The student will learn about the elements of the art form including:
a) sensory qualities-line, shape, texture, color
b) formal qualities-pattern, balance, center of interest
c) expressive qualities- how masks are used to create moods/feelings
d) technical qualities- how masks are made
The student will learn technical aspects of mask-making including:
a) making paper mache masks with wallpaper paste or flouror
b) making masks with plaster bandages
c) repairing, cutting and strengthening the "base" mask
d) coloring masks
e) adding other materials to masks by stapling, sewing, gluing and taping
Materials:
- White Glue
- Water
- Thin Paper (newspaper)
- Vaseline
- Space
- Hair Dryer
- Spoons
- Bowls
Hook:
We have control (most of the time) of what emotions we display and what we say out loud. This activity is to allow one to demonstrate how they feel. They can make the mask anything they would like. For this I would like to do an introduction to a variety of masks (different cultural masks, personal masks, plain masks, etc.) I will have a variety of pictures printed of the masks with brief descriptions. Following this we will do a simply meditation session. This will give every one the opportunity to think deeply and to relax.
Directions:
- Everyone will pair up. If the group has an odd number of people, one of the extra workshop helpers can be placed with them.
- Next each pair will cut strips of paper (long, short, medium length).
- They will mix a ¾ cup of water with ¼ cup of white glue with a spoon.
- One person from each group will lather their face up with Vaseline (this is so that the glue does not stick to their face). They will proceed to lie down and relax.
- Their partner will begin to dip one strip at a time into the glue and placing it on their partners face. Making sure to avoid the mouth and nostrils.
- When the face is completely covered, it is desired that they put another layer of paper with glue on top.
- Finally, use the blow dryer to speed up the drying process.
- Once it is almost completely dry, slowly peel from the outsides in, to remove the mask.
- Repeat, switching roles.
- Once both masks are completely dry they may begin to decorate them however they so choose.
Alternatives:
Some people won’t enjoy having their eyes covered or having their face done at all. In the case of the eyes simply work around them. As for not wanting to do it at all, we can use balloons and paste cardboard on them to make the nose.
Variation:
If we cannot do paper mache we can simply draw faces.