Hmmm, appropriate don't you think in this time of pandemic.
Don and i were on a zoom meeting with a former student of his, and some how masks came up. Not just wearing a mask for protection now, but art masks.
Above, The Shaman Mask, c. 2010, total length 23", 11" W 10" D. Materials include, papier mache, pig gut, hemp rope , black thread.
One thing led to another, and after spending some time in a futile search i realized i had never documented the masks that i had created primarily as teaching tools.
So here for your viewing, and perhaps purchasing pleasure are some of the masks that i made while i was teaching three dimensional design.
Masks play a major part in our lives right now, as protection against the deadly virus that is running unchecked all over the world. As an aside, please if you aren't wearing a mask in public currently, please, please reconsider your position on this.
Above: The Creature from the Deep, 14.5 x 9 x 9.5". Materials include papier mache, deconstructed wired gold fabric ribbon, glass seed beads and black thread.
But beyond protection, masks have always played a major part of human life. Think about all the myriad ways masks are utilized in human life. In theatre. Masquerades. Halloween celebrations. Ritual shamanic healing. I'm pretty sure that with some thought we could all expand on this list.
Suffice to say, we use masks to both reveal and obscure. Handy little things they are.
Not to mention masks have been used throughout human history and in all culturals for some or all of these purposes.
My interest in masks stems from a brilliant exhibit mounted by the St. Louis Art Museum, "Masks: The Faces of Culture", in 1999.
Above, Googly Eye Mask, total length, 30" x 6.5 x 10.5". Materials include papier mache, de-composed and stained cotton canvas, black thread and craft google eyes.
I realized something as i was composing this blog post. For some reason when i made these pieces i never titled them. This is very unlike me, as i have always felt that the title is an important part of the process. So it may seem that these have very silly or mundane names.
The masks that i make are constructed of papier mache, made of recycled brown paper, white(PVA) glue and assorted disposable everyday objects.
They are all made in a helmet style; designed to be worn without ties, they will fit most people's head.
Above Machine Nature Mask, 15 x 13 x 7". Materials include papier mache, Catalpa Seed Pods, contact lens cases.
They are comprised of a minumum of twelve layers of paper with a variety of pigment patinas and have a natural wax rub to protect the surface. You can clean them will a damp soft cloth.
Most were made between 2008- 2013.
I am also willing to work on commission. They are a lot fun to make, however time consuming. Do bear in mind that i live on a boat. Winter is not the best time to have your hands playing with wet, cold paper.
Take care, say safe
and wear the mask
more later
gail
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