Work in Progress: Masks

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This Gypson cast is the basis for my mask work.

I’ve had several casts, but because I moved a lot, the number got reduced to just one. I’ve worked with variations of papier-mache, from the original plaster-cast gauze over old newspaper scrappings to the finest grain, depending on what came to hand. As some materials prove less resistant, I also experiment with making the papier-mache stronger. It can be a frustrating experience, but I learn as I go.

My current project has a centre of aluminium foil. I hope it will prove stable: my plan is to decorate both sides. Ideally, I’d mount it on a stick and put it on a heavy base.

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In a way, the expression on these casts reminds me of death-masks. It took several weeks of contemplating this before I had a vague idea of what I’d do. The first step was easy though.

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You can’t do anything without priming the surface. Hence both sides became white.

What will happen next? I’m not sure. It will be something about contrasts: day and night or sun and moon.

 

© HMH, 2018

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