For this project we had to choose a mask that we liked and create one based off of it and be inspired by it. I decided to make a mask based off of a Mexican mask. This mask is shown in my sketches above. The subject of this creation is a Gazelle/Impala. This is also based off of my love for animals in the wild. This work was made first by creating a newspaper mask and masking tape to hold the newspaper in place. This way when I place a large slab over the newspaper mold it takes the shape of the mold. The mold was shaped like an upside down pair to create the gazelle/impala face. Once I had the face shape I let it dry a little so it was easier to work with. Then I added details. I added the ears, making them look like leaves, I carved out the eyes and added eyelids around it, and then I added the nose (sprout) and the hair. I used small sharp tools to achieve this. I also created long horns for the top of the head using the pulling technique. Since the horns are so long they won't fit in the kiln on the mask so I created smaller horns that I can slide the larger horns over once they are both fired.

My project started out with very large horns but eventually there were weak spots which made me have to cut them down and I also had to cut them to make sure they fit properly. I also had to revise the ears by making sure they fit on the sides of the head without falling. Once I had the basic gazelle/impala shaped I started to add the details to bring my artwork to life. I added the designs in the ears, leaves, and then I added the texture to the face using different sharp tools to get different textures of hair. Then I added face details life the eyelids and then the nose which I decided to change it and make it into a sprout to keep the nature theme. I also decided to add leaf designs to the face and mountain designs as well.

The meaning behind my project is to just portray the beauty that animals have. Gazelle and Impalas are such beautiful and elegant creatures so I was inspired and decided to make them combined into a mask. This is how my project relates to my life because I am in love with nature. I'm most proud of the horns in my artwork because these were the hardest part of the project and feel apart multiple times but eventually I made them exactly how I liked. At first I struggled with the horns because I was pulling them too hard when I was using the pulling technique and I weakened and broke one horn. But I kept trying because I knew that if I practiced I would be able to get there eventually. Finally, I made the horns and had to develop a new way to attach the horns once everything was fired. Since the horn were so large I made smaller horns so they could slide onto them after once everything is created. Overall, I am very proud of the time I took on this project to make it my best and I enjoyed the process.