Module 10 Project: Mask Making

Steps1 and 2 The first photo I chose as an inspiration for my mask was called “Mask of Agamemnon.” This work was made of gold and crafted after the face of a Greek leader. It was used as a burial mask and found in the 1800’s by an archeologist. This mask is carved and in low relief and uses form. We see that only one color is uses, gold and it was not a pigment but rather a metal that gave the mask its coloring. The form used is that of a mans face. The second mask I picked was the first mask on the link for African masks. I picked it because it uses pattern. This mask also features form, that of a hawk and rhythm with the pattern. The mask only uses two colors for the pattern which aids in the effect of rhythm. I liked this mask because it was so uniformed and no too overwhelming. The third mask I picked was a Batak mask used for a funeral dance. This mask uses high relief and is carved using form of a human face. The reason I chose this mask was because of how large and almost overbearing it was. It reminded me of a character mask, or even a cartoon character almost. Step 4 My finished mask incorporates color, pattern, texture and relief. I used a lined pattern for the two far left and right sections of the mask; we could call these the ears. Texture comes from the foil on the lips of the mask, as it is crinkled. I used various colors throughout this mask including, yellow, green, two shades of red, black and brown. The relief comes from the eye section of the mask where I have raised the cardboard to protrude out, creating a telescope feel in the mask. Step 5 I had some fun creating this mask although I initially thought it would be difficult and dull to complete. While it did present somewhat of a challenge in going from the papers of my notebook drawing to real live mask it wasn’t that bad. I do not and never will claim to be a world-class artist so I don’t love the way my mask came out. I did try however and I put all I had into it!