Wind in the Willows

Wind in the Willows

Mask progress

11/03/15

The original idea I had for my mask had to be scrapped as there was no way that it was going to work, and so, rather than just creating a face mask, I decided to begin to work on a full head mask, that may or may not be later extended into a mask that also attaches to the shoulders.

Originally, with the head piece that was to form the structure of the head area, I was going to use a strap that was adjustable by using string. With contemplation, I realised that this idea wasn't very strong, and so made the strength of the structure fairly weak.

After this, I added more straps around the head for security and began working on the nose. The nose was created using two pieces of scored card that were curved around each other and then taped together. However the mask, at this point, was very heavy and not very balanced in it's weight.

After realising this, I took the mask apart, and this time, only used the nose and a center head strap.

I then began building it up again, measuring it every once in a while using my class mates around me. Once I had the positioning of the head, I then added more straps for security and also covered each strap in gaffa tape for strength, I also wrapped the nose in gum strip. I places one strip of cardboard over the head piece so I could then build on the shape of the mask.

Upon testing the fit of the mask, it became apparent that there wasn't much room, and that my nose was squashed against one of the head straps, so I removed the center strap and cut out a small area for the nose to go.

I then began to build around it so I could get a better shape.

Once I was done adding pieces for shape, I covered it in newspaper, which had been soaked in a mixture of water and PVA glue.

I realised that the nose was too long to be similar to a weasels, and so cut off a large proportion of the nose. Once I had done this I then covered it in another layer of paper and added ears. The nose was added last, and was made out of small balled up pieces of the paper and covered.

After strengthening the original structure, I then moved on to adding another later of paper mache, which I will later paint. Once dry, I will paint the mask a mixture of white and sienna brown, which on top of that I will then add frayed twine over. When I come to paint the twine, I will use watered down acrylic paint and will spray it onto the twine to avoid stiffness. Eventually, I will then add in eyes using black mesh, however, no further modifications can be made until my partner is next here for me to do any adjustments and modifications.