BOO!!
The Merchant of Venice
~ Mask Links ~
EEK!!
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Masks

The Mask Makers Web -- For mask makers, this is the most fantastic listing of masks and their makers that I've ever seen, and it's growing all the time.  Most highly recommended.
Mask of the World -- An on-line shop for mask collectors and folk art lovers featuring tribal masks from around the World.  Includes masks for Halloween, Party, Drama, Art, and Protection.
Carnival of Venice -- This is an intriguing site, containing images of the Venetian Carnevale, both historical engravings and recent photographs, and a marvelous cross-section of history.
A Head of Your Own Design -- Intriguing commentaries on self perceptions, involving being nude, clothed, masked and unmasked.


Mask-Makers:
Mask-Makers also in and around Portland, Oregon:

Newman's Commedia Mask Company -- Leather masks in the tradtional Commedia styles, as well as nuetral masks, for theatre and collectors. 
Einbender Studios -- Masks and purses made from leather, by Deborah Einbender. 
Belfry Masks -- Lovely headdresses and masks by theatre artist Jane Clugston. 
Goblin Art -- Monica Roxburgh, artist and mask maker with a wonderful sense of fantasy and whimsey.  Monica also works in puppet theatre, so be sure to give a look. 
Masks and Things -- Masks, horns and hats by Connie Trapp.  Sparkly stuff! 
Illusionary Designs -- Masks by Diane Trapp, made from papier mache' in a range of themes. 
Dragonmaker Masks -- Masks made from hand-made papers and other materials, and lots of other nifty costuming goodies by the Dragonmaker. 
Beverly Toyu -- Stunning ceramics and life masks by Beverly Toyu.


And elsewhere in the World:

Renzo Sindoca -- The Italian master craftsman of Commedia masks.
John Flemming -- Fine leather masks from the master in New Orleans. 
Michael Taylor -- Lovely leather masks and wall sculptures, with an Art Deco flair.
Leather Shaman -- Some of the most beautiful leather masks I've ever seen, by J.L.Chuites.
Alyssa Ravenwood -- Artist and mask maker, also an actor and director in theatre.
Leopard's Leap -- Judith Rauchfuss, whose masks are a delightful explosion of bright colors.
Judith makes her masks using rich fabrics and trims of all kinds.  I have one of Judith's masks and can personally vouch for the fine quality of her work.
Papier Mache' by Rozani -- Masks made using classical paper mache' techniques.  She also
offers simple step-by-step instructions on her own procedures.
Masks, Feathers, and Fantasy -- Fanciful masks made of papier mache', by Jeanne Ramsey.
Shapeshifter Masks -- Some of the finest leather masks designed and made, many of them mythical and totemic animals, by Duncan Eagleson.
Erika Downey -- Fine leather masks by a former student of Duncan Eagleson.
Rainwalker Studio -- Truly mythic leather masks by Lauren Raine.
Noh Drama -- Aristocratic and elliptical in style and content, Noh Drama has survived as a ritualized art form for over six centuries.  The site shows traditional Japanese Noh masks and the process of making of a wooden mask in details.
Larry Wood -- a real stand-up guy and maker of cool leather masks. 
[When I first went online with my own dot com to display and peddle my wares back in 1996, Larry was just about the only other mask maker working in leather with a real website on the English speaking portion of the 'net.]
Wendy Drolma -- another maker of fine leather masks.
Tom Branwell -- Spiffy leather masks, many of them with a stunning filigree effect.
Wings and Talons -- Froudian inspired leather masks by Donovan Soland, who is a keen observer of the patterns and textures found in Nature.
Sergio Boldrin -- La Bottega dei Mascareri, in Venice Italy.
 


After scouring the 'net to see what all the other mask makers are up to,...
~ and being first appalled by all the copycats, 
and then inspired by genuine artists ~ 
... I'm compelled now to work on some new approaches of my own.

Stay tuned!

Mask-Making Techniques
So many folks e-mail me about my masks, some to request apprenticeships,
many others to demand online instruction.  I have no teaching skills as yet,
but there are others who can instruct:
Leather --
The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook, by Thurston James, published by Betterway Books, ISBN 1-55870-166-4.  ( I highly recommend this book, but I don't know whether it's still in print -- check with Amazon.Com )
Mask Making by i Sebastiani.
Many labor under the misapprehension that I know how to make masks
from materials other than leather -- I don't.
The links below may shed light where I'm unable.
Liquid Latex --
Mask Making Basics by Steve.

Millinery (hat-materials) Masks --
A Milliner's Approach to Maskmaking by Jon Cardone.

~ ~ ~
Remember:  Always Listen for -- and to -- your Muse.
~ ~ ~
Ryl Mandus, the Merchant of Venice

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

History & Meaning of Masks

Venice Carnival -- An article from the online National Geographic magazine, with links for more 
information. 
Atelier Pietro Longhi Theater Costumes -- Hand-made theater costumes for sale and rental, 
made in Venice, following the old tradition of dress-making. 
Welcome to Venice Carnival -- This is a great site!  Images galore, and fun to explore, and it 
provides all sorts of really useful information for anyone who's planning to visit Venice during the 
Carnevale.


This page is subject to constant revision.
If you have a mask related web-site and you're interested in exchanging links with me,
please feel free to e-mail your suggestions. 
Please report broken or outdated links -- Thanks.
Ryl Mandus, the Merchant of Venice
Ryl Mandus
The Merchant of Venice

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