The making of the mask
This is an ancient process and can be traced back as far as the Egyptians, if not further. Here's the process I follow:
First mold is made using plaster wraps that create a negative of your image. A light layer of a moisturizer (preferably coconut oil) is put on the skin before applying plaster gauze for an easy release. The mask is taken off (very gently I might add) after about 15-20 minutes. It’s rather comfortable really. I would compare it to a facial with background music and light conversation to keep you comfortable. Afterwards, the mold comes back to the studio to set up for a day or two. When the creative process is to begin, clay is cast into the mold and it sets up overnight. I pull the piece the next day and begin the work.
This is an ancient process and can be traced back as far as the Egyptians, if not further. Here's the process I follow:
First mold is made using plaster wraps that create a negative of your image. A light layer of a moisturizer (preferably coconut oil) is put on the skin before applying plaster gauze for an easy release. The mask is taken off (very gently I might add) after about 15-20 minutes. It’s rather comfortable really. I would compare it to a facial with background music and light conversation to keep you comfortable. Afterwards, the mold comes back to the studio to set up for a day or two. When the creative process is to begin, clay is cast into the mold and it sets up overnight. I pull the piece the next day and begin the work.
The Process
Clay positive from mold
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Clean and detail with open eyes
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Add clay embellishments
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The piece is finished with clay embellishments, dried and bisque fired. A glaze or final color is added before or after it is fired, then fired a second time. If accompanying memento pieces of the client are requested, they are added after final firing, thus the reason for holes in the piece for attaching those pieces.
What's in a story?
There are always beginnings, stories within stories, chapters of everything from love to tragedy, laughter and tears, memories, losses, endings and then beginnings again. No two stories are the same. No two people are the same.
Here are some more of those stories:
Matt and Chantal
There are always beginnings, stories within stories, chapters of everything from love to tragedy, laughter and tears, memories, losses, endings and then beginnings again. No two stories are the same. No two people are the same.
Here are some more of those stories:
Matt and Chantal
Matt and Chantal met and feel in love immediately. Their marriage is as colorful as their life masks. Matt loves the sea, old antique fishing boats and an avid fisherman with a pirate edge to him. While Chantal is emerging from her beloved lily pond surrounded by some of her precious frogs from her collection, she mesmerizes her sea faring love who has been seduced by her beauty. Quite the story and what a love they have!!!
Chuck
Chuck's friends and family helped tell the story of some significant milestones in his life. He is 88 and has lived it fully. An educator, musician, avid lover of the theater, writer, as well as a loving husband and father of 3 children are all represented on the mask. You will note the music sheet on the top is the actual music to his favorite song, "I've got the world on a string, sittin' on a rainbow. . . “ He plays the clarinet, sax and croons the oldies but goodies still at local restaurants and pubs. A dear friend to many. It was truly a pleasure to be part of this creation. It was presented to him in front of friends and family during a special celebration.
Chuck passed away in 2015. He will be missed.
Chuck passed away in 2015. He will be missed.
Morgan
What can I say. Who wouldn't love that face. He was a joy to work with and the stories were galore just like Chuck. They are friends, you know. Morgan and his wife Linda traveled and lived in many exotic places. Egypt and Italy were two of there favorites with Linda an accomplished author writing 3 novels based on their experiences with Morgan her editor. You will see the camel, pyramids and Linda's books depicting those stories. http://www.lindalambert.com/ Morgan's life in education produced an avid reader and of course loves the New York Times, Canterbury tales and the Cal State bears! Blessed with many children. I presented Morgan with his mask Christmas, 2015.
As of Jan, 2024, Morgan is still with us and full of humor still and is 101!
As of Jan, 2024, Morgan is still with us and full of humor still and is 101!
Alana
Alanna experienced some difficult years wanting her mask to tell the simple story of her rising from the ashes with the Phoenix created on it.
Photos will show the making of the piece to completion..
Photos will show the making of the piece to completion..
The process - After the piece is pulled from the mold, cleaned, hair added if requested and eyes opened, it is at a leather hard state. The black under glaze is applied to a portion of the face and carving begins. The color is added and completed after all the carving is done. It is fired twice and then finished with glaze or luster. Added pieces are created or given to me by the patron to be added in the finished mask.
Gallery of other commissions
Mermaids, fairies, Carnival themed, Pirates, African, musical, Japanese symbols and even a 60's Grateful deadhead theme adorn masks with mementos that tell their own stories. Each patron delves deep into their lives to tell the stories or become a fantasy in their life masks. It's quite a privilege to be able to tell these stories that will travel through out the families for decades For now, they are precious treasures for those who find this storyteller while her hands still create!!!!
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Mother/daughter - Erin and her daughter,Trinity chose this design with several personal mementos that spoke to their stories together and separately. One sweet detail on Erin's image, you will notice a braided length of hair. It was from her beloved horse's tail who just past. It sort of just wrapped itself in a effortless fashion when I was designing. That's why I love this work so!
Mother/Son - Once upon a time I captured moments in the human figure, some with child and most not. Cassandra was my muse as she could hold a pose for as long as an hour while I cast her in drippy plaster. We created beautiful sculptures in clay over the years plus a few bronzes. I have somewhat retired from that work these days. However, she surprised me with sweet news of a new angel arriving. This I was not going to miss. I flew into Los Angeles just for this momentous occasion and drove back to pick the mold up and look who I met. That sweet little peanut!!!! As of 2024, that little peanut is growing tall and strong.
There are stories behind every mask. What's in yours?