Turn the Other Cheek

Here is another mask that was "made in Hungary". While there, this concept was large in my mind since it felt like such a part of the Hungarian experience. The double sided face presents two different "cheeks": one set round and the other square ( the "normal" and the stoic). If I can turn the other cheek, perhaps the other side can better withstand whatever is dished out........

I learned a lot about how things work while making and assembling this mask! After I'd made all the parts and fired and finished them, I found that it didn't go together quite as I had planned. That darned clay shrinkage! Eventually, I worked out a solution and I'm pleased with the results.

Mental Block

How's this for a Monday mask?! I don't really have a mental block right now but sometimes on Monday, I'm a little slow out of the starting gate. This mask is from a few years ago and I stumbled upon it while looking through all my pics. For some reason, the theme resonated .... so, here it is for you to contemplate. At times, even the smallest blockages can feel like a physical weight. Now, with Spring just ahead, is a good time to shed all of the things that hold you down.

Catching a Glimpse of the Dream

Here's a mask from 2005 and I wish I'd written some notes on what I was thinking about when I made it! It must be about those moments just before waking from a dream...you know how it is: you wake up and can only remember those disjointed bits and pieces. I wonder what would happen if I could remember a dream in its entirety. Perhaps it's a good thing I can't!

Well, the first load of new test pieces is in the kiln. I've got quite a few in the works - I need to get some new stuff on Etsy (http://unmasked.etsy.com) in the hopes of selling Something!

On Top of the World

This is a mask that was inspired by a young woman I was working across the table from at a ceramics workshop in South Korea. I was captivated by her face - especially her cheeks and eyes and though I don't normally do this (sculpt from a live model), decided I had to capture her image. She also influenced the finishing and title of the piece since her name is Go Sun Re. The idea of sun rays suggested the sky/growth theme and the woman's sparkling personality, the top of the world!

Sapling

While working on this piece I was contemplating growth and beginnings. I've used the tree as metaphor so many times now that it has become an essential part of my artistic vocabulary. Originally I had intended to have only the driftwood pieces as arms....but after attaching them, I felt that something more was needed. Thank goodness for putty epoxy! I was able to sculpt the small hands and blend them into the arms - Voila!

This small sculpture has been in the works for some time now. I finally finished it a few weeks ago in time for the Contemporary Crafts show. It was the first thing I sold and, now that its gone, I'm thinking about the piece and its own journey....

In Sheep's Clothing

In a way, all of my masks are about disguises and subterfuge: this one in particular. I was thinking about appearances and how deceptive they can be. It seems one must be ever vigilant to find what is beneath the facade. And yes, I think we all have them (facades, that is).

This is another just finished piece - the newest addition to the Devil's family tree. Now I'll need to make another Angel themed mask for balance and harmony in the studio!