Masking Identity - 3-D Materials and Concepts

In Process Photos

In Process Side View; Tracing Paper, Wire, Masking Tape, Gel Medium; Approx. 1' x 1.5' x 2'

In Process Top View; Tracing Paper, Wire, Masking Tape, Gel Medium; Approx. 1' x 1.5' x 2'

In Process Detail; Tracing Paper, Wire, Masking Tape, Gel Medium; Approx. 1' x 1.5' x 2'

Sketches and Designs

Final Solution for front, initial ideas of question mark shapes for back of mask

Ideas and small drawing of front corner design

Zoomed in on small drawing of corner feature of mask

Final Solution Photos

Masking Identity Front View; Wire, Tracing Paper, Gel Medium, Masking Tape, Ink; Approx. 1' x 1.5' x 2'

Masking Identity Side Quarter View; Wire, Tracing Paper, Gel Medium, Masking Tape, Ink; Approx. 1' x 1.5' x 2'

Inspiration

Craig Green

Clarina Bezzola

Silvia Heger

http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/

Artist Statement

     With this project, I wanted to explore the concept of the unknown - more specifically, the fear of the unknown. The mask is meant to capture the image of wondering what waits, or lurks, just around the corner. Within the corner is fairly simple and clean, but the back of the mask contains several pyramid-like forms to visualize any worries a person may have in the back of their mind - hence the reason why the shapes are on the back of the mask. These worries are bleeding and creeping towards our focus, but they are merely ideas for the moment as the reality in the front of the mask is free of these worries currently. The ominous nature of the concept and the somewhat creepy idea of the odd and abstract mask is embraced with the form of the mask. The mask is very organic and appears warped and unstable. A corner is usually found in a structure, so the mask is made to resemble a rickety and musty building/house. The masking tape in certain areas comes across as tangled balls of cobwebs, while the wire showing through the paper resembles the frame and structure of the house. The in process pictures probably do the best in showcasing these elements. The texture of how the paper is applied also furthers this visual effect. The colors were chosen because both blue and black are associated with dreary or sullen feelings.

     In the photographs, the renaissance symbol is the eye representing vision. Vision in these photographs refers to the lack of vision that strikes fear in a person when questioning what will occur in both the near and distant future. The particular image used in the photographs is the symbol found on U.S. Dollar Bill and also often identifying the Illuminati and Free-Masons. I chose this form of the eye because the organizations it represents are primarily known for their mysterious nature and behavior, another example of the unknown. The symbol, referred to as the "eye of providence," is symbolic of an all-seeing eye. (The symbol has light coming from it in first photo because original symbol has light rays projecting from it.) This ties in to the concept of the mask since a lot of worries are produced from worrying about the perception others have of you. A few other more minor symbols or images found in the images are corners (focus of mask's face), mirrors (pondering and self-reflecting is key to idea of overarching project - identity), Tomorrowland (future and unknown), and moons in the background (moons and space usually associated with the future or unknown frontier).