Unique paper mache masks with a touch of the magical and curious.
After being rejected for the job of "Romney Marsh Hermit" (apparently my cackling was substandard, my prophesies inaccurate and my hovel did not meet the rustic rural aesthetic the position required) I decided to go back to making masks. The hovel is now a cosy workshop where I spend hours crafting strange and intricate masks from Italian carta lana paper mache. I'm helped by my three cats, who love to sit on anything that looks important or squashable. I'm inspired by myths, history, nature and the magic and glamour of the masquerade ball. I especially love the strange creatures that lurk in the dark forest and the depths of the sea........sometimes they want to come to the ball too.
How the masks are crafted:
I start by sculpting a mask in clay, working from a rough sketch, but the character of the mask evolves as I sculpt. I then cast this in plaster, making a mould into which layers of carta lana (wool paper, a light and versatile paper that is used to make traditional Venetian masks) are pressed to form the body of the mask. I then individually craft horns, scales, foliage (mostly from paper) as each mask requires often embellishing with metal leaf, beads or crystals. Although I may use a mould several times, each mask is a truly unique work of art. A distinct character that will only be brought to life once.