Masks, Commedia Masks ...

Masks? Well, why not? A costume does not necessarily need to be cloth draped in a fitted way around the body. A costume can be any external object that reflects and helps define a character, masks can certainly do that. Of course, there are styles of theatre that rely very heavily on masks, for example Commedia Dell’arte.

Commedia Dell’arte began in 16^th century Italy. This performance type called for stock scenarios and characters to tell a humorous, improvised story. These characters were symbolized by a very physical actor and with the masks they wore.

http://chucklewithsomething.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/commedia-dellarte-introduction-of-stock-characters/

So, I think we should make a Commedia mask and see what all the fuss is about.

We will begin by getting a plastic mask blank; everything will be built on this. Go online or find an image in text that shows a quality picture of a Commedia Dell’arte mask that you wish to recreate.

http://www.venetianartiquity.com/store/avactis-images/venetian-mask-commedia-dell-arte-pantalone_1.jpg

Now, get varied shaped foam pieces. I recommend some foam tubes or half tubes; these will be great for creating curvatures to cheeks and ridges.

Look at your image, if you need to cut your mask to make it look more like the shape on your image that is fine. Use a marker to draw on line that you can use as a reference fore your cutting. You will most likely have to cut around they eyes to make them bigger. Once you are done with this get some sandpaper and smooth down your rough edges from where you have just cut.

Sand paper is your friend

When you have these supplies experiment with your foam by cutting pieces up and placing them on your mask to see what you need to do to shape your mask to look like your Commedia image.

Once you feel like you have a game plan, go ahead and begin attaching and molding your foam by using hot glue. Make sure not place too much hot glue on your foam it might melt it.

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU!
oh, wait...that's just chocolate.

You can attach the foam by applying a moderate amount of pressure against the mask for a few seconds.

This may take a while and that’s okay.

Now things are going to get a little messy.

Take your hands and place them in Sculpt-Or-Coat and put it on your mask, sealing any creases or gaps. Smooth out the coat, it makes things easier.

Mine

After letting the Sculpt-Or-Coat dry, take pieces of cheesecloth and place them over your mask so the pieces are overlapping. The cheesecloth will be secured by using glue past. The cheesecloth can also help you shape your mask further. Make sure you fold the cheesecloth around the edges of the mask. This includes the eyes.

Now, after the cheesecloth has dried, use acrylic paint to paint your mask in the style of your Commedia image.

On the inside of your mask you will place a felt lining and secure an elastic band to keep the mask on the face.