labricoleuse | Class projects: simple masks

My masks and armor class has presented their simple masks. These are defined as masks which typically don't require a life-cast of the performer's face to create, and which don't fully enclose the head or require special engineering (like a movable jaw or something). For these projects, students often choose mask designs inspired by traditions like masquerade, carnival, and ritual/celebration. I don't require them to scale up to full size from their maquette projects, but some students (often those with a particular interest in costume crafts) do choose to do so.

Take a look at their stuff!

Second-year grad Denise Dietrich scaled her maquette up to full size to create this seed-beaded Venetian raven mask. Denise used a combination of Fosshape and papier mache, and the beak is a fine net fabric on a millinery wire framework.

Second-year grad Colleen Dobson scaled up her maquette to create this creepy three-face mask! Colleen used a combination of Fosshape and papier mache.

First-year Erin Abbenante scaled up her maquette to create this rakish Capitano commedia mask using a combination of Wonderflex and thermoplastic pellets.

PRC Wardrobe Supervisor Sam Kate Toney scaled up her maquette to create this fun fox mask using papier mache and carved foam. The whiskers are nylon trimmer-line.

Second-year Corinne Hodges created this sinister gilded Venetian masque using a paper-and-string mache technique.

First-year Katie Keener created this mask-like faceguard using a combination of Wonderflex and tissue mache. She plans to make the accompanying helmet when we move on to armor projects.