If you run into cracking on bending day, Using Herr's pic as a starting point, use a strap like he placed, and clamp it where the red arrows are for bending, the strap won't stretch, and this puts the wood in compression and will reduce splitting on the outer surface. Use some strong arse clamps or even mini vice grips to hold things tight.
Also mentioned was kerfing, which will get you a good radius quick and once multiple paint sticks are glued together, it will be pretty darn strong.
edit #2- also, steam is the way to go if possible. If you have something in the office where you can dump the sticks in boiling water, boil them like pasta before bending. If not, pre soak them soak in hot water as long as possible.
This is how I bend curly maple, but I use aluminum flashing instead of strapping.