Hide and Seek

The title refers to one of my favorite childhood games. I wanted to show how the game continues in my own mind. Even though I consider myself a seeker, I seem to spend a lot of time hiding...in the studio, behind a mask or constructing obstacles of all sorts. The hiding seems to suggest protection - but is it really?

In order to keep showing newer masks on a regular basis, I've decided to start bringing in some "Golden Oldies" to fill in the gaps. This is the first and it is a mask from 2005. Although this mask can be seen on my website, there is no "behind the mask" info there. I'm really enjoying writing about my work and it has become a daily habit!

Stick Figure

Ok, Ok, I know this isn't a mask....but I also make small sculptures. Originally, these were made to hang some of the smaller masks on. I still use them in that way, but I've begun to make them as stand alone pieces besides.

I'm working on another out in my backyard studio...probably the most outrageous one yet. But, you'll have to wait till next week for that!

I love to use found objects in my work. Besides being very "green", it's satisfying and challenging to incorporate different materials. In this piece, I've use driftwood gathered up in beautiful Humboldt county.

Under the Influence

I've found that when you're under the influence, even a mask won't help! Although, depending on what that "influence" is, it might make you feel a little less obvious. I've always had trouble blending in with society and perhaps that is because my influences are just a wee bit disturbing for some. In any case, I have learned to be a little less obviously "out there" and the masks have been therapeutic in that respect.

The mask was made in two parts and joined after finishing. This is because I couldn't mix the naked raku of the lower face with the gold luster in the "hat". Any refiring after the raku will burn out all of the wonderful smoke patterns.

Lucy in the Sky

And here's Lucy...

This, of course, refers to the song, but I've given my own twist to the mask. Lucy has her "diamonds" and I've merged her with an image of the Virgin Mary. Is this a saint or a sinner? I'll let you decide!

I've been influenced heavily by travels in Mexico and I love the different portrayals of "La Virgen". It was an exercise in whimsy mixing the images and is not meant to have any religious significance.

The mask was sculpted with stoneware clay, painted with engobes and glazes, and fired to cone 5.

Red, White and...

I made this trio about a month before our presidential election. Although I felt hopeful about the election results, I also felt a bit of distrust with the process. For me, the blue mask represents the Florida debacle of 2000. Fortunately, my fears have been allayed and we can all move forward!

These small masks were press molded and altered, painted with engobe and glaze - and raku fired.

The Devil's Playground

For Groundhog day, I'm showing an older piece (2006). Even though I usually claim not to have favorites, this is one! I worked on the mask for a while - till the vision was complete and many of my demons showed their faces. You know what they say about an idle mind....not that I have one, but I'm aware of the possibility. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, I try to keep busy.

I made the mask at the ICS in Hungary. It is raku and survived both the fire and the journey home!

detail -The Devil's Playground

Here's a close-up of the "playground": The bad little birdie, the idle mind demon, the not so saintly "father", the bad seed and the twisted nun....