I’d nearly forgotten how enjoyable working with papier mâché is.
I was working in the cheerful group atmosphere of a weekly Morbid Anatomy class, we all chose quite different projects, but it was helpful to have other makers to check in with each week, as well as interesting lectures on mask-related traditions. My design was inspired by a mix of modern Diablo masks from a few different Catholic traditions, stone gargoyles, a hint of Balinese and Japanese demon masks, and a nervous dog I once knew.
The base was monster clay, which is a waxy type of plasticine. Very satisfying to warm and sculpt with, although I had to stop myself diving too deep into fine details. This was shaped over a plaster copy of a lifecast.
The layers of mâché were torn paper, soaked in a 50/50 mix of white glue and water, about five layers in total, with a few days drying between each. I used a damaged 1950s children’s science book from an opshop discard pile as the main paper material. I was definitely a little reluctant when it came time to paint over all those natural history words and images, and enjoy that the dna of this devil is pure old fashioned science. I am tempted to make a more arty series of unpainted masks next, leaving text visible as part of the design.
The eyes are dolls eyes, peeled apart and bland blue replaced with lurid orange ink and gold paint.
The rest of the painting included texture from rhinestones and glitter, faux gold leaf and a lot of shiny glazes. I haven’t painted on a 3D surface in a while, again something I really enjoy that I’d nearly forgotten.
The final result is satisfyingly light and strong, comfortable to wear, and with good visibility. I enjoyed the many minor engineering challenges along the way, such as the cardboard and crumpled tinfoil of those ears.
All in all, a very good time. It’s nearly summer again in my part of the world, so my garage workshop space seems a lot less cold and bleak. Time to get messy aye.
PS: If you want detailed how-to advice to make your own masks, I much recommend the oh-so-wise Jonni Good’s Ultimate Papier Mache and her many generously shared videos of process.
A Little Art 