Thread: Mask '08

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Hey there.

I typically make a new mask each year.

Now, my masks are always rigid, and can be better described as head-dresses at times. No latex here, as I need something that goes on and off really simple as some kids sometimes need to be shown it's just a mask.

This year, I'm mixing in a lot of inspiration from many sources, but for now, we're just working on the face, and basing it's design loosely on these:



Garage sell specials there.

Now, I've been fairly lax in getting in-progress pics the last few years, and have decided to try to do better this year as I do some strange things.

First, the very basic design is built up with Crayola Model Magic clay. It's very light, very soft, and very quick to form, but royally sucks at getting any details.

I get a full cap of my head, then poke in bamboo skewers to build a support around the face to add more model magic to, or the stuff would not hold shape while drying.

One thing to note on the Model Magic is that if one section completely dries, new stuff does not like to adhere to it. That's where product 2 comes in: Locktite Power Grab.

A "Construction Adhesive" I started using 5 years ago because it's what was in the house at the time. Playing with it more, I've found it to be quite sculptable.

Here glueing the tan clay to the white. The stuff absorbs a surprising amount of water and becomes easily manipulative.



After a little more bamboo sckewers and model Magic, we have a face formed, and the Power Grab slapped on.



Then, wet the hands work it down, wet and work till it's nice and smooth. Of course, my hands are awefull messy here, so no pics...

Then, sculpting with nothing but a nice thick layer of the Power Grab.

It's still in a very rough state, but it's coming along.

Interesting technique! I think sculpting and trying new things and ways of doing things is under appreciated for the most part. Power Grab..who would've guessed?

Great job, thanks for posting