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Selected Works- Masks

Here are some recent masks made from high-fire stoneware white clay. Surface decoration differs from mask to mask.

"Serene Mask"

This mask is made from a slab of high-fire stoneware clay, and fired to Cone 10, (2300deg.) The hat features an iron-red glaze. The color and texture of the face was made from a mixture of iron oxide, copper carbonate, and rutile oxides, some water was added to the mix, as well as about 10% frit for fluxing. I knew that if I brushed it on thick, the result would be a shiny black/brown finish with rough blisters. I popped through the blisters after the firing, and found to my delight, a beautiful yellow ochre finish on the clay surface. The mask was finished by using a dremmel tool to selectively grind off the blisters. Gold leaf was then applied to the mask, and the entire mask was then sealed with a satin-finish urethane varnish.

"Lust"

This is my interpretation of Lust. I fashioned the mask after Japanese "Noh" masks, which often used in theater presentations. Great attention was given to the tongue, gums, and teeth. The mask is made from high-fire stoneware white clay, fired to Cone 10. I decided to paint this mask with acrylic paints. My plan was to build up layers of color, and letting the colors show through by varying the transparency level of each successive coat of paint. The entire mask was then sealed with a satin-finished urethane varnish. I used "store-bought" hair and attached the tufts of hair to the mask with brass wire.

"Mask of Persecution"

The mask is hand-built from slabs and coils. It features a combination of surface decorating techniques. The helmet uses an iron-red glaze, with rutile oxide spots applied with a small sponge. For the face, I painted various layers and colors of acrylic paint. Gold leaf was applied to certain areas of the helmet. A large, red ponytail comes out of a horn located at the back of the helmet. This mask is life-sized and capable of being worn. I like the way it turned out. It looks sort of silly when worn, but it still shows a hint of Mad Maxx.