Mask Making

Embark on an exploration of the masks that you wear through the process of mask making. A mask hides and a mask reveals. What is the face of your mask? Each mask has a story to tell. Who are you when you wear this mask? Who are you really? Discover the many faces of yourself through this month’s art project.

Directions
Part One
  1. Purhase plaster bandage at a pharmacy (about $3.00/roll).
  2. Make sure you have a jar of vaseline.
  3. Invite a friend to make masks with you…this is a 2 person experience.
  4. Have scissors and a bowl of water beside you.
  5. Both people cover their face with vaseline (be generous) and make sure the eyelids & lashes are well covered.
  6. One person lies down on a mat or blanket.
  7. The other person repeats the Divine Light Mantra while the first person relaxes.
  8. Once there is a feeling of relaxation, the second person begins to cut the plaster bandage into strips and dips the strips (one at a time) into the water.
  9. The second person gently smoothes each strip of plaster bandage (one at a time) over the first person’s face, making sure there aren’t any wrinkles.
  10. Cover the whole face once leaving a space for the nostrils to breathe and then apply a second coat of bandage.  Take about 15 minutes to do this procedure.
  11. Gently remove the mask and place it on a board or a plate to dry. Each person then reflects and writes on the experience of the process.
  12. First person takes time to wipe off the vaseline with tissue.
  13. Change places and repeat the process, writing about the experience when finished.
  14. When both people have completed the exercise take 10 minutes to look at your respective mask and ask, “Who am I?” Write your thoughts
  15. Come together to share briefly what you have learned.
Part Two
  1. Once the mask has dried, collect materials for the ‘decoration’ (feathers, beads, leaves, glitter,  etc).
  2. If you choose to, you may want to cut out openings for the eyes or the mouth.
  3. Paint the mask – in whatever way appeals to you.  You may choose not to paint your mask.
  4. Attach a string or ribbon to each side, so the mask can be tied on.
  5. Have a dialogue with the mask.
    • Look at mask and ask “who are you?”
    • Write the response that you receive.
    • Keep asking the question for 15 minutes, writing down the answers that come to you.
  6. Create a dance or write a poem or a story that expresses what part of you the mask represents.
  7. Come together with your friend, or others and share what you have learned.

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