This video serves as a teaser, and therefore doesn't cover the content of the video, however it shows a small sample of what mask work can look like in practice. I suggest watching 20-30 seconds to get an understanding of the feel of the piece.
I have included my mask work over the past 1.5 years in chronological order. The video depicts a brief teaser for a workshop that I conducted with Starfish in 2015. I led this before taking a mask-making course and was therefore not the one to produce the masks. In response to this need, I took Ralph Lee's Masks and Puppetry course in the fall of 2015. I have included select masks that I created for that class. Finally, to deepen my understanding of performing in mask, I took Deborah Hunt's mask course in Puerto Rico. I have included images from that experience below.
Masks in Ralph Lee's Class
Lee's process of creating masks began with creating a clay base, then adding several layers of papier mache and then painting. I have included images of three masks at all three stages. The final image shows all of the pieces I created for Ralph Lee's class.
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Masks and Puppetry in Puerto rico
Deborah Hunt's making process was similar to Lee's, however we added several more layers of papier mache to ensure that the mask would be sturdy in performance. I have included an image of mine and other masks at various stages of creation. I have also shows selections of myself wearing the mask in a street procession as well as an invited indoor performance.
In addition to creating masks, Deborah Hunt challenged our group to create our own puppets and then perform a puppet show with our creations and a group puppet (a man with a house as his body). I have included images of these as well as the experience offered value to me as a builder and a performer.
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