of Business Administration — MBA at Australian Institute of Management.

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