Forest Warder

I must confess that I struggled with this mask, both conceptually and materially.

First of all, this is one of two masks that basically sit on the wearer's head (in this case it is fitted to my head). The mask is not hand held, nor fastened in the back in some way.

This mask was conceived as part of a total costume (which I am still in the process of finishing!), that of a "Forest Warder"--or guardian of the forest realm--that I want to wear to the Rennaisance Faire this coming year (2012).

I wanted the mask to be "a bit of the forest", and elements of the forest compose the piece: leaves, vines, the forest floor with mushrooms growing out of the decay of past seasons; there is even a nest in the back. The horns of the Warder are very branch and bark-like; they appear to be mossy and ancient. I wanted the colors to be like that of shadowed woods--nothing is immediately clear, but somewhat murky, somewhat mysterious; requiring multiple looks.

I wanted the various elements to tangle together, to come across to the viewer as a larger, complex shape, that is then discerned for the individual elements upon closer viewings. I hope I have succeeded in this. My one concern as I have worked on this mask, had to do with the overall design--the overall impact: Is there too much going on here? is a question I often asked myself. I am open to hearing from you.

This mask, like the others, is primarily paper mache, with a few of the elements sculpted out of paper clay, and there is a bit of antique fabric worked into the nest. The individual elements are quite detailed, with each leaf being hand painted to show the veins; the mushrooms are even ribbed underneath. I really concentrated on the details for each of the elements that comprise this piece.

I do like the overall "feel" of the mask, the piece does feel "forest-like" to me ...