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maskmaking |
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(This is the process we use for our papier mâché masks; the process for Neoprene masks starts exactly the same, but takes a little detour once the negative mold is cast.) All our masks are hand crafted. A great deal of time and care goes into the creation of each mask. A new mask, from start to finish, takes approximately twenty hands-on hours to complete. When drying time is figured in, a new mask takes about two weeks to finish. The first step is the sculpture. A plaster head (taken from a real person) is used to ensure the eyes, nose and mouth are in proper places. Clay is placed on top of the plaster head and sculpted into the shape of the mask. Sometimes the Maskmaker will start with a drawing, not always. The amount of time taken to create this sculpture varies depending on the complexity of the sculpture, and how clear the artist is in her own mind before beginning to sculpt. Often the time used with the clay is experimental in nature. The clay sculpture must be correct, or the mask will have problems later in the process.
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When the Maskmaker is satisfied with the
sculpture of the mask, a plaster negative is created. A wall is
built up around the sculpture, sometimes with clay, sometimes, as pictured, by
creating a kind of box around the sculpture.
When the negative is thoroughly dry, several layers of papier mâché are pressed into the negative. (At this point the process for a Neoprene mask varies). |
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| When these layers are thoroughly dry, the papier mâché is pulled from the negative, trimmed, and several more layers are added on the inside of the mask. When all the papier mâché is dry, the mask is sanded to remove rough spots. Then the painting begins. Several layers of a white base coat cover the front of the mask before the base color, highlights, and shadows of the mask are started. Once the painting is finished, the back of the mask is sealed, straps are added and any decorative elements are attached. | |
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| For those interested in learning more about mask making and performance, the Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, California, usually offers excellent classes during the summer, as well as their year long training program. | |
