masks -- Ash Wednesday

Every Ash Wednesday, I find myself thinking about an Ash Wednesday mask.  They evolve over time.  I've made one in a talisman size -- small enough to be cupped in a palm.  And I've made a full-size mask in the same edition.  I rubbed those two masks with red dirt for color and patina.  Then I rubbed ashes into the cracks and hollows, and marked a cross in ash on the foreheads.

This year, I imagined a mask made like the others, but with a new aspect.  The inside surface of the mask will be encrusted with milagros, so that you discover them if you pick up the mask and turn it over.

Usually, my rule about masks is that they must be wearable, not just objects for display.  This mask would be difficult to wear, although I suppose it would be possible.

masks -- waxed linen?

If I waxed linen with beeswax, it would probably be too delicate to make an entire mask.  However, could I incorporate it into a mask somehow?  Maybe in the eyeholes?

Or!  Waxed felt!

basic machê paste

2 tab. flour
1 2/3 c. cold water
1 drop clove oil

Put flour in a small saucepan.  Mix water into flour, a tablespoon at a time, to make a smooth paste.  When all water is mixed in, cook paste over low heat, stirring continually, until it bubbles and thickens.  Once it bubbles, keep cooking it for a few minutes, still stirring.  You want the flour starches to cook thoroughly, to make the paste stronger.  Once the paste is cooked, let it cool.  Add a drop of clove oil to help prevent molding.  Store unused paste in the fridge.

You can double or triple this recipe as needed, based on the size of your project.

*** I will probably experiment with adding small amounts of basic PVA glue to this paste to make it stronger.

masks -- sketch blank

masks -- materials

When I was making masks in the Before, I used layers of tissu machê and papier machê.  Building up the layers took a long time.  The masks also tended to warp over time if they were not displayed or stored on a form.

I am going to try to use a single layer of wool felt, with a layer of machê using strips of dryer sheets on top.  If that will take gesso and reach a smooth, paintable surface, then it will pass the first test.  If it does not warp badly, it will pass the second test.

I am suspecting, however, that I am going to have to make forms to display all of my masks on, when they are not being worn.