Venetian Bird Masks

Posted Jul 30, 2007, 6:18:54 AM UTC

For a change; something brand new that I just finished. These masks were inspired by a trip to Vegas. I was visiting my brother John (who lives there like a rock star) and we went to The Venetian casino one night for dinner & sightseeing. It was SO cool & so much fun, & everywhere there were Venetian-style masks with gold leaf & swirls all over them. When I got home I thought I'd try my hand at something in a similar style (but with my own designs & techniques), & this is one of the things that happened.

I had the most fun doing all those swirly bits. I just drew them on freehand...it was actually very relaxing. Paint pens are a godsend.

Masks are hand-sculpted leather painted with Liquitex acrylics.

Comments

Jilly
Jul 30, 2007, 3:34:24 PM UTC
Wow these are awesome looking masks! How long does it take you to do one of these?
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- merimask
  Jul 30, 2007, 6:06:19 PM UTC
  Thanks! It doesn't take as long as you might think to make one of these...maybe four hours from start to finish. It's hard to tell though, 'cause I never do just one at a time (I do 'em like a production line...carving a dozen at once & then doing all the shaping & then doing all the painting). It's just more efficient that way.
  
  The Medusa mask takes the longest...probably 8 hours altogether.
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  Jilly
  Jul 30, 2007, 6:21:47 PM UTC
  Production line style probably is the best way to do things. So you can get everything done at the same time But you're welcome. You're masks definitely are awesome. The Venetian is totally an inspirational place for art and stuff so it's cool to see some masks that were inspired by it.
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starlightlynn30
Jul 30, 2007, 7:40:49 AM UTC
what beautiful masks
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- merimask
  Jul 30, 2007, 1:28:18 PM UTC
  Thanks, ther were a bit of a departure for me, compared to my usual style.
  
  I'll be taking them to a big show next week...it'll be interesting to see how they go over with the buying public. I have plans to do more in this style, if they do well.
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  starlightlynn30
  Jul 30, 2007, 1:40:00 PM UTC
  your welcome. thats sounds cool. good luck in the big show next week
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