Masks (Lily)

The Balloon Mask was the first one I created - I started off with these images with plans to take them in a more grey and dismal setting. I decided I liked this setting the best and I enjoy the way the light reflects a little bit off of the balloons. The greenery and the bright environment around the mask is something I wanted to be less prevalent in the images, so I chose to make an edit of the image I liked out of all of them. I removed colour from the background and left only the mask in colour. This had the effect that I wanted on the image and the graveyard setting adds to the atmosphere of the image, as well. I have included images that were taken in various parts of the graveyard to show my process

The Bubble Mask was created from plastic waste, bubble wrap, stuffing. You could not see out of this mask. I like the textures it creates on the face and also how it makes the face appear like a cloud or a natural form. It obscures the features but is also very eye catching, so it could be a disguise but its properties also encourage people to question your identity. I also like how the light shines off of the white materials and catches the sunlight. I took images indoors as well as outdoors for this mask and I prefer the images where the darkness is all around and only the mask is bright, as if it itself emits light. 

The Plaster Mask I created from plaster and clay, which produces these exaggerated features on the face which are a little unnerving to look at. I did consider painting this mask red, but once I looked at the images of it just in white, I did prefer the neutral colour than if I had chosen to make it bright red. I like the way the neutrality of the white blends in with the bathroom tiling and also how the mask's eyes permeate the photo. It does also look as if it wishes to speak. I tried a few ways with lighting and the hood up and down - I like the more natural lighting with a little darkness, and with the hood up.

The Pixelated Mask I produced using paint, and this oversized mask hides the entire face, neck, and hair, so it obscures more of the identity and the face shape, etc. The holes for the eyes give it a completely blank expression. I like this image where the mask is behind bars, but not sure whether it makes sense to pair the bars with the mask in this way. I took a few photos from far away, as if being watched, and some indoors as well. The pairing of the security camera above the mask fits the best as an environment, in my opinion. 

The Embroidery Mask was made using beads and thread. The mask is very tight and does reveal a few features. I considered just having the embroidered mouth hole with the pearls and being finished - but I was definitely interested in trying out something with the eyes. I then produced two eyes using beads which a little reflective, and are transparent. I enjoy the way the beads and the tight fabric distort the face, and also craft this strong stare from the eyes. Looking at the images again now, I would have even liked to create another eye or maybe a nose to see how I could add features to the mask in this medium. I took images of the mask outside an antique store with this sculpture of a head, which was an interesting partnership. I also took images with this silver, slightly reflective backdrop which I think brings attention to the mask.