About this project
I will make a minimum of 10 human-head-plus sized animal masks to be worn and/or displayed. Each animal will be researched for its symbolic, and/or practical endangered qualities and a descriptive card will be written up for each. My intention is that these artistic animal masks will act as educative emblems that will remind viewers and owners of positive attributes they want to bring into their lives and the world.
To make each mask, first, the animal to be represented will be determined. This will probably require online research, especially for the written information/symbolism portion of each piece. Next, masks will be engineered and a frame built from clay, wire, or whatever is most appropriate--some animals will require more advanced structuring than others. On top of the frame, a shell will be made, most likely using a base of pre-made plaster surgical cloth and/or organic cloth soaked in plaster. Once complete, the mask will be painted and/or decorated. (I've successfully completed two initial experiments with this technique--see the white tiger head in the Project Image.)
A standard card will be designed, where information I've researched and written about the symbolism of each animal will be printed. Pictures of the masks will be posted on my website and/or completed masks will be offered for sale--reward donors get first dibs!
Pledges will be used to purchase materials (and live!) while masks are made. Each mask will likely take a week (or maybe more, depending on complexity) to research, create, decorate, and write and print information about. Extra funds will go towards taking time to make and promote more masks.
Also if time provides, moving, dancing, acting and otherwise performing with the masks may be explored, and pledgers will be the first to see video relating to that!
NOTE: Any reward can be had without receiving benefits from it that you don't want. Just say so!
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
13
Backers
$421
pledged of $2,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on May 28, 2010.
Pledge $1 or more
Written and/or video updates about how project is proceeding.
Pledge $10 or more
$1 reward, plus a signed mask photo card of one of my original masks.
Pledge $25 or more
$10 reward, plus larger, signed art card with whichever completed animal mask you want printed on it and a personal note from me.
Pledge $35 or more
$25 reward, plus an original Australian UnMasKit! which contains materials for making two face masks. (NOTE: There was a minor design flaw in some of the oil containers for these, which may or may not be noticeable and does not affect the final mask.)
Pledge $45 or more
$25 reward, plus an UnMasKit! kit, which contains materials for making two face masks.
Pledge $60 or more
$25 reward, plus an original UnMasKit!, which contains materials for making two face masks and includes two paint brushes and 8 colors of natural powder paint.
Pledge $100 or more
$25 reward, plus I will create a mask of your face on your face, make you a homemade, organic nacho meal, and give you a private mask performance. (Travel to me is required.)
Pledge $500 or more
$25 reward, the option of an UnMasKit! or me making a mask on your face, plus your choice of one of the animal masks. I will also provide a live or video performance of the animal mask. (First pledgers, get first choices!)
Pledge $600 or more
$25 reward, the option of an UnMasKit! or me making a mask on your face, plus your choice of an animal for me to make a mask of for you. I will also provide a live or video performance of the finished mask.
Project By
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I grew up in Southern California and attended high school in Sedona, Arizona. I received a BA in English Literature and Multi-Media Production, and an MA in Communication Studies. I lived for a decade with my honey, Marty Landa, in Australia. I studied alternative dance, contact improvisation, expressive arts, mask making, writing, and have been a member of two theater troupes. For the last several years I have modeled for fine art, artistic, and life drawing projects.
My masks have been part of public displays and exhibits. I've performed using masks and/or dance at many public and private events and festivals. I've received a number of dance related and artist grants to further my diverse artistic passions.
Marty and I co-created UnMasKit!, a first of its kind, natural, mask making kit, which we received a year-long Australian government grant to develop. www.unmaskit.com
I initiated Face Up to Peace, a mask making project to raise awareness for the development of worldwide Departments of Peace. www.faceuptopeace.com
I co-created and/or initiated numerous community arts--and other--groups in the US and Australia.
I have written for various magazines, newspapers, and publications in the US and Australia. I'm the author, graphic designer, and model for the book, "Love Song to Gaia", which photographer Alba Elena and I received a City of Sedona grant to create. www.lovesongtogaia.com
I am wildly committed to whatever passion I put my energy into, and hope to devote more time to doing what I love in 2011.
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January, 2011 profile photo by Jan Burns - Pash kissing Malibu Legacy Park's Western Toad, mosaic by Robin Indar
