These small tribal mask brooches from Key West, Florida’s Terri Wlaschin (Shanty Chic Beads) are sculpted, collaged, painted and textured with great energy and spirit. “I am continually inspired by what I see riding my bike around town, walking the beaches, and observing the colorful characters that inhabit this island,” says Terri.
“I did not even know I had a creative side until my late 30’s when I started dabbling in creative writing and photography. When I began working with beads, I couldn’t stop. I never really knew what having a passion for something was until then. It’s like a religious experience to me, bringing joy and a glow to my spirit.”
Thanks to Sharene Screws for the link to an article about Terri in Jewelry Making Journal. Go with your glow!
dayle ,
Thanks so much Cynthia for providing a real bright spot in my day- the first place I go first every morning is here!
Terri Wlaschin ,
Thanks Cynthia. Imagine my surprise to find myself here. I really am honored because I think you are a wonderful, inspiring curator of art as well as the artist behind a fabulous body of work. One thing I wanted to point out was that I did not sculpt these. My practice in creating these masks was working with color and designing with paint. I used various molds for the faces so sculpting wasn’t a factor in these pieces. My intention was to work with an earthy palette and experiment with mixing colors to get there.
Cynthia Tinapple ,
Thanks for letting me know, Terri. The colors and patterns are what give them life and energy. I’d be interested to know where you found the mask molds.
Laurie Mika ,
These are just fabulous and a great dose of inspiration!
Terri Wlaschin ,
I just want to acknowledge where I obtained the masks. Thank you Josette for having such a fabulous selection of interesting molds. https://www.etsy.com/shop/mamimoulage