Spring has arrived in New Zealand, bringing with it a new ‘career path’ for masks. The traditional disguise ‘n display masquerade mask is undergoing a make-over as it moves away from the fringes [of the art establishment]…
Right now new festivals devoted specifically to masks are bursting onto the global scene. Check out Ireland’s inaugural annual Trim Festival of Masks, described as “a six day boutique festival for a discerning audience”, and taking place 24th – 29th October. http://www.festivalofmasks.ie/
Check out next the West Midlands, UK inaugural International Festival of Masks, described as “providing an unmissable opportunity to experience world class international performances, explore the history, magic, emotion, excitement, art and humor behind the mask”, and taking place 19th – 27th October.
http://www.internationalmaskfestival.com/
MasQue 2007, another new international mask theatre festival was held last month (September) in Finland. Check out Theatre Metamorfoosi, described as doing “research related to masks, preparing masks and giving education in mask theatre”.
http://www.metamorfoosi.com/english/
Seeing such strong elements of education (such as making workshops and academic papers) underpinning these three inaugural mask festivals is encouraging (MASKWORX has sent sample packs of the Multimask System and we eagerly await their feedback). There is something liberating about making your own stuff. Making stuff switches on new ways of seeing and thinking which ultimately has wider applications. Today, the only thing hiding behind the contemporary mask is... a story
“You must want [to tell] it with an exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world”
Sheila Graham
To make this Apple Blossom Mask you will need:
One Ultra Multimask, scissors and sandpaper
Fas White Gesso Primer (fast drying sealer)
White gloss spraypaint
Good quality paintbrush (eg. Francheville Taklon)
Braiding
Hot glue gun
Wedding lace for eye detail
3M Spray adhesive
Nail polish or glitter (for lippy detail)
Ribbon ties and dowelling stick
Cutting:
Cut out an oval or heart-shaped face. It is best to start cutting a few centimeters outside the chosen embossed line with a strong pair of scissors to remove excess, then trim neatly as close to the embossed line as possible.
Carefully ‘open’ the eyes following safety guidelines.
Sandpaper any rough edges.
Painting:
Simply paint your base mask with a coat of white gesso (when using spray paint it is essential to seal the base first due to the absorbency of the Multimask). Dry thoroughly (will only take 5 minutes on a heater).
Take the sealed base mask outside and spray with white gloss. To achieve a really professional-looking surface, up to five or six light coats may be necessary.
Embellishment:
First attach the hand-held dowelling stick to the back of the painted base mask. I covered my stick in coloured scrap paper to add dimension to my ‘apple blossom’ visual story.
Next glue braid around the edges of the mask, finishing at the bottom where the ‘chin’ meets the stick. Affix ends neatly and tie ribbons around it.
Trim the wedding lace and stick on with spray adhesive to accentuate the eyes.
Rub a small amount of complementary colour on the cheekbones in a circular motion (optional).
Use a pencil to draw a heart-shaped outline for the lippy detail.
Fill in the outline with nail polish (using the polish brush is fine) or glue ‘n glitter.
Right now new festivals devoted specifically to masks are bursting onto the global scene. Check out Ireland’s inaugural annual Trim Festival of Masks, described as “a six day boutique festival for a discerning audience”, and taking place 24th – 29th October. http://www.festivalofmasks.ie/
Check out next the West Midlands, UK inaugural International Festival of Masks, described as “providing an unmissable opportunity to experience world class international performances, explore the history, magic, emotion, excitement, art and humor behind the mask”, and taking place 19th – 27th October.
http://www.internationalmaskfestival.com/
MasQue 2007, another new international mask theatre festival was held last month (September) in Finland. Check out Theatre Metamorfoosi, described as doing “research related to masks, preparing masks and giving education in mask theatre”.
http://www.metamorfoosi.com/english/
Seeing such strong elements of education (such as making workshops and academic papers) underpinning these three inaugural mask festivals is encouraging (MASKWORX has sent sample packs of the Multimask System and we eagerly await their feedback). There is something liberating about making your own stuff. Making stuff switches on new ways of seeing and thinking which ultimately has wider applications. Today, the only thing hiding behind the contemporary mask is... a story
“You must want [to tell] it with an exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world”
Sheila Graham
To make this Apple Blossom Mask you will need:
One Ultra Multimask, scissors and sandpaper
Fas White Gesso Primer (fast drying sealer)
White gloss spraypaint
Good quality paintbrush (eg. Francheville Taklon)
Braiding
Hot glue gun
Wedding lace for eye detail
3M Spray adhesive
Nail polish or glitter (for lippy detail)
Ribbon ties and dowelling stick
Cutting:
Cut out an oval or heart-shaped face. It is best to start cutting a few centimeters outside the chosen embossed line with a strong pair of scissors to remove excess, then trim neatly as close to the embossed line as possible.
Carefully ‘open’ the eyes following safety guidelines.
Sandpaper any rough edges.
Painting:
Simply paint your base mask with a coat of white gesso (when using spray paint it is essential to seal the base first due to the absorbency of the Multimask). Dry thoroughly (will only take 5 minutes on a heater).
Take the sealed base mask outside and spray with white gloss. To achieve a really professional-looking surface, up to five or six light coats may be necessary.
Embellishment:
First attach the hand-held dowelling stick to the back of the painted base mask. I covered my stick in coloured scrap paper to add dimension to my ‘apple blossom’ visual story.
Next glue braid around the edges of the mask, finishing at the bottom where the ‘chin’ meets the stick. Affix ends neatly and tie ribbons around it.
Trim the wedding lace and stick on with spray adhesive to accentuate the eyes.
Rub a small amount of complementary colour on the cheekbones in a circular motion (optional).
Use a pencil to draw a heart-shaped outline for the lippy detail.
Fill in the outline with nail polish (using the polish brush is fine) or glue ‘n glitter.
Enjoy your sweet little Mask of Spring…the one you made yourself!!
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