Mask Design

For this assignment, we were asked to create a mask that was inspired by another culture or cultural practice. When I was researching different types of masks, I liked the Peruvian Sun Festival masks, along with a few other central American masks. I decided to combine designs from both cultures to make my mask design.

I started by making a mold for the clay that would be the base. Using newspaper and tape, I made the structure you see in the top left corner. From there, I rolled out a large slab and laid it on top of the mold, then smoothed it out and cut clean edges. I added an additional slab to make the top part of the mask, which resembles some sort of crown. While the clay was still a little malleable, I carved in the nose and eyes, along with the sgraffito designs. Once the clay was completely dried out and was out of the mold, we bisque fired the mask.

I used a few different glazes on the mask, including turquiose, yellow, dark red, and the plutonium glaze.

Overall, I am happy with my mask, however, I wish that I had used a different glaze for the nose because I don't like the yellow glaze.