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Mask-Making

© Christine Barron

In the spirit of Mardi Gras, I felt the need to discuss many different ways of creating different types of masks. The primary function of a mask was to conceal the emotion of an actor on stage, resulting in more self-confidence and expression, a totally changed personae, because the actor probably felt able to break away from himself while wearing a mask. But in modern day, masks have become so detailed and spectacular that they serve the purpose of entertaining in their own right. Masks can be used for costume wear, theatre use, and in home decor. Also, if made in miniature sizes, masks can be worn as jewelry, in pin form, for example. For a brief history and overview of mask-making, please take a look at this nice site: http://arttech.about.com/library/weekly/...

A mask can be created using a multitude of mediums, including latex, Plaster of Paris mesh, ceramic, papier mache, just a few examples. There are several different types of masks, including (but obviously not limited to) African masks, Mardi Gras masks with feathers, masks of different types for Halloween costumes, theater masks, and masks made of ceramic that can be embellished and hung on the wall to decorate a room. As of late, mask-making has become a more popular craft than ever. And rightly so, as the results can be spectacular and the possibilities are endless!

While I realize that a few of these pages come from retail sites, I think they're worth looking at, simply for the variety of masks they show. My creativity was sparked while browsing, and hopefully yours will be too! Check these out: http://www.bergencounty.com/costumes/99/... http://www.neworleanstogo.com/images/mg2... and http://www.maskmakers.com/htm/gallery.ht... Though I was primarily looking for Mardi Gras-type masks, with a feathery, festive-looking appearance, I was also interested in the spiritual masks of Africa. A small, but nice representation can be found here: http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/student... Also, a wonderful site, which provides a nice overview of spiritual masks, can be found here: http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/African... There is a lot to be said about mask-making as an art form. Creating masks is not just functional...it can be a wonderful means of artistic expression and the number of masks that can be created is as infinite as the number of facial expressions!

I am truly inspired by the vast array of masks that have been created. They only open the door for more creativity and inspiration in the future. I love to think of a masquerade ball, with the feather masks that are held up to the face with a stick (Go to http://www.neworleanstogo.com/images/mg2... Or the primitive appearance of a warrior mask worn by Aborigines to express spiritualism (Some can be seen here: http://arttech.about.com/library/weekly/... Of course, who does not enjoy the whimsical Mardi Gras masks, ranging from jesters to cateye shaped feather masks, very elaborate with sparkly sequins (See http://www.neworleanstogo.com/images/mg2... So many alternatives, no two alike.

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