Foolhardy

Yet another Fool - but this fool is ready for anything! If one is willing or unable to prevent playing the fool, there must be some type of protection from the consequences. Here I've chosen armor as the device and it's nailed on good and tight so that this Fool can bumble along at will. Whether our protective coverings are real or metaphoric, they play an important role in shielding us from lifes' unpleasantries....

With A Little Help From My Friends....

This mask made its debut in November of 2005 and it's one of those pieces I still happen to have: probably because it's a mask that is just too personal for others to relate to. It's always interesting to me observing the public and how different masks attract different types of people. I never know which pieces will find their way into new homes or why they were chosen over others.........although, sometimes I'm given a bit more information than I would like!

I don't make work with the idea that it must be pleasing to others, or sell-able but to release ideas that are trapped in my mind. However, it pleases me greatly when I am able to connect some of my ideas with those who share them.....

Are We Having Fun Yet?

I've been having fun - going through photos of masks past. This one is from 2002 and seemed a good fit for a Friday that's arrived on the heels of summer. I used to do a lot more harlequins, and I still do make a few small ones, but they just aren't as interesting to me anymore. That is probably because I've done just about all I can do with them (for now). At the moment, and for quite some time, nature, nurture and dreams have taken center stage.....

Half Wit, Half What....

Continuing with the "Fool" this week - guess I'm in a foolish mood! Last week, I re-viewed the Kurosawa film "Ran". There's a wonderful fool in that picture: he's always at the King's side and often makes cutting, witty remarks that warrant him needing to be quick to dodge the whacks. A loveable and yet painfully honest fellow. That's how I like to think of my own inner fool - but without the whacks.....

Palindrome

I've always enjoyed word games and palindromes. That is what led me to this piece: the challenge of creating a visual palindrome! Actually, this was one of the easier challenges I've given myself and the mask dictated in which direction it wanted to go. The harlequin element had to be included - perhaps to suggest the folly of such an idea, but more likely to emphasize the mirror image. It's hard to say why my subconscious moves one way or the other.

Most of my work begins with this type of challenge. It is then given over to a myriad of subconscious ramblings until my hands finally connect with my brain. Whew.....