Virtual – Mask-making

Virtual - Mask-making
Native American, African, Japanese

We explore the cultural role of the mask. Using advanced 3-D relief hand-building techniques, students create large scale masks expressing a range of emotions and create their own myths and stories that live behind their masks. My teaching style is engaging, and respectful of student’s maturity, as in my college workshops.

They will learn 5 – 6 advanced hand building techniques through my instruction. Following the webinar, the students will be constructing their own mask that will be decorated with culturally specific designs, imagery, and patterns. The art teachers will have the option of bringing that knowledge for a workshop ceramic experience into the classroom in the following weeks. Teachers will also be provided with a downloadable checklist of arts activities that they can continue throughout the year.

There is a timeless quality to the exploration of patterns and designs used to express feelings; animal imagery and metaphor using exaggerated facial proportions and features intrinsic to the culture. Masks have been worn since ancient times. Primitive tribes wore masks as part of their rituals, festivals, ceremonies, and dances. The mask gave supernatural powers to wearers.

Testimonials

After teaching art for over a decade in almost every setting possible, I thought I had seen it all; but I was wrong. Cliff Mendelson's "Day in Clay" was an incredible, immersive, educational, and exhilarating experience! I am so grateful that the Baldwin School district has asked him to come and work with our students every year for many years, as they look forward to "clay day" very much. Sadly, this year with school closures due to Covid-19, Cliff was not able to come in person for "clay day". That did not stop him. He adapted his program and did everything virtually including giving students a tour of his studio, talking about his process, and letting them obtain a "hands- on" experience in the comforts of their own homes. I would recommend a "Day in Clay" to any administration, personnel, and art faculty. Thank you

Day in Clay is COVID-19 compliant with school districts in the tri-state area