Process

The Process...

It starts with a drawing.
I printed a life-sized template of the mask mold to help me with parameters and consistency.

I can sketch each idea.
It keeps me on track.





The mold is a plaster press mold I created for another project from an original mask tile.
The first thing to do is dist it with a little baby powder to act as a release.
That will be especially important with each successive use as the mold absorbs moisture from the clay.

I'll make 3 of each mask.

Now I roll out the slab of clay.
I'm using a white earthenware clay body that should handle a variety of glazes and firing techniques.
The bamboo sticks on either side of the slab give me an even thickness.





Now the slab is laid in the mold.
I press it down into the mild using a sponge.
That allows the clay to pick up all the details in the mold, but keeps the back side of the piece clean and smooth. I'll stamp my signature chop into the clay, and number the piece.

Out of the mold.
Now I need to trim it up, cut out the eyes and nostrils and clean and compress the edges of the clay.







All clean!
I have a blank canvas to begin turning into the themed tile.

First tile is done.
2 more, for a total of 3 for each design. Then I can choose the best one to show.