Module 10 blog- Mask Making

My Original Mask

1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.

http://www.masksoftheworld.com/SoAmerica/Colombian%20Character%20Mask.htm
I chose this mask as inspiration because I really liked the use of color.  I knew I wanted to do something similar with color with my mask.  This is a Columbian character mask.  It is 9 inches and is made from painted wood.  The colors of this mask is what caught my eye, they are bold and contrasting.  The mask has some grooves in it which show texture.  I like the symmetry in details even though the colors are not in symmetry. 

http://www.masksoftheworld.com/SoAmerica/Bolivia%20Mask%20Owl.htm
I chose this mask as inspiration because of the use of color and symmetry.  This is a Bolivian mask made by the Beni people, Bolivia, South America.  This mask is of an owl and is 9 inches made of painted wood.  The bright contrasting colors really catch my eye.  The use of lines in different ways to separate features. This also has nice symmetry.  Although it reminds me of a blue bird not an owl as it is meant to depict.

http://www.hickerphoto.com/photos/indian-mask.htm
I chose this mask as inspiration because I liked the use of  hair and they symmetry of the mask.  This is an Native American mask by Wally Bernard.  It is carved from red cedar, like most Native American masks and has cedar rope and bark tufts..  This mask depicts an owl as the owl represents the wise one and the messenger.  I see huge eyes that serve as the focal point and a short beak.  The yellow against the brown is contrasting in color.  Because it is carved of red cedar it gives it texture along with the cedar rope used. 



2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.

I included this in the descriptions under each image above.

3. Upload images of your sketchs and finished piece.

This is a close up of my sketch as it was harder to see in the other one.  I labeled many of the colors I planned to use so my sketch looks a bit sloppy.

This is a full view of my sketch with colors labeled so I could visualize how I would use the colors.




4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.

I used contrasting colors when I painted the mask and also with the yarn I used for hair.  I used cyan, magenta, and yellow paint and mixtures of those colors.  I used tan, white, brown, green, yellow and orange pieces of yarn of differing lengths to add an additional contrast but tried to create unity within all of the colors.  I also used a lace red ribbon around the neck of the mask for an added effect.  I tried to create some form of symmetry within the mask, even though much of it was atypical symmetry.  I also used some lines.  I also think the yarn give it the feel of texture along with the ribbon.

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I thought creating the mask was fun and interesting.  I did not turn out exactly as I hoped but it was fun.  I enjoyed creating and painting it.  I enjoy making things with my hands and I went for alternative materials than paper.  I used acrylic paints pure and mixed, a cut open milk jug ( one gallon), red lace ribbon, and various colors and lengths of yarn.  I used a gold bingo dabber to create circular figures on top of some of the dark colors. The use of the milk jug as a base also gives it form and a 3-dimenstional feel.