Mask Making

 

African mask 1

1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.

I selected the inspirational pieces because I had a few things in mind: shape and color. I based my searches on these three elements and principles of design. This helped narrow down my search and was able to find some great pieces of art. I chose to stick with African masks as my focal point since I have the most interest in them.

2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.

Description – Describe what you see. (subject matter)?

African mask 3

African mask 1, http://africanpleaces.blogspot.com/2012/08/african-masks.html, took a long time to create with the excessive amount of detail, color and fabric that is displayed. It is in the shape of and ordinary face with a headpiece of some sort on the top. The eyes are closed or looking down with a sad expression. The side flaps may represent hair of the individual and its ears are present too.

African mask 2,http://www.keywordpictures.com/keyword/african%20masks%20patterns/, is a heart that is unique with its color and shape. The eyes are looking down and the mouth is open. This mask has a hard texture and is large in size. 

African mask 2

African mask 3, http://www.masksoftheworld.com/index.html, is very colorful and represents a sun and its rays on the forehead. Happiness is represented by the smile and colors. The ears have an item attached to the lobes. 

Formal analysis – (form) What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

Color, shape, line, texture, and variety are used in African mask 1. Color is represented which also creates lines that shape the entire mask. The texture must be of some kind of fabric because it would probably be soft to the touch yet hard on the inside to give form to the mask. There is a lot of variety that is represented through many design elements and principle.

African mask 2 demonstrates shape, color, lines and unity. A heart represents the shape of the mask. This includes colors that are soft yet vivid: red, yellow, blue and light orange. Lines that create the eyes and lips leave the feeling of unity within the artwork.

African mask 3 represents the elements and designs of color, shape, line, variety and unity. Colors are shown throughout the mask. The shape is long and lines are displayed around the eyes, sun, nose, mouth and forehead. Variety is consistent within the entire mask creating unity.

3. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.The principles and elements that are used include color, shape, line, rhythm, and unity. The colors are evenly spaced throughout the mask and do not continue just one color. Many are displayed to create somewhat of a rainbow effect. An oval-like shape representing a face demonstrates the whole work. Lines are displayed throughout the mask. There are straight, round and curvy lines that make up the overall structure of the entire mask. The mass amount of color and lines help to keep the consistency of the rhythm that is displayed and guides the viewer’s attention. All parts of the mask flow smoothly, which in fact create a sense of unity.

4. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I believe that my mask turned out pretty good! My favorite thing is that many colors are represented throughout the whole piece of art. There are many different colors that are involved in the mask: blue, pink, orange, purple, yellow and green. This is made of sketch paper, colored pencils and glue to bind everything together. The mask is a face that shows every happy emotion by the colors it portrays. In my opinion, bright colors represent happiness in many ways, which is similar to my personality. I wanted to create something that left people with a smile yet peculiar look on their faces because my mask is different. I am definitely impressed with my finished artwork and hope others feel the same!