Diamondback Rattlesnake Medusa

Posted Oct 12, 2007, 11:19:07 PM UTC

This design sat on my head like a 800-pound gorilla all weekend. I love nature's complicated neutral patterns, but I MUST remember in the future to never be seduced by Eastern Diamondbacks because this mask took a long time to paint. A looooong time.

I usually do Medusa in metallic colors drybrushed over black (usually bright jewel tones), which takes no time at all & looks dramatic, like a lady in an evening gown. However, I really wanted to challenge myself this time & I certainly did that. This was an excercise in love and compulsion.

The snake's eyes are real turquoise beads, hand-sewn onto pieces of black suede that are then cemented into each tiny snake head.

The mask is made of one solid piece of 100% high-grade tooling leather, hand-sculpted and painted (meticulously!) with liquitex acrylics. Then, I seal the whole thing with a clear acrylic coat, making the mask extremely durable & water-resistant.

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Comments

  • Oct 15, 2007, 9:11:45 PM UTC
    An excellent piece that displays nearly unlimited patience - it all paid off, I think. I see you share my affinity for snakes! Smile I wish I could share with you some of the results of my ceramic snakeskin pieces... Nothing like this, but I think you would have appreciated them nonetheless.
    • Oct 15, 2007, 9:44:20 PM UTC
      Thank you. I do love snakes...I think they have some of the most intricate patterns in nature. This one was really too much for me; you know you're in trouble when you look at your research picture & say "ok...where is the head & where is the tail?"
      • Oct 17, 2007, 4:33:29 PM UTC
        Laughing Yes, interpreting fundamental aspects of research pictures is pretty... well, important. I'm glad you seem to have figured it out - with amazing results.
  • Oct 13, 2007, 7:43:39 AM UTC
    Now Medusa finally has something to wear to the masquerade ball.

    nice jobThumbs Up
  • Oct 12, 2007, 9:08:59 PM UTC
    Wonderful! You have a nice idea of the costume for Halloween!
    • Oct 13, 2007, 8:18:03 PM UTC
      With the right outfit it'd be an awesome costume, I agree. Medusa has attitude.
  • Oct 12, 2007, 4:47:44 PM UTC
    Beautifully done!