Maskwork: The Background, Making and Use of Masks

by Jennifer Foreman

Overview

The practice of mask-wearing has a long history, even becoming mandatory in times of global crisis. In this useful contribution to the performing arts curriculum, Maskword: The Background, Making and Use of Masks takes a new look at the creative and timeless art of masks and mask-making, while also exploring their cultural anthropology from prehistory to the present day. Drawing on her extensive experience in professional theatre and running workshops, Foreman promotes the life-affirming qualities of masks, providing us with an invaluable resource for artists and teachers, as well as parents seeking activities for children at home. Eight themed projects use photographs to document masks and mask-making techniques, with each one offering practical advice and design ideas; materials are inexpensive and easy to acquire. With photographs by Richard Penton.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718829483
Publisher:	The Lutterworth Press
Publication date:	06/01/1997
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	7.48(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Jennifer Foreman is trained in both drama and education. She has worked as an actor, movement instructor, mask-maker and teacher. She is currently Head of Faculty for Creative and Performing Arts at a girls' comprehensive school. She won the NSEAD and BEROL Curriculum Development Award for 1989-90 for work on masks and mask-making in arts education.

Table of Contents

Prologue Acknowledgements of Photographs Introduction What are Masks? Masks as Resources Planning a Project Project 1: First Steps Exploring the medium, tools and skills before making a mask. An 'ice-breaker' or forerunner to paper maskmaking for all ages. Project 2: Shape-Masks Improvising with paper construction to create masks ranging from the simple to the spectacular. Project 3: Changing Faces Making a plate mask as a lively 'way in' to character work and physical theatre techniques. Project 4: Symmetry & Collage Making symmetrical half-masks and full-face collage masks (built up from magazine images) with activities combining drama and the other arts. Project 5: Theatre, Mask & Myth Devising drama productions based on myths and involving the construction of full-face (helmet-masks) and head-masks (crest-headdress masks) using traditional models. Project 6: Character & Commedia Exploring paper gum-strip techniques to create masks of professional standard on any theme or character (human, animal or fantasy). Commedia dell'arte is given as an example. Project 7: Gods, Dragons & Demons A resource chapter of mask-making ideas and activities inspired by mythological archetypes, suitable for festivals, parades and plays. Project 8: Masquerade Suggestions for mask-making techniques involving papier-mache, clay, plaster of Paris and fibreglass. Epilogue Notes Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

"One of the main strengths of this book lies in the author's ability to present complex philosophical issues in a very pragmatic way ... Practical advice is purposefully presented in the context of much wider and more complex issues relating to cultural identity, human expression and communication; the underlying issues that place masks in their social, cultural and spiritual context. It reminds us of the importance of critical appreciation, self-expression and a moving away from the all too familiar process-based approach to teaching art and design. These are the qualities that give Maskwork its heightened significance for art and design education." Mary Greenacre, in The Journal of Art and Design Education, Vol 20.2

From the Publisher