​OBJECTIVES:

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to sculpt a clay mask, incorporating basic ceramic techniques like slab building or coil construction, while researching and incorporating cultural or symbolic elements into their design, showcasing understanding of facial features and form through their creation. 
  • Students can identify different mask styles from various cultures, utilizing appropriate tools for shaping clay, and effectively decorating the mask with texture and color to convey meaning. 
  • Students will use ceramic vocabulary when referring to the process of shaping clay objects. 
  • Through observation, investigation and discipline, students will create an art object demonstrating the use of elements and principles of design.​

​WHAT TO DO:

Picture
IN YOUR SKETCHBOOK:
  • Research and create your design for your mask.
  • Must include:
    • Dimensions
    • Color Scheme
    • Design
    • Red or white clay
    • Submit to Schoology

CREATE YOUR FORM:​
  • Make soft/loose balls of newspaper to use as a hump mold.
  • ​Write your name and wrap in plastic wrap

CREATE YOUR MASK:​
  • Roll out your slab to 1/4″ – 3/8″ thick.
  • Lay your slab on your mold. Smooth out surface and shape it. Cut any excess clay.
  • Features can be sculpted in two different ways:
    • Solid features (like eyes) can be cut from scrap slab pieces leftover from making the “head” shape; or,
    • Linear features (like eyebrows) can be fashioned from rolled coils using scraps trimmed away earlier.
  • These techniques can be combined by slipping and scoring smaller shapes/coils onto larger features (like coil pupils scored onto a slab eye).
  • Break up the face features into simplified shapes. For example, nose becomes a triangle. 
  • Use a mirror, referencing each others’ faces, or looking at portraits as photo references.
  • Consider both the size and scale - will both eyes be the same size? Will they be larger or smaller than the nose? How will the nose relate to the mouth? Remember this is an abstract portrait and take creative freedom!
  • Arrange the loose features on the base “head” shape.
  • Once all features are in place, connect each feature one at a time to the base by slipping and scoring (scratching and attaching).
  • Smooth out any rough edges and visible scratches.
  • If you plan to hang the pieces afterwards, be sure to poke holes in the pieces prior to firing.

GLAZING:​

  • Once mask has been fired, clean the piece with a sponge.
  • Add color to the piece by brushing on Stroke & Coat® colors with a soft bristled brush. 2- 3 coats.
  • Option to create a wash to cover sections of the mask by adding 1 part water to 2 parts glaze and brushing on the color.
  • Wipe semi dried glaze away with a damp sponge to create an antiqued look.

STUDENT EXAMPLES:

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VIDEO TUTORIALS:

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MASKS FROM VARIOUS CULTURES