Mar 21, 2008   

Green and clean are the key words for the perfect project of all seasons . Rozani Designs springs into 2008 with creative alternatives for an environmentally friendly mask making experience. Trash. It's abundant and available. And, it's good stuff that would otherwise fly away. That is the very thing that puts art in the heart of The Green Mask Project. Rozani Navas-Smith picks up discarded paper and makes a clean start through art.

It's a clean sweep with a different twist. The paper is not taken from garbage, but rather from dry, non-perishable discarded goods. The different textures of paper offer alternatives for each project that will yield a unique mask. It's off to a great start with no expense.

The process begins with basic forms and shapes. Through the use of an adhesive such as glue or liquid starch, the paper is stripped, dipped, twisted and squeezed into wearable and decorative masks. The brown paper inspires the look of wood or leather, while the lighter weight paper is perfect for pulp and fillers. The end result is a unique, environmentally friendly art piece.

The idea is for artists to think twice before throwing away a bad print from the copier. Instead, think about a greener alternative. The recycling of paper in our office and home is a good start. How does this apply to mask making? It offers endless possibilities for applying color, as well as texture.

There are a variety of colors in paper that can work to your advantage such as craft tissue or patterned gift wrap. There are permanent colors, as well as those that bleed. Either way, it provides color without using paint, thereby painting with paper. So what do you do with left over stock from greeting cards or flyers? Turn it into pulp or strips for paper mache.

Make your own statement through a Green Mask Project. It's easy and great for theatrical projects, as well as home and gifts.

Posted by  rozani