MAKING MASKS: Hello Maskmakers

1. • rozani 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Hello to my fellow maskmakers. Hope everyone is well. I am working on some new masks and have been learning a lot. I find it very helpful to use neutral mask forms. I have two types that I use. One is a half mask and the other is a full one. They are both plastic or acrylic and I don't use any release. I work in papier mache. It is also very much fun to decorate with elaborate feathers.

     Since I made my first Venetian style mask, I have received many requests. Though, I have researched many Venetian styles, most people associate it with the elaborate stemmed & feathered masks. Is there one style that is specifically Venetian?

     I feel more confident to ask questions and am learning so much from observing the many talented mask makers on this site. Thank you for your inspiration.

2. • cabrera 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Hi Rozani:
     I suppose that what people call the Venetian style is associated with the venetian carnival mask, but we should't forget that Venice has a very strong and alive tradition of Commedia dell'Arte and its masks. It was in Venice that this theatre style had its greatest days and many venetian maskmakers work also making Commedia masks, maybe in many cases by the side of the more profitable carnival mask. The difference between this masks is that the carnival mask is highly decorative and the Commedia mask is a character mask. Sometimes they do decorative Commedia masks but they are then used in carnival, not in theatre.
     Have you been in Venice? if not, try to get there, you'll love it. It is so easy to fall in love with that city as a maskmaker. They have mask shops and workshops in nearly every corner.
     Augusto.

3. • cabrera 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • p.d.
     Why the dots in associated?
     Augusto.

4. • cabrera 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Aha. Now I get it. Is some kind of word censorship. He, he. Funny.
     Augusto.

5. • rozani 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Hello, Augusto.

     Yes, I've been to Venice and I loved the masks! I also enjoy the Commedia mask making which is more of a challenge for me. Here, in Southeast Alabama, I'm educating the public with my displays. The local people who have not been abroad only associate masks with Halloween. Others, who have travelled in country associate them with the Mardi-Gras. Little do they put together the relationship between the carnival traditions which are celebrated at the same time in many parts of the world.

     When I use the term "Venetian", I encompass the Carnevale theme as well as some Commedia in my displays. However, for those that think a Venetian is something used to cover window blinds or someone from another planet, it's where I pull out the literature and examples. Some get it and some don't. Now I feel more confident that I am portraying them correctly.

     Thank You.

6. • Shennyte 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Do you have any of your masks in the gallery so I can see them? I have one so far that is in there. The Butterfly King. He is made from paper mache and clay and slik leaves. I use acrylic paints also.

7. • 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Hi Shennyte.

     I recall seeing a beautiful Monarch Butterfly wearable mask but I don't remember which link it was. Your mixed media is interesting. Under which name are you listed in the maskmakers gallery so that I can see your work? I will keep searching.

     I have only one feather mask posted in my gallery here. It combines trimmed peacock plumage with small duck feathers over a mache tissue mask. All of my elegant ones have been sold but I managed to borrow the one in the gallery back from the owner so that I could take a picture. I am in the process of creating new ones.

     Regards,

     Rozani

8. • 4 years, 6 months ago

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   • Hi Shennyte.

     I found the mask! It is beautiful. I posted a comment for it. Your combination of textures create a wonderful illusion.

     Regards,

     Rozani

9. • Shennyte 4 years, 5 months ago

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   • Rozani,

     Thank you for your comment. It is always nice to hear good things about your work. The other ones I have made can be found on my site. The link is still on the main page. It is magic masks. When you get a chance check it out. Where can I see some of your work?  

10. • rozani 4 years, 5 months ago

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    • Hi Shennyte.

      Here is my website. This is a link test http://www.rozani.com Hope you will visit.

      Rozani

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