Papier mache' collage, acrylic, measures 14" x 18". Did you ever make a mask by inserting straws up your nose and then allowing an artist to wrap your face in wet plaster? I was okay with the process until it began to dry and then I remember feeling a little creepy and antsy but it worked out with some strong self talk. When the mask was off me and dry, I used it as a form for papier mache' masks like this one. I added a headdress above the face and collaged sky and dream images. I was trying to capture the ever moving images in sleep. This piece is a couple years old but I thought I'd share. click to enlarge.
We are home now and very well rested. Our room was lovely, restaurants great and our patio had a spa fed by deep spring waters. We had perfume packets to put in the water to cut the slight egg scent of the water but beyond that the water was so warm and relaxing. It was around 85 most days, perfect for swimming and visiting wineries. I brought my camera but left the "card" in the computer at home. My camera is an old digital model so finding a card was close to impossible. I instead bought a throw away camera and Pablo is taking it to the drug store for developing. It was difficult taking a photo and not seeing the results instantly! We changed our mind about driving home along the coast and drove home on #101 and stopped at sleepy San Juan Bautista (another mission town...this mission was used in the filming of "Vertigo"). We had a great Mexican lunch in a beautiful garden....a perfect ending to our vacation.
I'm unpacked and the washer is on it's first load...the suitcases are put away....it's all a sweet memory!
Beautiful! I love the way you have captured the illusive nature of dream images on this mask. What an insightful way to illustrate dreaming. Do you write your dreams down May Ann? Your trip sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteGlad your back! You were missed. Were you in Ojai?
ReplyDeleteJust wondering!
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I could never do that process. You are so brave. What a neat concept though, that you could actually use the mask as a mold and form another mask right over it. The images are great! Did you have any trouble with all the fires down in Santa Barbara or was that not close to you? Such a horrible thing happening down there. And to be so hot already at this time of the year! Have a Happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about this process....and think I'd be happier with hose pipes up my nostrils rather than straws....getting breathless at the thought :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting mask Mary Ann and I love the other one a few posts back as well.
wonderful mask. your face looks so peaceful. not sure i'd want to do that process myself. glad your trip was relaxing and fun. welcome home.
ReplyDeleteFunny how lovely, slow times seem to vanish into memories so very fast.
ReplyDeleteI like the dream image that the mask represents. And no, I cannot imagine having straws up my nose and not having a major case of the "itches".
Yes I did the face mask a couple of years back for a piece of art work - I also did hands and feet which were far less scary - the face one is deffinately very scary - i love the mask that you made from the experience! The holiday sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, Thank you...I do write down my dreams when they seem important. My mother used to say in our family we need to take popcorn to bed...we all have such vivid dreams! ha
ReplyDeletePatrice, I am back and well rested...we stayed in Paso Robles!
Teri, The straw process was scary but we all supported one another and got through it!
ReplyDeleteI was in Paso Robles but the news station broadcasted fire info all day and night!
Robyn, I love your comment... hose pipes!!ha I remember we coated our faces with petroleum jelly too!
Suki, Peaceful...she said to keep breathing and do not move a muscle...it was an eternity...peaceful?!ha
ReplyDeleteGood to get a way and now even better to be back refreshed.
Pat, Thank you, the idea for the images on the headress...like a film strip above the head.
Patrice, We had lunch at Jardins in San Juan Bautista...shades of the best birthday party awhile back!!
ReplyDeleteyou vacation sounds divine - spa, sun, swimming, wine, good food - sigh...
ReplyDeleteThe trip sounds ever so nice.
ReplyDeleteThe mask thing kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies, as I'm rather claustrophobic, but it also sounds very interesting. The results were super,,and I love what you did with the headdress. So much to discover when enlarged.
Jeane, Ever so often one must leave the studio and retreat to the pool!
ReplyDeleteBabs, I'm so glad you enlarged the mask because you are right...lots of stuff in that headdress!
Rosie, Now I'm interested in the hands and feet...so expressive!
I love your mask, and the dreamy headress... and your trip sounds so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Roxanne
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore that dream mask, the way it opens to a larger reality. Such imagination!
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds beautiful and replenishing.
Roxanne, Thank you...the headress held real dreams and memories for me. Vacations are the best...especially when they are simple and easy!
ReplyDeleteSan, Thank you,I finally put images to my dreams!
The trip was a wonderful way to really celebrate Spring!