In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that the maker of this unusual mask is a neighbor of mine whom I admire and whose work I will unashamedly promote. The artist is Mark Wagner and he has become well known in the world of fine art for his collages crafted out of US currency– specifically the one dollar bill featuring The Father of Our Country, missing in this case. I think you’ll enjoy seeing more of his art at http://markwagnerinc.com/
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Fall forward tomorrow
Some of you may not know about the Steampunk movement, or the fact that it includes masks. The genre started with Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Mary Shelley. Later the term steampunk was coined by K. W. Jeter in the late 1980s. It was a clever way to describe his and a few other authors’ style of writing, tying the word cyberpunk to the Victorian era.
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Mask of the future
Q: I am a member of the Carapace Project’s team. We create customized masks using 3d body scanning technique and high-quality 3d printers. Your work and your website represent a source of inspiration for us and makes me feel you are one of those people who would like to see what “the mask from the future” looks like. So, we would like to introduce you our new collection, Carapace. Fabrizio, 748 A: This is pretty cool stuff.
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Help Wanted
As usual, the Mask Man has posted answers that aren’t much help to the poor people who sent him pics of their Mystery Mask. I receive several requests per day and I answer all of them, but only post the most interesting ones. Some of those are mysteries to me as well. I need you to write back with a comment. Even a guess would be of some help!
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Little trio of masks
Q: In discussion with a friend, I took a picture of some of the masks on the wall. We were discussing the different origins of Carnival masks. One looks like the Guy Fawkes mask… I think the other a Venice mask? I came across your site, as we were trying to research. I unfortunately do not have detailed and separate photos. I know they are for fun and decorations, but if you could help identify where these masks are from, I would be very grateful. If not, I understand. Ruhi, 734 A: Seeing your photo of three store-bought plastic masks intrigued me.
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Masks as art
This wonderful clay mask was done by my friend, Scott Paden, when he was an art student. (Today, many years later, he is Director of Preservation for OLBN, an architectural firm with offices in DC, New York and Beijing.) 725 Masks are a combination of sculpture and painting. Art teachers know that and will often assign masks as a class project that integrates social studies, literature, history and religion, and introduces the students to new materials such as papier mache, plaster, clay, metal, wood, etc. It can be a delight to see the results of these student efforts.
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Strange art mask
Q: I acquired this mask decades ago. I was told at that time that it’s South American, but they knew nothing more than that. It is carved of wood, covered with pebbles (?), then painted. It has a dark brown or black undercoat which shows slightly where it’s worn. I look forward to the benefit of your opinion. Martin, 710 A: I like to refer to these as “art masks.”
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The mask as a subject for art
Q: I would appreciate a brief description of the raku mask, it measures approximately 11″ x 6″ and was purchased at an estate sale. I am an artist and a mask collector. Ann, 552 A: As an artist and mask enthusiast it makes sense that you would be attracted to a beautiful piece of art such as this.
