Making of: Decoration of Venetian masks
“Do you think you wear a mask?’ ‘I’m wearing one right now.’ Valentino smiled softly. ‘We both are.’ ‘It’s a sad thought.’ ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘But sometimes I wonder about the alternative. Imagine if we had no secrets, no respite from the truth. What if everything was laid bare the moment we introduced ourselves?”
― Catherine Doyle, Vendetta
Here, let me bring up some of the photos from the finishing process of decorating handmade Venetian masks.
Let me tell you something from their background also !
As it is known, the masks are being used during the time of famous Venetian Carnevale. This would be supported by wearing special costume, and also significant hats. The idea was to hide the identity of the person. Mask would enable you to transform yourself into different character, persona.
During the ages, the style, the form, the material of mask has been developing. So did the costumes.
In case of handmade masks, they are still being produced in Venice. It is also a great craft!
Good Venetian mask is solid, has a significant quality. You can find many great places in Venice, like ateliers and amazing shops with long lasting history. You can learn learn to build the mask, and also how to decorate it in various styles.
Here, you will see the example of "my favourite forms of masks", and the way I decorate them.
Hope you will enjoy seeing a bit from this interesting process.
I have chosen 2 "ladies" forms and 2 "men".
Generally, they have rather androgynous forms, so that you don´t have to create "man " or "woman".
You can also create character with more abstract power. Something, that represents natural powers, historical figures, heroes or parts of the stunning Venetian history.
Masks are made out of paper maché, original pieces from Venetian atelier.
On the plain white mask, I added few layers of various decoration, which was created ... well... in my fantasy! But it is still inspired by the history of decorating styles of Venetian masks.
Thank you for seeing my pictures
and following the process !
Stay tuned on to see more projects.
Karolinska