Mask Up
Design 2130 Fundamentals SP22
Jorie Capper
This project is to work with an assigned partner to create two masks to form a diptych. The masks are in relation to a pandemic, and are intended to push the viewer to think about the narrative they hold simply by existing. We focused on harmony, contrast, and scale and proportion. My partner is Brianna Thompson, and while we worked together to construct our narrative, we did our process post separately, in respect to each aspect of the problem that we worked on.
Research
In groups, we brainstormed preliminary ideas on how the masks could be designed, and shared with the class. Sharing ideas created an open environment and let us explore multiple possibilities.
I researched the origins of the plague mask and its history. I learned about the designer of the mask, Charles De’Lorme, the true timeline as to when it was used, and how effective it really was.
Partner Exercise
To learn more about our partner, we used a Miro board to discuss our own character traits, as well as what traits we wanted in a partner for our work to be efficient. Communication and openness are both traits Brianna and I value in a partner for a project such as this.
Concept Statement
We created two separate variations of the plague mask, usually seen as a symbol of the Bubonic plague. One variation demonstrates how the plague mask once was perceived; as a harbinger of death and despair. With posies emerging from the eye holes, the dependence on natural oils and flowers to protect wearers and mask the smell of death is portrayed, as well as to allude to the nursery rhyme of Ring Around a Rosie, which is based off the customs that arose due to the Bubonic Plague in the 1300s. The paper posies are scented with essential oils to further relate to their use during the Plague. The mask is black, as is traditional, and daunting due to the emphasized emptiness; there is no wearer, the mask itself is its own entity. The other variation is how the mask is perceived today; a symbol of Mardi Gras, excitement, and fun. It’s full of bright colors, feathers, and beads, as they usually are when worn at masquerades. This raises the question: how long will it be before surgical masks, representative of todays pandemic, can be viewed as a symbol of the past, and maybe even used to poke fun at it, in the same way the plague mask is? Using Bristol paper and string as my primary materials, I sewed together the pieces of the mask to create a sturdy and durable form.
Iterations
Sketches
Production
Material Testing
I didn’t have origami paper in order to make the flowers, so I experimented with white printer paper to see if it had the right amount of give in order to hold the form of the flower. I did not change the color of the paper as to keep continuity with the narrative of my mask as well as keep visual harmony with minimal color and simplicity. Pipe cleaners are used to hold the paper flowers, but to avoid the fuzzy texture of the pipe cleaner they were shaved down to the metal within.
Prototyping
I altered a free online template of a stereotypical beaked plague mask, and by altering it I was able to fit the need of my design. Using Bristol and string, I sewed together pieces from the template to test the strength of the string and the flexibility of the paper. After this test I adjusted my template once more, to change the shape of the beak to more closely resemble the traditional length.
By testing different essential oils and how their scents interacted with the paper, I chose eucalyptus and jasmine essential oils. Their strength was ideal, ensuring the smell would linger while the audience viewed our piece to convey the full intended affect.
Final
I thoroughly enjoyed expanding my range of materials, and want to continue to do so. By spreading assorted essential oils onto the petals of the flowers, I am able to make the mask smell like one may have hundreds of years ago, and translated that idea into my final. Stitching and macramé provide sensory elements in the construction as well as add visual texture to contrast the cardstock. I look forward to incorporating similar tactics in my last two projects.