Mask for Innovations International Charter School of Nevada. Fundraising auction

Title of Mask: A Study in Textures, or…… Life

Visual description: Rust mask, with red and gold beaded eyes, brass studs, bamboo, iridescent Coque feathers, and raw leather strands.

General Description of Mask Appearance  & Story Behind the Design: The mask is a combination of new and old, soft and hard, brittle and resilient, matte and shiny. I entitle it: A Study in Textures, or… Life.

During the time I was given to design and create this mask, I was/am confronted with some hard “Life lessons.” The one that I chose to illustrate in the mask design is the fact that all things are not allowed to age the same. Some are allowed to patina gracefully, with years evident on them for all to see, and then, some things have a Life that isn’t given that same time. This mask has been treated with a metal solution to create a genuine rust finish because I wanted the mask’s surface to have the appearance of age and a history. On top of that ‘aged surface’ I played with different materials and textures; hard, soft, rigid, flexible, matte, shiny and iridescent. These represent, for me – in this design – how we stand in the face of “Life lessons” as we grow. We face them often (rigid) and (hard), even angry. I am learning that being that way can make you (brittle), and that it is best to find a way to be (flexible) to find your way through. I am learning that our individual luster can become dull or (matte) during these lessons and we need to consciously work to get our (‘iridescence’) back, our ‘shine’ and allow the person we are inside, and were before the “Lesson” to go forward…..a little wiser. The rhinestone teardrop is my personal reflection on my current “Life lessons.”

Medium(s) Used to Create Mask: rust patina solution, Coque feathers, leather strips, bamboo, reeds, crystal bugle beads, brass studs and brass bolt caps.

Date Mask Completed: 10/05/11

For more snap shots of this mask you can see an album on my Facebook design page by clicking the FB button on the home page, or go to www.facebook.com/WEPdesigns

UPDATE —  The mask was purchased by a board member of the school at the fundraiser auction and donated back to the school. It will be encased in a plexiglass case and displayed for all to enjoy.