Maskmaking

I initially bought this book to help me teach maskmaking at a summer camp for children. Instead of sitting on the bookshelf at school, however, this book has been living in my art studio!Sivin's lovely book describes and illustrates maskmaking techniques that involve plaster, clay, paper, papier-mache, wire, fabric and many other materials. Her instructions are easy to follow, and she suggests a range of materials that are quite available and practical. Furthermore, the illustrations are very inspirational. She has chosen pictures of masks made by children, adults and professional artists. Some of them are funny, some are beautiful, ethereal or cute, and many are downright creepy.There is also a short history of world masks in the first chapter. Although it is not terribly detailed (and doesn't touch at all on the masks of Australia or Oceania), it gives the reader a little background before jumping into instruction.In the month that I have owned this book, I have tried a number of Sivin's techniques--and have had uncontrollable urges to be CONSTANTLY making masks.

This is by far one of the best books available on the art of maskmaking. It provides inspiration and clear instructions on technique for the beginners, as well as very useful references for the professional maskmaker. This book always accompanies me when I am given courses on the subject of masks.

This is a wonderful book that can teach anyone how to easily make beautiful masks. It is especially nice for teachers & parents for exploring maskmaking with children of all ages because of sections featuring easily made masks.The book starts out with a brief history of masks as art. A vast array of techniques are shown using a variety of easily found materials. These may include balloons, clay, plaster, papier-mâché, wire, buckram, & celastic. Each maskmaking method includes a complete materials list & is demonstrated with b/w photos and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. At the back there is a great chapter on creatively fishing the masks & then protecting them.Example masks in b/w & a small color gallery in the middle are nice bonuses. This is great book for anyone wanting to create unique masks.

I consider this one of the better books on Maskmaking techniques. It has easy to follow directions in a variety of modeling methods. Well illustrated, it makes what could have been a dry lifeless book into something that is accessable to all levels of Maskmaking experience