Mask Galleries

History

The ancient and honored craft of the mask-maker goes back thousands of years. From Neolithic cave paintings, through the dramas of the ancient Greeks, to modern-day Mardi Gras parades and Carnivals of Venice, masks have played an important and oft-times sacred role in human society. Now at today's Fantasy Events, Renaissance Festivals, and Nature Celebrations, masks are seen gracing the faces of many modern myth-makers. Masks allow us to transform the very nature of our being in new and exciting ways. It is through masking that we can explore both our inner and outer-selves. For more information please see our Links page.
        Plan your own masquerade event to celebrate a sacred time, welcome the changing of seasons, or just for a unique entertaining experience. Of course, there are always Hallow's Eve parties and costume contests to win.


Detail showing textured 'twig' nose and paint surface.

With-in the Galleries

The Collection is arranged by theme and each group comes in a standard series of colors and patterns.
        We pride ourselves on fit and wearablity, and most of the work is designed to eat and drink with, unless the design precludes this, i.e. snouts on animals & full face pieces. We won't our work to be "party wear", not just decorative, of course it is that as well!
        Custom colors are available for most pieces and many masks can be done in finishes other than those shown. New styles and finishes are constantly being created. Completely custom work is available as well. The possibilities are limitless, and we might have already done it. Please don't hesitate to contact us and ask for information.
        Naturally, they look just as good displayed on the wall as on the face. Many of our collectors display their pieces proudly in their homes, and creative methods of exhibition abound. We have seen masks wrapped around vases, and bed posts, tied to stuffed animals, and perhaps most beautifully, hung on stretched fabric within an elegant frame.
        Of course, all the work shown here is completely hand crafted. Subtle differences in color, texture, details such as cut and angle of eyes, and the sculptural form of the work, will not only differ from piece to piece, but add to the distinctive individuality of them and make each one truly a collectable work of art. With care and appreciation, they will last a lifetime and become heirlooms to pass on to future generations.
        Please excuse the quality of some of the images in our galleries. We take all our own photos and it is always a work in progress. As the saying goes, "the pictures don't do them justice."
        We hope you enjoy exploring our world of fantasy and see what dreams they can unlock for you...

The Process

Each mask begins as vegetable-tanned leather. First the hides are textured using a labor intensive process to achieve a surface unique to our finish. The "Flats" are soaked in our "Magic Potion" for added stiffness, and then set aside to dry for a brief time. Once they reach the right degree of malleability, the scribing, shaping, and sculpting is done. Then the form of the brows and cheeks are achieved by placing it over a plaster cast of a face. This step is crucial to get right, as it influences the final fit and comfort. So we use a casting of Leah's face for her `classical' features. Then the mask is set aside to dry thoroughly before painting begins.
        The final paint finish is achieved using only the highest quality acrylic artist colors. We are proud to exclusively use Liquitex™ brand products. Entirely hand-done using the techniques of "dry brushing", the subtle blend of color is built up carefully, layer upon layer, with the end finish sometimes having more than ten steps. Intense iridescent color is achieved with special paint additives containing tiny flecks of mica coated with titanium and suspended in the medium. This causes the light to refract and transform the color back to your eyes when the mask is moved, in the same fashion as butterfly or hummingbird wings; thus, the mask shines with a brilliance unattainable with other lesser-quality paints. On many masks we round this out with a dusting of "Fairy Glitter" to add that last bit of sparkle and fun.
        Finally a thorough coating of waterproof sealant protects and preserves your mask for generations of enjoyment.

"Artists are magical helpers. Evoking symbols and motifs that connect us to our deeper selves, they can help us along the heroic journey of our own lives."

- Joseph Campbell, Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation