Masks
Below are some of the masks I have made while exploring natural materials. It has been a process of gradual change as I have found natural alternatives to various synthetic materials one by one.
Although the pieces shown below are not available, you can subscribe to my newsletter to be informed of any future pieces for sale.
Natural Materials:
Masks made from biodegradable and/or compostable materials
"Indigo Blue Jay"
Mask from paper mache, 2022
Reclaimed grocery bag and flour bag paper, brown paper tape, cornstarch paste. Painted with natural charcoal, iron oxide, home-grown indigo and calcium carbonate pigments using a linseed oil and methyl cellulose binder over a milk paint base-coat.
"Metallic Raven"
Mask from paper mache, 2022
Reclaimed grocery bag paper, methyl cellulose paste. Painted with iron oxide and natural mica pigment using a walnut oil and methyl cellulose binder over a milk paint base-coat. Sealed with beeswax and damar resin.
"Curly Masquerade"
Mask from cellulose fiber & bioplastic starch, 2020
Following several months of exploring starch-based bioplastic as a potential mask-making material, I successfully replicated my 1999 Goblin Art Studio "Curly Masquerade" mask design with natural and biodegradable materials.
This new variation of the mask was formed from a custom bioplastic-based modeling compound using recycled cellulose material, and was cast into a plaster mold. Painted with natural pigments. (The original mask was cast from synthetic neoprene rubber and painted with acrylic paint).
"Tree Hobgoblin"
Mask from burlap, cellulose fiber & bioplastic starch, 2020
Following several months of exploring starch-based bioplastic as a potential mask-making material, I successfully replicated my 1999 Goblin Art Studio "Tree Hobgoblin" mask design with natural and biodegradable materials.
This new variation of the mask was formed from recycled burlap over a plaster mold, then a top coat was applied from a custom bioplastic-based modeling compound using recycled cellulose material. Painted with natural pigments using a hide glue binder. (The original mask was cast from synthetic neoprene rubber and painted with acrylic paint).
Learn about the making of this mask HERE.
"Australian Magpie"
Mask from paper mache, 2020
Reclaimed grocery bag paper, brown paper tape, biodegradable methylcellulose glue. Painted with natural charcoal and calcium carbonate pigments using a boiled wheat paste binder.
I documented the making of this mask "tutorial-style" HERE.
"Forest Guardian"
Mask from burlap, 2019
Reclaimed burlap stiffened with a basic cornstarch mixture. Painted with natural pigments, stitched with cotton thread.
"The Observer"
Mask from burlap & willow, 2019
Reclaimed burlap stiffened with a basic cornstarch mixture and stretched over a willow branch frame. Painted with natural pigments. Jute cord, red cotton, turkey bones, quail feathers.
Birch mask & headdress
Mask & hat from birch bark & twigs, 2018
Folded silver birch bark decorated with leather, turkey bone, chicken feathers, quail feathers, and raffia fiber. Headdress woven from silver birch twigs and raffia fiber.
Reclaimed Materials:
These masks include materials removed from the waste stream that are not biodegradable or compostable
"White Rabbit"
Mask from paper mache, 2021
Paper mache (recycled paper and grocery bags) over foil, tape and galvanized wire. Painted with natural pigments (calcium carbonate, wild iron ochre, charcoal) using a methyl cellulose binder.
"Rustic Fox"
Mask from burlap & bioplastic starch, 2019
Recycled coffee sack burlap with bioplastic starch shaped over an original plaster mask form and reinforced with reclaimed copper wire. Painted with natural pigments using a methyl cellulose binder.
See the process of creating this mask HERE.
"Sheep Mask"
Mask from paper mache, 2019
Paper mache (recycled grocery bags) over foil and tape. Reclaimed wool fiber. Acrylic paint.