material thinking - mask making

The puppet mistress needs a mask. The theme of masks have arisen constantly in my work - perhaps because I know I am a metaphorical mask wearer in many situations. When I think back to my more compliant days I question whether I was a puppet at other people’s hands. I think I like the idea that the puppeteer may be puppet too - many puppet playwrights play with this idea.

Beeswax melts at 63 degrees centigrade - it is very hot almost burning when touched at surface level but it doesn’t quite as it cools quickly on impact with body temperature - 37 degrees centigrade - the same temperature that is maintained in a beehive. The wax is solid as this temperature but starts to have an ease about it - a freshness where is could be manipulated.

I make a mask first by pouring hot wax over a paper plate to get a roundness and for the plate to act as a container with convex curve. This has set solid before I remove the plate and then I see if I can manipulate it. It takes a while of handling with the heat from my hands to see if it will curve. It does a little. I use a set of wax tools to make holes for eyes and breathing space. I use fragments of shaved wax rolled up to give texture to the top of the head. I pour wax on a surface and pull it up quickly while still warm to mould a nose. I like how it comes out - I want to put this on the wall - I will have to make another for the performance.