Masks as spirit homes

Bali’s Jon Stuart Anderson takes masks to a whole new level with this 15.8 x 9.4 x 2.8-inch beauty.

In Bali, the gods are considered to be present in all things and art-making is revered. Masks are created as beautiful ‘homes’ for the spirits and energies to dwell in when they visit the physical world.

Look at all the eyes and imagery in Jon’s mask. There are multiple colors in every cane. Even solid colors are actually made of several shades.

Look deeply at this spirit home.

Scrappy polymer

Crisp fall days make colors brights and simple masks funnier. Look at these new pins from Susan Hyde (she’s mostly on Facebook).

A flat oval polymer face with a circle cut out gets her started on completely silly faces. A few dots and strings of clay turn into crazily raised eyebrows, a moustache or a glob of hair. A slice of any old cane will work for eyes.

Don’t forget teeth or a tongue and everybody gets a pair of jump ring earrings. Perfect Halloween favors.

Start from scrap

As long as we’re going for easy and effective art, check out Debbie Crothers’ scrappy cane tutorial.

I learned a similar version from Carol Blackburn who tames the tutorial and turns the results into tidy stripes and precise geometrics. Any way you handle this tute, it’s a great one to have at your disposal.

Gould’s mini masks

Brita Gould’s collection of miniature polymer clay masks, this one from The Breath Series, seems like a good Tuesday choice with Tropical Ida blowing in the south.

This photo gives you a better idea of the size of her art. The polymer clay is covered with metal leaf, painted and embellished with metal sheeting and wire.

Here’s her Coppertone series.

Brita lives in Portland, Oregon and has been intrigued by masks for years, inspired by native exhibits and celebrations as she grew up in Alaska.

Her small expressive faces gleam as they blow and pucker and laugh. Thanks to Maggie Maggio for the link.