Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Wednesday"s Wall Art Tour


"Night Sky Headdress" papier-mache', measures 16" x 24", acrylic, beads, wire and netting. Silly me, some days I'm in my studio creating masks with papier-mache' . I have made many masks with lots of different materials, this headdress emerged out of my memories of my mother's hats complete with mysterious veils. In later years she would let my sister and I try them on and imagine ourselves in a 1930-40's movies. From that memory I created this veiled headdress adding beads, representing stars, planets and moons, even the veil torn and sewn together carries stars. (click to enlarge) I believe all artists would benefit from occasionally making masks or any other form of unfamiliar art project ...a way of breaking out of routines. I would suggest a great Maskmaking book by Carole Sivin . Here is a quote I found in her book :"Whether ritual, funerary or for any spectacle, the mask is an instrument of ecstasy. He who wears one is no longer himself...he becomes 'other' even when the mask is his own portrait." Miricia Eliade, Encyclopedia of World Art
Try it as a spirit lifter, energizer and general refresher and maybe even as a transformational piece...who knows, art making isn't always about building a career and sometimes silly and fun is good medicine!

24 comments:

  1. Thankyou for your loyalty to my blog and your encouragement.
    Love the new format of your blog, and to know that we would both think 1944 a good year. But most of all todays blog really resonated, both the "mask" and doing something for fun.
    Post exhibition you can't imagine how the latter is occupying my thoughts.

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  2. oh, that mask is amazing..ethereal and sensual and playful. I have some masks on my walls, only a few with personal meaning, but they are special and I can just imagine yours there too

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  3. Mary Ann - this is a wonderful mask - theatre has given me the opportunity to make and work with masks on several occasions and I would have to agree with all you say about them!

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  4. I have been collecting masks from around the world for over ten years and participated in several mask making ceremonies. The process of making a mask of one's own face can be very spiritually moving and therapeutic. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and the mask in this photo reminds me of something from Elizabethan times. When I create a sculpture, the face is often the most difficult part. I wonder why? Maybe it has to do with not wanting to place an identity on the piece?

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  5. This is a fascinating blog, something of interest on every page. I shall definitely be back.

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  6. an amazing headdress. the different points are reminiscent of a jester's hat. love the colors and decorations. love your new photo too. thanks too for your suggestions re: making a mask.

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  7. Love the mask. It is jewel like. Your mother must have created quite a picture to leave you with that strong of a memory. However, I do remember a special plaid coat of my mother's and a suit she wore. Somehow, fabric sticks in my mind, rather than hats. Maybe she did not were many.
    Anyway, that mask is terrific. It looks like you just went with the memory and didn't stop for lunch.

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  8. How fun Mary Ann! I have never thought of making a mask. Paper mache. I’ll give it some thought. I like the changes at your blog. I liked it before too. It’s kind of like rearranging the furniture, but easier. I also like “bird song.” Happy Easter Mary Ann. We will be celebrating with an Easter brunch, so the folks can get on the road to home before evening.

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  9. OMG, omg, omg, you have no idea how much I love this mask. It is so completely gorgeous. So beautiful. Show us more!

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  10. Oh - again I love the colors! Have you ever ventured to wear this for anything or is it strickly a wall hanging? Somehow I can picture you at some costumed affair in this. Loved the dress-up stories and that quote really moved me. Happy day to you!

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  11. the blue... perfect for a mask - I am imagining long eyelashes under the veil

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  12. Janette, Always glad when you stop over for a visit! I'm a big believer in taking breaks from the intensity of creating and play at something where skills are not important or required.

    Teri, I've always liked masks...mine or others and I'll share them here on the blog.

    Dave, Thank you for stopping by and please do come back....anytime!

    Suki, Thank you. I never thought of the jester's hat but I see it now. I always suggest play...life has a way of getting too serious...play!

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  13. Wonderful headdress,,and yes, silly and fun go hand in hand as good medicine.

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  14. Your "Night Sky Headdress" is beautiful, so sprarkly like thousands of stars on a really clear night. And I love the story of your mother and her hats, and your thoughts on taking risks. I also love hats! Roxanne

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  15. What a wonderful mask! Love the new header and the new image of your blog. Happy Easter to you, Mary Ann.

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  16. Pat, I'm glad you like the headdress. Memories are wonderful and at their best when selective. ha After all these years, I now remember some very sweet memories of my mother which was not always the case!

    Leslie, Thank you, you are right making changes on the blog is a little like moving furniture around...very refreshing! Have a very Happy Holiday!

    Tangobaby, You gave me such a big grin with your comment! Thank you and I believe I have a couple more in the "shed" that I will share!

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  17. Karen, I don't think I would have a way to attach it to my head. The last costume Pablo and I put together was as pappparazi...complete with press pass and yellow crime scene tape hanging out of our pockets...we won best couple....a bottle of wine!

    Just me, I think it does have a romantic mysterious look and long eyelashes would be perfect as well as a beauty mark! ha

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  18. Martha, You love my headdress and I love your velvet painting...we are breaking the rules!ha

    Babs, We are kindred spirits in the silly fun part of life!!

    Roxanne, Hats say so much...even floppy garden hats or loveable baseball caps!

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  19. Come visit my blog before the end of the weekend so I can throw an extra chance in the drawing for you.

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  20. Happy Easter Mary Ann! I have fond memories of papier mache making phases. Always very therapeutic.

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  21. It is such a beautiful head-dress. I can feel a magical story emanating from it!

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  22. hello!

    this is magical to me!
    caught my eye & held me!
    very nice!

    peace,
    Chuck

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  23. This is BEAUTIFUL !!!
    Rini the Netherlands

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