Project Post
During this project, I looked to expand my use of materials. I employed stitching and macramé to provide sensory elements in the construction as well as add visual texture to contrast the cardstock, as well as scented the flowers with essential oils. This was brought in through historical inspiration, as authentic plague masks were heavy, scented, and textured. 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 plague mask was never meant to be pretty, its purpose was protection, to fit snugly. For my mask to function, it had to hold its form while being flexible enough to be fitted around a wearer’s head. To achieve this, I used cardstock, as it is durable but bends appropriately when outside force is applied. Although my mask can be worn, the flowers in the eyes make it less than comfortable; it is intended to be viewed in a historical light, rather than a functional one.
Process
View detailed process at Mask Up: Process
Reflection
I thoroughly enjoyed expanding my range of materials, and want to continue to do so. I love to sew and craft with string and thread, so I was very happy to put it to good use during this project. Understanding how the string interacts with the cardstock through prototyping aided me in my stitching to remain consistent and maintain durability and strength. Due to the circumference of the needle I used, and thickness of the string, I was wary of the distance of the stitching from the edge of the paper. If it was too close, it could tear through. This was discovered during prototyping, however, and was not a challenge during my final production. When folding the origami flowers, I faced obstacles in finding a paper of the right pliancy that was accessible to me within the timeframe of the project. I tested between cardstock, Bristol, and drawing paper, the latter holding a successful fold without tearing. In the future, I would like to use origami paper or thinner paper for the flowers, as intended for origami. Combining the textures of the string and flowers versus the cardstock was exciting. I appreciate the use of texture to enhance a piece with intention, and look to incorporate this in other projects when beneficial.